Immigration New Zealand has announced a major update to its visa application process. From December 1, 2025, Indian nationals residing in India will be required to submit a police clearance certificate (PCC) issued exclusively by a Regional Passport Office (RPO) under India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Certificates from local police stations, Deputy Commissioners, or Superintendent of Police offices will no longer be accepted.
Why the Change?
The update comes in response to verification challenges and inconsistencies in PCCs issued by local authorities. By mandating RPO-issued PCCs, New Zealand aims to standardize documentation, increase reliability, and reduce processing delays for Indian applicants.
Key Requirements for Applicants
| Requirement | Details |
| Who it applies to | Indian nationals residing in India only |
| Certificate issuer | Only Regional Passport Office (RPO) under the Ministry of External Affairs |
| Document age | Must be issued within the last six months at the time of submission |
| Language requirement | If not in English, must be accompanied by an official translation |
| Fingerprinting | May be required—applicants should confirm with local authorities |
| Existing PCCs | Older certificates may remain valid, but if they are over one year old, a new PCC could be requested |
This policy does not apply to Indian nationals living overseas or non-Indian nationals with current or past residence in India. Their PCC requirements remain unchanged.
What This Means for Applicants
If you are applying for a New Zealand visa from India after December 1, 2025, you should:
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Apply for your PCC at a Regional Passport Office instead of local police.
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Ensure the certificate is recent (within six months) and translated if not in English.
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Allow extra time for processing, as RPOs may experience higher demand.
By aligning requirements with trusted government-issued documentation, New Zealand aims to create a more efficient and transparent visa process for Indian applicants.
