Character requirements for a student visa

You need to be of good character to study in New Zealand. If you're over 17 years old and want to study here for more than 2 years, you'll need to provide a police certificate.

Who cannot come to NZ

You may not be allowed to come to New Zealand if you’ve committed a serious crime.

Good character — for temporary visas

Documents you’ll need to provide

If you’re over 17 and you’ll be in New Zealand for more than 2 years, you’ll need to get a police certificate from:

  • your country of citizenship, and
  • any country you’ve lived in for longer than 5 years since you turned 17.

Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you lodge your application with Immigration New Zealand.

How to obtain a police certificate

Utility links and page information

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