Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced new changes today to police clearance certificates for Indian visa applicants.
From 1 December 2025, Immigration New Zealand will only accept police clearance certificates issued by a Regional Passport Office of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs from Indian nationals residing in India.
The move aims to ensure that the police clearance certificates submitted to INZ are consistent and easier to authenticate. Previously, Indian visa applicants could provide police clearance certificates from an Office of the Deputy Commissioner or Superintendent of Police, or from their local police station. These formats varied and were more difficult for immigration authorities to verify.
The new rule applies only to Indian nationals residing in India. Requirements for Indian nationals living abroad, as well as non-Indian nationals who currently or previously lived in India, remain unchanged.
Immigration New Zealand advises applicants to plan ahead, as gathering the necessary documents for a visa application can take time. Anyone submitting a police clearance certificate from India after 1 December 2025 should ensure their certificate meets the updated requirements.
When you apply for a New Zealand visa, you may be required to provide a police certificate to demonstrate that you are of good character. These certificates are an important part of the immigration process, as they help Immigration New Zealand assess your eligibility and ensure the safety and security of the community.
A police certificate is an official document issued by the police or another government authority. Depending on the visa type and the length of your intended stay in New Zealand, you may need to provide one as evidence of your good character.
Police certificates:
Provide details of any criminal record you may have.
Are based on official records and background checks.
May also be referred to as criminal checks, police clearance certificates, or penal records.
If Immigration New Zealand requests a police certificate, you must:
Ensure that the certificate is less than six months old at the time you submit your visa application.
Provide a translation into English if the certificate is issued in another language.
Providing an up-to-date and valid police certificate is essential. An incomplete or outdated certificate can delay your application or affect its outcome, so it is important to request and submit the document well in advance.