Those considering a trip to New Zealand should keep this update in mind while starting the visa application process. Passport offices often take their time issuing clearance certificates.
Indian nationals contemplating a trip to New Zealand will soon face a significant shift in the visa process. Starting December 1, 2025, Immigration New Zealand will only accept police clearance certificates (PCCs) issued by India’s Regional Passport Offices under the Ministry of External Affairs. By centralising the requirement, New Zealand officials hope to assure consistency, decrease processing issues, and maintain more confidence in the legitimacy of submitted documents. For Indian applicants, this entails starting their paperwork early and adhering to the new protocol closely.
New Zealand Visa Application for Indians: Key Changes
Many applicants for New Zealand visas were previously permitted to present certificates from their local police station or from the office of a Deputy Commissioner or Superintendent of Police. Delays in visa approvals resulted from these documents’ frequently inconsistent formats and challenging verification. The organization hopes to standardize the procedure and cut down on delays brought on by conflicting documentation by limiting the source to Regional Passport Offices.
Please take note that when submitting a visa application, applicants must include a PCC that is no older than six months. If an older certificate is less than a year old and has already been lodged, Immigration New Zealand might accept it. Officials may, however, ask for a new one at any point during the processing process. Applicants must submit a verified English translation if the certificate is issued in a regional language.
Fingerprinting may be necessary for clearance at certain Regional Passport Offices. This may differ from state to state and will rely on local practices. To prevent last-minute delays, travelers are recommended to confirm requirements with the appropriate passport office well in advance.
Only Indian nationals who are currently living in India are subject to the new criteria. This regulation does not apply to Indian nationals who reside abroad.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Police Clearance in India
Here is a detailed guide on how to get a PCC from an Indian regional passport office:
- Create an account and register on the Passport Seva website (passportindia.gov.in).
- Choose the Regional Passport Office that is closest to your residence after completing the PCC application online.
- To make an appointment, use the online gateway to pay the relevant cost.
- Make an appointment at the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) that is closest to you.
- Bring your passport, application receipt, and any supporting documentation, such as proof of address, to the PSK or POPSK in person. Fingerprints and biometric verification may be required by certain offices.
- Await the local police officials to verify your background. Following receipt of the report, the passport office will process and update the clearance.
- When the PCC is released, download it or pick it up in person. The certificate is often accessible to applicants via the Passport Seva website.
Indian tourists must now carefully consider their visa applications because New Zealand has tightened its police clearance standards. Although uniformity is the goal of the new criteria, candidates should anticipate more time for paperwork.
