New Zealand warns missing police certificates could lead to student, temporary visa refusals

New Zealand has made it mandatory for student and other temporary visa applicants to submit required police certificates at the time of applying, warning that applications may be declined if the document is not provided.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that applicants must upload a required police certificate with their visa application. The agency said receipts or proof that an applicant has requested the certificate will not be accepted, except for applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong and Israel, where police certificates are sent directly to INZ by the issuing authority.

According to INZ, applications will be assessed based on the documents submitted at the time of application. The agency said it will not usually contact applicants to request a missing police certificate.

Missing certificate could lead to visa refusal

INZ said applicants applying from outside New Zealand who intend to stay for more than 24 months are likely to have their visa applications declined if a required police certificate is missing.

In some cases, applicants may receive a visa for a shorter period if their eligibility cannot be fully assessed. Those wishing to stay longer will need to submit a new application with the required police certificate and pay a new application fee.

For applicants already in New Zealand who have not yet spent 24 months in the country, INZ may allow a short period, such as five working days, to submit the missing police certificate. If they fail to do so, they may receive a visa valid for a shorter duration, up to a total stay of 24 months.

Applicants advised to obtain certificates early

INZ advised applicants to apply only after they have obtained all required documents, including police certificates, as processing times vary by country.

The agency said applicants should apply for police certificates well in advance to avoid delays to visa decisions and their study or travel plans.

Applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong and Israel may upload proof that they have applied for a police certificate because the issuing authorities in those countries send the documents directly to Immigration New Zealand.