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Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released a further update regarding ongoing issues affecting its enhanced Immigration Online system. We are sharing this information as a public service to assist applicants, employers, and families who may be impacted.
INZ has acknowledged that the recent system upgrade has caused disruption for some users, particularly when viewing, uploading, or processing documents. While most document upload issues have now been resolved, a small number of users are still experiencing difficulties. INZ has confirmed that its technical teams continue working to fully resolve the remaining issues as quickly as possible. Applications affected by this issue INZ has advised that applicants may experience problems viewing letters or documents in the following online applications or forms:
Current guidance for affected applicants If you started an application before 7 December 2025 and are experiencing submission issues, INZ recommends trying the following steps:
We are not Immigration New Zealand, but as a licensed New Zealand immigration firm, we understand how disruptive system issues can be—particularly where visa expiry dates or time-sensitive applications are involved. If you are unsure how these issues may affect your application, seeking tailored guidance can help ensure your matter remains compliant and properly managed. For the official INZ update, refer to Immigration New Zealand’s website.
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This update is shared for public information only. Immigration Trust is a licensed immigration advisory firm and is not Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Immigration New Zealand has advised that a recent system upgrade has caused issues for some online visa applications, meaning applicants may be unable to view letters or documents in their Immigration Online accounts. Who May Be Affected The issue may impact document visibility for:
What Applicants Should Do If you cannot access your documents online:
Important Reminder This issue affects document viewing only and does not automatically mean your application is delayed. Immigration Trust is not INZ and does not control or manage INZ systems. This notice is provided as a public service to help applicants stay informed. Source: INZ website From 8 December 2025, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept receipts showing that you have applied for a police certificate when submitting an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application. A valid police certificate must be uploaded at the time of submission, or your application risks delays, shorter visa durations, or outright decline. This change is designed to speed up decision-making and reduce time wasted chasing missing documents, but for migrants and employers, it also raises the stakes for getting applications right the first time.  No More Follow-Ups: INZ Will Not Wait for Your Police Certificate
Previously, if you applied without a police certificate, Immigration New Zealand would pause processing and send a request for information later. That grace period is ending. From 8 December 2025:
Only Apply When Your Police Certificate Is Ready To avoid unnecessary risk, do not submit an AEWV application until your police certificate has been obtained and is ready to upload. Processing times vary by country—so applicants are strongly advised to plan ahead and factor this into their timeline. This policy is especially critical for offshore applicants, and for workers changing jobs or renewing their visa while still in New Zealand. Are There Any Exceptions? Yes—applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong, and Israel are exempt because their police authorities send certificates directly to Immigration New Zealand. If you are applying from one of these countries, you can upload proof that your certificate request has been made. What Happens If You Apply Without a Police Certificate? It depends on how long you've been in New Zealand and where you're applying from:
Why This Matters for AEWV Applicants and Employers Submitting a complete AEWV application from the start is now more important than ever. Missing documents—especially police certificates—can no longer be added later through follow-ups. The new rule places the full burden on the applicant to prepare in advance. For employers, this means ensuring your migrant worker understands the updated requirements and doesn’t risk losing their application over avoidable documentation issues. Related: Learn more on our Accredited Employer Work Visa service page FAQ: AEWV Police Certificate Requirements (2025 Update) Q: Can I submit a receipt if my police certificate hasn’t arrived? A: No. From 8 December 2025, receipts will not be accepted unless you’re from Fiji, Hong Kong, or Israel. Q: Will Immigration NZ ask for the certificate later if I forget? A: No. They will assess your application as-is. Missing documents may lead to shorter visas or declined applications. Q: What if I’ve been in NZ for less than 24 months? A: You’ll have 5 working days to provide your police certificate. If you don’t, you may receive a visa valid for up to 24 months only. Q: What if I’ve lived in NZ for more than 24 months? A: If you’re applying from inside NZ, you’ll get a PPI letter. If applying from overseas, your application may be declined. Q: Who is exempt from this change? A: Applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong, and Israel—because their police certificates are sent directly to Immigration NZ. Source: INZ website Don't take chances — get it right the first time. With Immigration New Zealand enforcing stricter AEWV documentation rules, a simple oversight could cost you your visa or your job offer. At Immigration Trust, we help migrants and employers navigate these updates confidently. This content is intended as a general guide only and does not constitute immigration advice. For personalised advice, please book a consultation with Immigration Trust. |
