Police certificates required upfront for student and temporary visas
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requires police certificates to be provided upfront for student and other temporary visa applications.
AnnouncementImmigration rules and processes
Immigration New Zealand
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Latest announcements
All announcementsStudent visa processing update – midyear intake and reminder to apply early
Immigration New Zealand is reminding prospective international students to apply for their Student visa as early as possible. We recommend applying at least 3 months ahead of travel, due to increased demand.
Announcement
Update on English language testing for immigration applications
From midnight 12 July 2026 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), you must take all parts of the Occupational English Test (OET) in person at a supervised test centre. You will not be able to complete the test online.
Media release
Top visas
Visitor Visa
People travelling on a passport from some countries must apply for a Visitor Visa to visit New Zealand. You can stay for up to either 6 months or 9 months. You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first. This depends on your passport, how you are travelling and if you are visiting or only transiting.
Business Visitor Visa
Apply for this visa if you want to visit New Zealand for business reasons. You must have enough money to live on while you are here or have the financial support of your employer.
Transit Visa
If you are passing through Auckland International Airport you must have a Transit Visa unless you already have a valid visa, are from a visa waiver country or transit visa waiver country.
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Visit
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Study
Find study visas to study in Aotearoa New Zealand. Education providers – learn about getting approval to be an approved education provider.
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Work
Find visas and information about working in Aotearoa New Zealand. Employers – learn about hiring people from overseas and getting accredited.
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Live
Find visas to live in Aotearoa New Zealand. Get information about living here permanently and what life in Aotearoa is like.