NewZealand - Good character

To grant you a New Zealand visa or permit we need to be assured that you and any family included in your application are of good character. They make this requirement to protect the well being and security of New Zealanders.

Under section 7(1) of the Immigration Act we will not grant you a visa or permit if:
  • - you have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 5 years or more (this applies even if any of your offences have later been taken off the record)
  • - in the past 10 years you were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 12 months or more
  • - currently, you have a removal order from New Zealand in force against you
  • - you have been deported from any country, including New Zealand
  • - you have been involved in terrorist activities, or belonged to or supported any organization involved in terrorist activities
  • - it is believed you are likely to commit – or to assist others to commit – criminal or drug offences, or an act of terrorism, in New Zealand
  • - it is believed you are likely – due to any international circumstances – to be a danger to New Zealand’s security or public order
  • - it is believed you are associated with an organization or group that has criminal objectives or is engaged in criminal activities and for that – or any other reason – you’re considered to be a threat to the public interest or public order of New Zealand.

  • They carry out character checks on everyone 17 years or over included in residence applications or applying for temporary entry for 24 months or longer. They may also undertake a character check on anyone else that they consider may not meet their character requirements.

Providing evidence of good character

If you are coming to New Zealand for 24 months or longer you'll have to provide police certificates as evidence of your good character.  Department need to see certificates:
  • - everyone 17 years and over included in your application for residence
  • - everyone 17 years and over included in your application for a temporary visa and/or permit for 24 months or longer.