From 1 December 2025, the Immigration NZ requirements for providing police clearances from India are changing. Immigration NZ will no longer accept police clearances from the local police station for all applications submitted from India after this date. The change is because Indian police stations provide inconsistent formats, making them difficult to authenticate.
- For applicants in India
Apply for a police clearance through your Regional Passport Office of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, through the online portal. - For applicants in New Zealand
(unchanged) Apply through the Consulate General of India in Auckland if you live in Northland, Auckland or Waikato. Apply through the High Commission of India in Wellington if you live elsewhere in New Zealand. This is an online application. - For applicants in other countries
(unchanged) Apply through your local High Commission, Embassy or Consulate as directed.
As police clearance applications can take several weeks to a few months, make sure to apply early to ensure your police clearance is ready to submit with your visa application.
Contact us for guidance on all your visa application requirements
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What happens if I already have a local police clearance?
If you’re in India and can submit your visa application before 1 December 2025, this will still be accepted. If you are in any other country (including NZ), or you can only submit after 1 December 2025, you must get a police certificate using the above procedures.
How long does the new process typically take?
As we write this post, the Ministry of External Affairs does not provide an estimate. The High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, provides an indication of 5-6 weeks for completion.
Are there exceptions to the new rule?
There are no exceptions to the new rule. Immigration NZ takes character documents extremely seriously and will not allow exceptions.
Can I submit my application without the police clearance certificate?
This is not recommended. While Immigration NZ will request the police clearance if it is not provided with the application and generally provides a one week deadline to provide it, your application is likely to be declined if they do not receive the police clearance before that deadline.
What if my visa is expiring soon?
This is one of the few situations where you may be able to submit your application in advance before you get your police clearance. Immigration NZ still reserves the right to decline your application if they assess your application before the police clearance arrives, but they may grant additional time in this exceptional case. Contact us if you’re in this situation and we can help.
I submitted a police clearance with my last application. Do I need a new one?
Police clearance certificates are valid for 2 years for temporary visa applications, so you will only need a new police clearance if your previously submitted one is more than 2 years old on the day you submit. For most residence applications, the police clearances are valid for 6 months only.
How do I get police clearances for other countries?
We recommend following Immigration NZ’s guidance on police clearance requirements found here: How to get a Police Clearance
If you need help, or are confused as to whether this new rule applies to you, please contact one of our 9 Licensed Immigration Advisers.
Licensed Immigration Adviser