Character requirements apply to every NZ visa application. Police certificates from countries lived in 12+ months over 10 years, and when waivers apply.
Written by the ProVisas Editorial Team. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).
Character requirements are a fundamental part of every New Zealand visa application. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses applicants to ensure they are of good character and do not pose a risk to the safety and security of the country. Understanding these requirements early in the application process can save significant time and prevent unexpected complications.
All visa applicants aged 17 and over must provide police certificates from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
INZ uses these certificates to check for:
Certain convictions can result in automatic decline of a visa application:
However, less serious offences do not necessarily mean your application will be refused. INZ assesses character in the round, considering factors like time elapsed, rehabilitation, and the nature of the offence.
In some cases, applicants with character issues may be eligible for a character waiver. INZ can grant waivers when:
The waiver process requires a well-prepared submission that:
If you have any character concerns, address them BEFORE lodging your visa application, not hope they won’t surface. A character matter raised in a properly prepared waiver request is far easier for INZ to assess than the same issue surfacing during processing or in a request to respond to concerns. Professional preparation of character waiver applications significantly affects outcomes.
INZ assesses every applicant to confirm they are of good character and do not pose a risk to the safety and security of the country. Character checks apply to all visa categories and are best addressed early.
All applicants aged 17 and over must provide police certificates from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. INZ uses these to check for convictions, pending charges, and other character concerns.
Not necessarily. Violence, drug, and sexual offences can result in automatic decline, but less serious offences are assessed in the round. INZ considers time elapsed, rehabilitation, and the nature of the offence.
Where a character issue exists, INZ may grant a waiver if circumstances have changed, sufficient time has passed, or there are compelling humanitarian reasons. A waiver needs a well-prepared submission addressing INZ’s concerns with evidence of rehabilitation.
Address it before lodging, rather than hoping it won’t surface. A concern raised in a properly prepared waiver request is far easier for INZ to assess than the same issue emerging during processing.
Last reviewed . Information may have changed since this article was reviewed. For your specific case, talk to a licensed immigration adviser.
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