|
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.
0 Comments
How to Secure an Investor or Business Visa in New Zealand: A Guide for High Net‑Worth Applicants24/11/2025
Why choose New Zealand for investor or business migration?
New Zealand offers attractive visa pathways for investors and businesspeople looking to relocate through capital investment or business management. At Immigration Trust, we regularly help high net‑worth clients who are ready to move their funds and expertise to New Zealand and want a clear, fast path to residence. 
What investor and business visas are available?
Active Investor Plus Visa This visa is ideal if you can invest NZD $5–15 million and want a resident visa from day one. It allows investment in approved assets like direct investments, equities, and managed funds. You can include your partner and dependent children. Business Investor Visas If you're looking to run or acquire a business in New Zealand:
Key differences: Investor Plus vs Business Investor
What you need to consider
Why work with an immigration advisor? We help you understand whether you qualify, choose the best visa pathway, and ensure every document is right the first time. With your capital and our experience, we can reduce risk, save time, and help you act decisively. Disclaimer: 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. FAQ: Investor & Business Visas for NZ Q: Can I include my family in my visa application? A: Yes, both visa pathways allow partners and dependent children to be included. Q: Can I apply for the Active Investor Plus Visa if I’m older than 55? A: Yes — there is no age limit under the current policy. Q: How soon can I apply for residence after investing in a business? A: If you invest NZD $2 million or more in an existing business and meet all criteria, you may be eligible to apply for residence in as little as 12 months. Q: Are all business types accepted? A: No — certain sectors such as gambling, tobacco, and fast food chains are typically excluded. Source: INZ website Take the next step with Immigration Trust If you’re ready to invest or run a business in New Zealand and want expert guidance, we’re here to help. We’ll assess your situation, recommend the best visa pathway, and support you through every step. Business Investor Visa with Medical or Character Issue? What Is the AEWV Maximum Continuous Stay? If you’re working in New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you need to know about the maximum continuous stay (MCS). This is the longest period you can stay in the country on one or more AEWVs before needing to take a break. Once you reach your MCS, you must leave New Zealand for 12 consecutive months before applying for another AEWV. How long can you stay?
Who Is Affected? These rules affect:
What Employers & Migrants Should Do Migrants:
Summary
FAQ: Can I renew my AEWV after reaching my maximum stay? No. You must leave New Zealand for 12 months before reapplying. Does time on other visa types count toward MCS? No. Only time spent on AEWVs counts. Can I apply for a different visa instead of leaving NZ? Yes—if eligible. You’ll need to meet the criteria for that visa. Can employers extend an AEWV past the maximum stay? No. Once the MCS is reached, the AEWV cannot be renewed. Need help planning your next visa move? Whether you're approaching your AEWV maximum stay or exploring other options, our team at Immigration Trust is here to help. 👉 Explore Our Services 👉 Book Your Consultation Now |
