How to Address Character Concerns on Your Visa Application
Having character issues doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get a New Zealand visa—but it does require the right approach and professional guidance. Immigration New Zealand assesses character to ensure applicants don’t pose a security risk to the country. If you have a criminal history or character concerns, there are pathways available to address them.
What are character issues?
Immigration New Zealand requires all visa applicants to be of good character. Character issues can include:
- Criminal convictions, including those that have expired in your home country
- Arrests or investigations still pending
- Withholding information or providing false or misleading information on visa applications
- Failing to notify Immigration New Zealand of changed circumstances during processing
- Past visa overstaying or deportation action from any country
- Exploitation of migrant workers
- Breaching sponsorship requirements
These are common examples—Immigration New Zealand may raise character concerns based on other factors depending on your circumstances.
If you’ve received a PPI (Potentially Prejudicial Information) letter stating that you don’t meet the good character requirements, it’s important to act quickly and get professional advice.
Two Pathways: Character Waiver vs Special Distinction
How you address your character issues depends on the severity of your situation. There are two main options:
Character Waiver
A Character Waiver is used for less serious character issues. You’ll need to demonstrate to Immigration New Zealand that despite your past conviction or issue, you meet the good character requirements for your visa category. This typically involves providing evidence of rehabilitation, references, and a strong explanation of your circumstances.
Special Direction
A Special Direction is required for serious character issues. This is a discretionary decision made by Immigration New Zealand on a case-by-case basis. It’s a more complex process and requires a compelling case.
Serious character issues include:
- Removal, exclusion, or deportation from any country
- A sentence of 5 or more years imprisonment for any conviction
- A sentence of more than 1 year in the last 10 years
- A ban on entering New Zealand
- Risk of future imprisonment in New Zealand
- Your presence being a threat to public order, interest, or security
Understanding which pathway applies to your situation is critical—and it’s not always straightforward.
How to address your character issues
To obtain either a Character Waiver or Special Direction, you’ll need to:
Make a strong case. Explain the background of your character issue, why it occurred, and what you’ve done since then to show you’ve changed or rehabilitated.
Provide substantial evidence. Support your case with documents, references, court records, character testimonials, and any evidence of rehabilitation or positive changes.
Be completely honest. Any incomplete or misleading information will seriously damage your application and could result in deportation proceedings.
Reference relevant law. Your response should address the specific character requirements and demonstrate how you meet them.
Meet strict deadlines. Immigration New Zealand will specify timeframes for your response—missing these can result in automatic decline.
Why professional help matters
Character issues are treated very seriously by Immigration New Zealand, and getting your response wrong has significant consequences. Unless you present your case clearly, completely, and convincingly, your visa application will likely be rejected.
A professional immigration adviser can:
- Determine whether you need a Character Waiver or Special Direction
- Assess your realistic chances of success
- Gather and organise the right evidence and references
- Draft a compelling response that addresses each concern
- Meet all deadlines and procedural requirements
- Maximise your chances of approval
With our No Surprises Promise, you get upfront communication about your case, transparency about realistic outcomes, and regular updates throughout the process.
Need help with your visa’s character issue?
Book a free consultation with our immigration experts to discuss your specific situation and explore the best pathway forward.