Starting December 8, 2025, anyone applying for New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) must include a valid Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) with their application.
Until now, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has allowed applicants to submit a receipt showing they had applied for a PCC. Officers would then follow up once the certificate was issued. That option will soon disappear.
From December 08, receipts won’t count—if the PCC isn’t included, the application could be declined, or the visa may be granted with a shorter validity period.
What Are the Current Rules?
Right now, AEWP applicants can still submit their visa applications without a PCC as long as they show proof that they’ve applied for one. INZ then holds the application in “open” status and requests the document later.
This flexibility has helped applicants who face delays in getting police certificates from their home countries, but it also slows the decision process for everyone.
Why This Rule Is Changing
The change aims to speed up AEWV processing. INZ says delays often happen when police certificates arrive late. By asking for the PCC upfront, applications can move faster, and decisions can be made sooner for those with complete documents.
How This Change Impacts Applicants
For future applicants, timing will matter more. You’ll need to apply for your police clearance early to make sure you have it before starting your AEWV application. If you don’t, you risk delays or worse, getting a visa that’s valid for a shorter period than expected.
On the positive side, people who submit complete applications with all required documents, including a valid PCC, are likely to get faster decisions once the rule takes effect.
What Is the AEWV?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows foreign workers to take up jobs in New Zealand with employers who are accredited by INZ. It replaced several older work visa categories and is part of New Zealand’s effort to match genuine skills with verified job offers.
To qualify, applicants need:
- A job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
- Proof that they meet health, character, and skill requirements
- Evidence that the job meets pay and labour market conditions
What Smart Applicants Should Do Now
If you are planning to apply for an AEWV on or after 8 December 2025:
- Apply for your police clearance as soon as possible, especially if your home country takes many weeks to issue it.
- Check that your PCC is still within the validity period accepted by Immigration New Zealand at the time you apply.
- Do not apply until you have the actual certificate, not just proof of application.
- Keep your employer informed so they can set realistic start dates and onboarding plans.
It is worth noting here that each country has different timelines for issuing PCC, and some can take weeks or even months. By preparing ahead, you can avoid setbacks once the new rule starts in December 2025.
Final Thoughts
In short, from December 8, 2025, Immigration New Zealand will only process AEWV applications that include a valid police clearance certificate. No more receipts, no exceptions. Submitting everything at once will help you get a quicker and smoother visa decision.
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