As immigration policies evolve, we ensure that migrant workers and accredited employers receive precise, updated guidance to maintain compliance. The latest change to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) police certificate policy requirements, effective 8 December 2025, introduces stricter documentation rules that directly impact application outcomes.
We present a precisely structured, deeply detailed guide to safeguard applicants from declines, shortened visa durations, and unnecessary delays, ensuring full compliance in 2025 and beyond.
Mandatory Police Certificate for All AEWV Applications (Effective 8 December 2025)
From 8 December 2025, INZ requires a valid police certificate at the time of lodgment for every AEWV application.
Receipts or proof of applying for a police certificate will no longer be accepted, except for applicants from a few exempt countries.
This reform ends the previous practice where INZ held applications open while waiting for missing police checks. Instead:
- INZ will assess applications strictly based on documents submitted upfront.
- No follow-ups or extension requests will be sent for missing police certificates.
- Applications missing police certificates may be:
- Declined outright, or
- Approved for a shorter visa duration (up to 24 months total), depending on time spent in New Zealand.
This shift rewards applicants who lodge complete, high-quality documentation.
Why Complete Documentation Now Determines AEWV Success
We stress the importance of submitting your police certificate before beginning the AEWV application. Under the new system:
- Applications will not be paused for certificate submission.
- INZ officers will not request missing police documents.
- Incomplete applications will lead to:
- Shortened visa lengths, or
- Declined applications, especially for long-term or returning migrants.
- Applicants who provide complete documentation will enjoy significantly faster and cleaner visa decisions.
This “complete-document-first” model is now central to AEWV success.
Police Certificate Exceptions (Fiji, Hong Kong, and Israel)
Only three jurisdictions send police certificates directly to INZ:
- Fiji
- Hong Kong
- Israel
Applicants from these locations may upload proof that the certificate has been requested.
For all other countries, the final certificate must be uploaded at the time of application.
Understanding Police Certificate Rules Based on Time Spent in New Zealand
The new policy distinguishes applicants based on whether they have spent less than or more than 24 months in New Zealand.
This determines grace periods, PPI requirements, and the likelihood of refusal.
Applicants Who Have Spent Less Than 24 Months in New Zealand
If you have spent less than 24 months total in New Zealand, either from inside or outside the country:
- You may receive 5 working days to supply a missing police certificate only if:
- You have been in New Zealand for under 24 months, or
- You are applying from overseas and your previous time in New Zealand totals under 24 months.
If you fail to submit the certificate within the 5-day window:
- Your application may still be approved,
- But only for a shorter total visa duration (up to 24 months).
This ensures that longer-term stays undergo full security verification.
Applicants Who Have Spent More Than 24 Months in New Zealand
Stricter rules apply for applicants with more than 24 months in New Zealand:
If applying from inside New Zealand
You will receive a Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letter and must respond with:
- Your valid police certificate, or
- A credible explanation for the delay.
Failure to satisfy INZ may still result in adverse outcomes.
If applying from outside New Zealand
Your application may be declined outright if:
- You have already spent more than 24 months in New Zealand, and
- You do not upload a valid police certificate at lodgment.
This reflects heightened scrutiny for long-term or returning migrant workers.
Check this out: What is a PPI Letter and What to Do When You Receive One from Immigration New Zealand
Processing Times for Police Certificates: Plan Ahead
Police certificate processing times vary significantly across countries.
We strongly recommend:
- Checking your country’s processing timeline,
- Applying well in advance,
- Never submitting an AEWV application without the final certificate (unless you fall under the Fiji/Hong Kong/Israel exception).
Since INZ will no longer grant extensions after 8 December 2025, proactive planning is essential.
Concise Overview of Police Certificate Requirements for Other Visa Categories
To support wider immigration compliance, we summarise key police certificate rules across other visa categories:
Temporary Visas (Visitor, Student, Work)
Police certificates are required when applicants’ total stay in New Zealand reaches 24 months or more.
Certificates may be required from:
- All countries of citizenship, and
- Any country where the applicant has lived 5+ years since age 17.
