If you’re an Indian planning to study, work, or travel long-term in New Zealand, there’s an important update you need to know. Beginning December 1, 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will tighten the rules on police clearance certificates (PCCs) for Indian applicants.
Under the new system, only police certificates issued by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) under India’s Ministry of External Affairs will be accepted. This marks a big shift from the previous practice, where certificates from local police stations or state-level offices were allowed.
So, what does this mean for Indian students, professionals, and families applying for New Zealand visas? Let’s break it down step by step.
Why is INZ Changing the Rules?
Previously, Indian applicants could submit PCCs from multiple sources, such as:
- Local police stations
- Offices of the Deputy Commissioner of Police
- Superintendent of Police
However, according to INZ, these certificates were inconsistent in format and harder to authenticate. This often caused delays in visa processing.
By restricting acceptance to RPO-issued PCCs, New Zealand aims to:
- Simplify the process for applicants
- Speed up verification
- Reduce fraudulent or unverifiable documents
In short, the change is about efficiency and reliability.
Key Changes Effective December 1, 2025
Here are the new requirements Indian applicants must follow:
- Only RPO-issued PCCs will be accepted – Certificates from local police stations or district authorities will no longer be valid.
- Certificate validity – PCCs must be less than 6 months old at the time of submission.
- Language requirement – If the PCC is issued in a regional language, an English translation must be provided.
- Fingerprinting may be required – Some Regional Passport Offices may ask applicants to provide fingerprints during the verification process.
- Extended validity in some cases – A PCC may still be considered valid if it is less than 12 months old, unless INZ specifically asks for a fresh certificate.
- Exemption for minors – Applicants under 16 years of age do not need to provide police certificates.
This streamlined approach is expected to reduce backlogs and bring clarity to applicants.
What Hasn’t Changed
- Indian nationals applying from abroad: If you are an Indian citizen living outside India, your process remains unchanged.
- Non-Indian nationals who lived in India: Foreign nationals who have resided in India still follow the same requirements.
So, the update mainly affects Indians applying from within India.
Who Needs a Police Certificate for New Zealand?
Not every visa applicant needs to submit a police certificate. INZ asks for one if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or more.
This includes:
- Student visas (for long-term study programs)
- Work visas (including employer-sponsored, open work, or partnership-based visas)
- Visitor visas (if cumulative stay exceeds two years)
Remember: The 24 months is across all visits combined, even if you’ve left and re-entered New Zealand.
What is a Police Certificate?
A police certificate is an official document that:
- Lists any criminal record you may have
- Confirms whether you have been involved in unlawful activities
- Is based on official government records and background checks
They are also known as:
- Police clearance certificates (PCCs)
- Penal records
- Criminal checks
For visa applications, these certificates prove that applicants meet the good character requirement.
Understanding New Zealand’s “Good Character” Requirement
New Zealand takes character requirements very seriously. To be granted a visa, you must be considered of good character.
This means you should not:
- Have a serious criminal record
- Have been involved in human rights abuses
- Pose a security risk to New Zealand
- Have provided false or misleading information in applications
- Have been deported or removed from another country
If INZ finds concerns, it can:
- Decline your application outright
- Grant a character waiver (in certain cases)
- Issue a special direction (very rare, case-by-case basis)
Can you still get a visa with a criminal record?
Yes, in some cases. Applicants can provide an explanation of their criminal history, and INZ will decide if they still meet the good character requirement. However, approval is not guaranteed.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Indians Can Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Applying for an RPO-issued PCC is straightforward if you follow the proper steps. Here’s a detailed process:
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Online Portal
- Visit the official Passport Seva website.
- Click on “Register” and create a Login ID.
Step 2: Login and Start Application
- Use your Login ID to access the portal.
- Select “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)”.
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form
The application will ask for:
- Passport type
- Personal details (name, DOB, gender)
- Family details
- Current and permanent address
- Other required information
- Self-declaration
Once complete, submit the form. The system generates a unique Application Reference Number (ARN).
Step 4: Pay Fees and Schedule Appointment
- PCC fee is ₹500.
- Payment is mandatory before booking an appointment.
- After successful payment, schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
You can reschedule appointments up to three times (once only for tatkaal applications).
Step 5: Visit PSK/RPO with Original Documents
On the appointment date, carry:
- Passport (original + photocopies)
- Proof of address
- Any supporting documents requested
Some applicants may need to provide fingerprints.
Step 6: Wait for Police Verification
- Local police authorities may visit your residence for verification.
- Once verification is complete, the RPO will issue the Police Clearance Certificate.
Step 7: Collect or Download Your PCC
- The PCC is usually available within a few days to a few weeks.
- Certificates are provided in English, but if issued in a regional language, an official English translation is mandatory for New Zealand visa applications.
Tips for Smooth Processing
- Apply early – Don’t wait until your visa application is due. Start your PCC process well in advance.
- Check validity – Ensure your PCC is less than 6 months old when submitting to INZ.
- Keep copies – Always keep scanned and physical copies for your records.
- Be honest – If you have a criminal record, declare it upfront. Hiding it can lead to rejection.
- Monitor status online – Use the Passport Seva portal to track your PCC application progress.
Why This Change Matters for Indian Applicants
For many Indians, New Zealand is a dream destination for higher education, career opportunities, and a better quality of life. With growing applications from India, INZ needs to ensure quick and secure verification.
By standardizing the source of police certificates, INZ can:
- Reduce visa delays
- Build trust in document authenticity
- Protect against fraudulent submissions
While the new rule may feel stricter, it ultimately makes the process faster and more transparent for genuine applicants.
Final Thoughts
Starting December 1, 2025, all Indian nationals applying for long-term New Zealand visas will need to submit police clearance certificates issued only by Regional Passport Offices (RPOs).
This new requirement will help streamline the application process, but it also means applicants must be more careful about where and how they obtain their PCCs.
If you’re planning to apply for a student visa, work visa, or long-term visitor visa to New Zealand, it’s best to start the PCC process early through the Passport Seva portal. With the right preparation, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure your application moves smoothly.
For Indians aspiring to study, work, or live in New Zealand, this is a small but crucial step toward fulfilling that dream.
