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Home » Blog » Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate for your Green Card or Fiancé Visa Case

Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate for your Green Card or Fiancé Visa Case

July 13, 2023 Apply for Green Card

Individuals who apply for an immigrant visa (green card) or K-1 fiancé visa from outside of the United States must submit a police clearance certificate. It’s a standard part of the process, but the process can be a little confusing for applicants. This article provides an overview of the purpose for a police certificate, where to obtain one, and how to make sure everything is correctly submitted.

What is a police clearance certificate and why do I need one? What are the requirements for a police certificate? When do I need to request a certificate during the process? How do I obtain a police clearance certificate? Do I need this if I'm adjusting status inside the U.S.?

Police Clearance Certificate, Explained

A police clearance certificate, sometimes simply called a police certificate, is a government-issued document that details any arrests and the corresponding outcome for an individual while in a certain country.

If you’re applying for a family-based green card or the K-1 visa from abroad, then you must submit a police clearance certificate from countries where you have lived in the past. (The requirement extends to any K-2 children if they are 16 years or older.) There are some small exceptions that we will explain.

Even if you have no arrest record in any of those countries, you must submit the police certificate from any and all countries where you lived.

The U.S. Department of State will use this information as part of the background check for an individual before issuing a visa. Therefore, if you do have a criminal record, it’s also important to know how to properly address it.

Requirements for a Police Certificate

If you are applying for an immigrant visa or a K-1 nonimmigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, you will likely need to submit a police clearance certificate from each country you have lived since the age of 16.

If you are at least 16 years old, you must submit a police clearance certificate from each of the following countries (except the United States).

• Your country of nationality if you’ve lived there for at least six months at any time in your life;
• Your country of residence if it’s different from your country of nationality and if you’ve lived there for at least six months;
• Any country if you’ve lived there for at least 12 months and were at least 16 years old at the time; and
• Any country or region (except in the United States) where you were arrested for any reason.

Even if you are certain that you’ve never been arrested, you should submit a certificate. The certificate must:

• Cover the entire period of the applicant’s residence in that area;
• Be issued by the appropriate police authority; and
• Include all arrests, the reason for the arrest(s), and the disposition of each case of which there is a record.

Adjustment of status applicants, who are individuals applying for a green card from inside the U.S., generally do not need a police certificate. They may need police and court records .

A police clearance certificate that is written in a language other than English must be submitted with a certified translation .

When the Certificate is Needed

The National Visa Center (NVC) will make the request for a police clearance certificate from you. However, these documents do have a limited lifetime. So, it is important not to request them too early.

After U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the petition (Form I-130 for family-based immigrant visas or Form I-129F for K-1 visas), they will transition the case to the State Department’s National Visa Center. The NVC may contact the petitioner and beneficiary approximately 4-8 weeks after receipt of the case to make the request for additional documents, including the police certificates.

Each police certificate is generally valid for a period of two years. Therefore, beneficiaries should generally wait until after the petition approval to obtain the police clearance certificates. The certificate must continue to be valid through the visa interview date.

If your interview is scheduled more than two years past the date the police certificate was issued, you need to obtain a new one. When all of the following conditions are true at the time of your visa interview, you must obtain a new police clearance certificate:

• The police clearance certificate is more than two years old;
• You continue to reside in, or have returned to, the country where the certificate was issue; and
• You are at least 16 years of age.

After I-130 is Approved, What’s Next?

How to get a police clearance certificate.

It may seem a little overwhelming to find the issuing authority for a police clearance certificate. The U.S. Department of State makes it easy to locate the issuing authority in each country.

Determine from which countries you’ll need a police certificates

You will need a police clearance certificate from at least one country. However, if you’ve lived in any other countries or have been arrested in another country, you may need additional certificates. Review Requirements for a Police Certificate above to make a determination.

Find the issuing authority and make a request

The State Department has a page for Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. You’ll simply select the country name, and then select “Police, Court, Prison Records” tab to view the important details.

• Review the country-specific procedure for obtaining a police certificate

For each country, the State Department does the best it can to list the name of the issuing authority, current fee, and procedures for requesting a certificate.

The time it takes to get a police certificate will vary by each country. Generally, most countries can respond within 2-8 weeks.