Resident Visas
Applicants aged 17+ must provide certificates from:
- Each country of citizenship, and
- Any country where they lived 12+ months in the past 10 years.
Supporting Partners
Supporting partners may need police certificates when assessing good character, especially for residence applications.
New Zealand police certificates for partners are obtained internally by INZ.
Document Validity
All police certificates must be:
- Less than 6 months old, and
- Translated into English (certified translation) if originally issued in another language.
Best Practices to Avoid AEWV Declines or Shortened Visa Approvals
To ensure smooth processing and optimal outcomes, we advise:
- Secure all required police certificates before beginning the AEWV application.
- Confirm the certificate’s age, INZ typically requires certificates less than 6 months old.
- Examine your travel history to determine if certificates from multiple countries are required.
- Upload all documents in high-resolution, clear, and legible format.
- Ensure employer accreditation and job token approvals are ready to avoid simultaneous delays.
- Never rely on INZ follow-ups, none will be issued under the new system.
Guidance for Accredited Employers Sponsoring AEWV Applicants
Employers must adjust recruitment workflows to align with the 8 December 2025 changes. We recommend:
- Instructing all candidates to begin obtaining police certificates early.
- Avoiding formal job offers or AEWV lodgments until all security documents are finalized.
- Updating compliance teams and HR departments on the rule change.
- Prioritising complete-document lodgment to reduce delays and prevent workforce gaps.
Employers who streamline their processes will maintain predictable hiring timelines and avoid decline risks.
Final Guidance for AEWV Applicants in 2025 and Beyond
The 8 December 2025 police certificate requirement marks one of the most impactful AEWV policy reforms to date.
By preparing early, planning ahead for certificate processing times, and submitting complete applications, applicants can secure:
- Faster processing
- Higher approval likelihood
- Full-length visa durations
- Reduced PPI risks and fewer adverse outcomes
Incomplete or premature submissions will now carry real consequences, shortened visas, PPIs, and declines, making police certificate readiness an essential part of AEWV success.
We remain committed to supporting migrant workers and accredited employers with precise, updated, and expert guidance to navigate these requirements confidently and compliantly.
Additional Helpful Resource: Learn Through Videos
For more immigration insights, policy explanations, and visa guidance, you can also explore our YouTube channel, Immigration Chambers, where we publish helpful, easy-to-follow videos.
How Immigration Chambers Can Help With AEWV Police Certificate Requirements
At Immigration Chambers, we provide end-to-end support for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications, especially under the updated police certificate policy. Our team ensures you understand the new rules, identify whether you must submit a police certificate, and help you obtain the right documentation from the correct authorities.
We assist with:
- Assessing if the new police certificate requirements apply to you
- Guiding you on acceptable police authorities and formats
- Ensuring your certificate meets time-validity standards
- Preparing and reviewing your AEWV application
- Responding to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requests if additional information is needed
- Advising on exemptions, previous submissions, and character concerns
Reach out to our Licensed Immigration Adviser New Zealand now and secure error-free documentation for your work visa application.
FAQs
1. What are the new police certificate requirements for AEWV applications?
INZ has updated the character check rules, requiring police certificates from more applicants and ensuring they meet stricter validity and country-specific guidelines.
2. Do all AEWV applicants now need a police certificate?
Not always. Some applicants are exempt based on age, residence history, or if a valid certificate was provided recently. However, more people now fall under the mandatory requirement.
3. How long is a police certificate valid for AEWV applications?
Generally, it must be issued within six months of your application, unless INZ accepts an earlier one under specific conditions.
4. What if I cannot obtain a police certificate from a particular country?
INZ may consider alternative evidence, but you must prove genuine attempts. Immigration Chambers can help you prepare acceptable supporting documentation.
5. What happens if my certificate reveals past convictions?
INZ assesses character issues case-by-case. We assist in preparing explanations, supporting documents, and legal submissions to maximise approval chances.
6. Will a missing police certificate delay my AEWV application?
Yes. INZ may issue a PPI letter or refuse the application. We help ensure documents are submitted correctly to prevent delays.