New Zealand Strengthens AEWV Regulations: Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Required
Starting December 8, 2025, AEWV applicants must include a valid police clearance certificate. In an effort to expedite immigration decisions for individuals with completed applications, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept PCC receipts.
Starting December 8, 2025, anyone seeking for New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) must include a valid Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) with their application.
Until date, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has enabled applicants to submit a receipt proving they had filed for a PCC. After the certificate was granted, officers would follow up. Soon, that option will no longer be available.
From December 08, receipts won’t count—if the PCC isn’t included, the application could be refused, or the visa may be issued with a lower validity term.
What Are the Current Rules?
As long as they can demonstrate that they have filed for a PCC, AEWP candidates are currently still able to submit their visa applications without one. After that, INZ keeps the application in "open" status and makes a later request for the document.
This flexibility slows down the decision-making process for everyone, but it has assisted applicants who are having trouble obtaining police certificates from their home nations.
Why This Rule Is Changing?
The update seeks to speed up AEWV processing. INZ said delays often happen when police credentials arrive late. By asking for the PCC upfront, applications can progress faster, and judgments can be made sooner for those having complete papers.
How Applicants Are Affected by This Change?
For future applications, timing will matter more. You’ll need to apply for your police clearance early to make sure you have it before commencing your AEWV application. If you don’t, you risk delays or worse, getting a visa that’s valid for a shorter term than intended.
Positively, once the rule goes into force, applicants who submit complete applications with all necessary documentation—including a valid PCC—should receive decisions more quickly.
AEWV: What Is It?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows overseas workers to take up jobs in New Zealand with firms who are accredited by INZ. It replaced numerous older work visa categories and is part of New Zealand’s drive to link genuine skills with verifiable job offers.
To be eligible, candidates must:
An offer of employment from a recognized New Zealand company
Evidence that they fulfill the qualifications for competence, character, and health
Proof that the position satisfies wage and labor market requirements
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 you can, particularly if it takes several weeks to be granted in your home country. When you apply, make sure your PCC is still valid within the time frame that Immigration New Zealand has accepted .Don't submit an application until you get the certificate itself, not simply a proof of application.In order for your company to establish reasonable start dates and onboarding procedures, keep them aware.
It is important to note that the timeframes for obtaining PCC vary by country, with some taking weeks or even months. By preparing ahead, you can avoid delays once the new rule starts in December 2025
Concluding Remarks
In brief, from December 8, 2025, Immigration New Zealand will only process AEWV applications that include a genuine police clearance certificate. No exceptions, no more receipts. You will receive a quicker and more seamless visa decision if you submit everything at once.