Addressing no availability

Generally, most countries have a process to obtain a police clearance certificate. If you've successfully requested your certificate(s), you can skip this step.

In the rare situations that a country does not make one available, you must address this deficiency.

Unless a particular country’s guidelines for “Police, Court, Prison Records” explicitly indicate that such records are “unavailable,” you must submit evidence. Specifically, you should submit:

• A notarized, sworn written statement in which you explain in detail why you could not obtain a police clearance certificate; and
• Evidence of your attempts to obtain the certificate from the particular country’s government.

If you are unable to obtain a certificate, particularly if you have an arrest record in that country, speak to an immigration attorney to help secure your chances of obtaining the desired visa.

Submit a photocopy of the police clearance certificate to the NVC. Do not submit your original. (Generally, you'll scan and submit documents electronically to the NVC.) Keep the original in a safe place and take it to your consular interview. You likely won't need it, but you'll have it in case it is necessary to address a question.

Adjustment of Status Applicants Submit Police Records

If you’re filing Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident inside the United States, you do not need to submit a police clearance certificate from each country you’ve lived. However, you may need to submit police and court records.

At the time of filing Form I-485, you generally must submit to USCIS certified police and court records and any additional required documents for each arrest or charge, even if the incident occurred while you were a minor and even if the arrest was expunged (removed) from your record.

You generally are not required to report or provide documentation for minor traffic violations that did not result in criminal charges or involve alcohol, drugs, personal injury, or property damage.

How to Gather Civil Records for your U.S. Immigration Application

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Home » Greencard » Immigrant Visa » Police Certificates for Immigrant Visa

Police Certificates for USA Immigrant Visa

Police certificates are required for each visa applicant aged 16 years or older. Present and former residents of the United States should NOT obtain any police certificates covering their residence in the U.S.

Please note that these police certificates are required only if you are getting an immigrant visa or other nonimmigrant visa such as K, V. They are NOT required if you are doing an  Adjustment of Status (I-485)  within the U.S.

Police certificates must cover the entire period of the applicant’s residence in a given area. The term “police certificate” means a certification by appropriate police authorities stating what their records show concerning each applicant, including all arrests, the reasons for the arrests, and the disposition of each case of which there is a record. Police certificates from certain countries are considered unobtainable.

In some cases, there may be specific Police Certificate Request forms that must be submitted in order to properly request and obtain the applicable Police Certificate(s) based on the applicant’s residence history.

The table below shows how many police certificates are required based on where each applicant lives and has lived previously.

IF the applicant  is living in their country of nationality at their current residence for more than 6 months AND  is 16 years old or older THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from  the police authorities of that locality.

IF the applicant  lived in a different part of their country of nationality for more than 6 months AND  was 16 years or older at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from  the police authorities of that locality.

IF the applicant  lived in a different country for more than  12 months AND  was 16 years or older at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from  the police authorities of that locality.

IF the applicant  was arrested for any reason, regardless of how long they lived there AND  was any age at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from  the police authorities of that locality.

Please look at the  Reciprocity by Country  to see the country specific police certificate availabilitiy.

Please refer to the chart below to find out where to get the police clearance certificate(s) from:

Police certificates need to be obtained for only during the time period when the applicant was 16 years or older. However, if the person was arrested for any reason, regardless of how long they lived there, and was any age at that time, the police clearance certificate from the police authorites of that locality is required.

Police certificates from the local passport office are considered usually more dependable than those obtained at a local level and indicate that the person had no serious criminal convictions on the record at the time of passport issuance. Each applicant will need to bring the interview letter provided by the National Visa Center in order to request the Passport Office Police Certificate from the Passport Office.

Local Passport Offices

The regional passport office will issue Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in 1 day.

To apply at  Regional Passport Office  , please use  this form .

Regional Passport Office web sites for  Bangalore     Chennai     Mumbai

Police Certificate for India while in USA

If you are currently not staying in India, but in the United States, you do not need to get the police certificate from a local police station nor regional passport office in India. In that case, you can get a police clearance from your  local Indian consulate  ( Indian consulates worldwide ). They do it on the basis of a passport check.

