Attention Indians! New Zealand just tightened visa rules—Here’s what you need to know

New Zealand Tightens Visa Rules for Indians: Only Passport Office Police Clearance Certificates Now Valid

Starting December 1, 2025, Indian nationals applying for a New Zealand visa will need to follow stricter documentation rules. Immigration New Zealand has announced that only police clearance certificates (PCCs) issued by a Regional Passport Office (RPO) under India’s Ministry of External Affairs will now be accepted.

The change is aimed at standardising background checks, improving verification, and cutting down on delays caused by inconsistent paperwork submitted from local police offices in India.

What Was the Old Rule?

Earlier, Indian applicants could submit police clearance certificates issued either by a Deputy Commissioner’s or Superintendent of Police’s office, or directly from their local police station.

Immigration New Zealand explained that these certificates were "inconsistent in format and harder to verify," leading to the new requirement.

What’s Different Now?

Under the revised New Zealand visa rule for Indians, only police clearance certificates issued by Regional Passport Offices will be accepted. Certificates must be less than six months old at the time of application, and if the document is not in English, an official translation is required.

What Happens to Ongoing New Zealand Visa Applications?

Applicants who already submitted a PCC in a previous application may not need a fresh one, provided the certificate is still valid.

Immigration authorities may request an updated certificate if the existing one is over a year old.

Some authorities may also require fingerprinting, so applicants should check with local services or contact New Zealand Police for guidance.

New Zealand Visa Rules for Indians Living Abroad

These updated rules apply only to Indian nationals residing in India. Requirements remain unchanged for Indians living overseas, and non-Indian nationals currently living in India—or those who have lived there previously—are also unaffected by this policy change.

Why the Sudden Change in New Zealand Visa Process for Indians?

According to Immigration New Zealand, the move aims to streamline background verification by ensuring all Indian applicants provide PCCs from a single, centralised authority. This helps cut delays caused by multiple formats of certificates issued by local police stations.

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate

If you’re an Indian applicant:

• Apply for a PCC through your Regional Passport Office.
• Ensure the certificate is issued within the last six months.
• If not in English, attach a certified English translation.
• Applicants aged 17 and above may be asked to provide the document as proof of good character.