Third-party checks for visa applicants

How we keep New Zealand safe

Like all countries, New Zealand takes steps to protect its borders and keep people safe.
One way we do this is by checking information with other organisations when you apply for a visa. We call these third-party checks.

These checks help us:

• confirm that the information in your application is correct
• verify your identity and background
• assess whether you meet character requirements
• make informed decisions about visa applications.

How we decide which checks are needed

The checks required for your application depend on factors such as:

• the type of visa you are applying for
• how long you intend to stay in New Zealand
• the information provided in your application
• any previous criminal history or character concerns
• the visa category you are applying under.

We can carry out one or more checks whenever needed to confirm information with another organisation, or obtain additional information. We understand that third-party checks can affect visa processing times. However, we undertake these checks as quickly as we can.

The checks we might carry out

Depending on your circumstances, INZ may carry out a number of checks including, but not limited to:

• New Zealand Police Certificate checks
• National Security Checks
• Migration Five checks

These checks can also be used to assess information, such as your:

• identity
• criminal history
• employment history
• education history
• personal relationships
• travel history.

New Zealand Police Certificate checks

A New Zealand Police Certificate check helps us find out whether you have a criminal history in New Zealand. These checks are usually requested if you have spent a significant amount of time in New Zealand.

The check can provide information about:

• criminal convictions
• pending criminal charges.

This information helps us decide whether you meet the character requirements for a visa.

National Security Checks

National Security Checks are carried out by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS).

These checks help identify people who have links to:

• international extremist groups
• espionage activities
• weapons of mass destruction technology.

The information helps border agencies assess whether someone poses a national security risk.

Each year, NZSIS assesses thousands of visa applicants and travellers, and provides advice to border agencies about potential security concerns.

New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS)

Migration Five checks

Migration Five is a partnership between:

• New Zealand
• Australia
• Canada
• the United Kingdom
• the United States.

Through this partnership, member countries share immigration and security-related information to help strengthen border security.

Migration Five checks can help us:

• verify an applicant’s identity
• confirm travel history
• identify previous immigration concerns
• identify security concerns raised by partner countries.