This is a document issued by the embassy/consulate certifying that you have never been involved with the Indian police. The normal procedure for issuing a PCC is that the embassy/consulate checks with the police authorities in the area(s) in India where you had been residing, and issues the PCC after obtaining their clearance. As this procedure generally takes some time, an alternative is for you to directly approach the relevant police authorities in India (or request your friends/relatives to do so on your behalf) and obtain a certificate from them that you have not been involved in any police case during the period of your stay in India (please ensure that the relevant dates (stayed in India from so-and-so date to so-and-so date) are included in the certificate).

The Embassy of India does not accept consular service applications through U.S. Postal Mail. It is suggested that applicants may apply for the services either at the Embassy Counter or send the application through a courier. This arrangement will continue until the situation improves.

The following return mail charges should be sent for the return of serviced passports in addition to the prescribed visa fee. The Embassy/Consulate is not responsible for documents lost in the mail. Express Mail: $20, Registered Mail: $10, Priority Mail: $7, Certified Mail: $5 For each additional passport a charge of $ 1/- would be levied as mailing charges. Applicants can also send a self-addressed prepaid return envelope with the application in lieu of mailing charges.

To apply for a police clearance certificate, you should fill the Miscellaneous Service Form. You also need to take/send your passport and passport size photograph (affixed in the form) for this. It is advisable to apply in person. When you apply in person, also carry a photocopy of the passport and submit that photocopy to the consulate. Also, take a copy of your H1/H4 visa approval notice. The fee should be paid by Money Order/ Cashier checks made in favor of the Embassy of India/Consulate General of India. Cash is accepted only at the counter. Personal checks are not accepted. Additionally, you should pay additional charges if you would like to get the PCC on an expedited basis.

PCC includes a stamp in the passport and PCC document saying that ‘that they do not have any adverse findings against you that might affect your U.S. visa’.

Information about police certificates from Canada can be found  here .

They are also called RCMP certificates as police certificates from Canada are obtained from RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). Police certificates are required for consular processing for those currently living in Canada for 6 months or longer or for those not currently living in Canada, but who did live in Canada for more than 1 year.

If you look up the blue pages (government offices) of your phone book, you will see RCMP phone # under “Canada” section. In Toronto the number is 416-363-9072

There are two types of police certificates, one is name check based and the other is fingerprint-based. Only name check based police certificates are required for U.S. immigration. Fingerprint-based police certificates are for Canadian immigration.

Other than a valid reason they do not generally do it, just like that. So you have to tell them you need to do it for “U.S. Immigration”.

The police station issuing the clearance will red stamp approval and on the bottom of the form you will see a note; “details cannot be confirmed as relating to the subject of inquiry without fingerprint comparison”. Do not be alarmed by this because fingerprints are NOT required. If, during your consulate interview the consular officer finds your police clearance has a “hit” or name check problem you may be instructed to be fingerprinted. In this case, the U.S. consular post will furnish Form FD-258 to be used for fingerprinting. This is the only form they will authorize for fingerprinting. Not any RCMP fingerprint form. Anyone who has initiated on their own to secure RCMP fingerprints is wasting their time. The consular officer has to witness the issuance of fingerprinting for authenticity. The RCMP fingerprint form is used for Canadian immigration or criminal processing.

Other Countries

Details for each country

• United Kingdom It takes less than 4 weeks to get the police certificate from the UK.
• Germany Please note that PCC information is not available from the above site. One has to call the  German Embassy/Consulate  and request for the appropriate forms and instructions, which will then be sent by mail to the requestor’s address. The concept of checks doesn’t exist or at least not used extensively in Germany. So payment has to be made by a direct bank transfer (details given in the instructions) or via international money order in Euros.
• Australia Address:  Public Enquiry Service Victoria Police P.O. Box 415 Melbourne VIC 3005 Australia Phone: (61 3) 9247 5907

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Thai Police Clearance Certificate for Foreigners

For foreigners who are currently in Thailand or abroad, Siam Legal can assist in securing fast Thai Police Clearance.

• Personal appearance before Royal Thai Police in Thailand is no longer necessary. We will do this on your behalf.
• Application and collection is faster than the normal process.
• You will receive the Thai Police Clearance Certificate on your location. We will be sending this to you by mail to your current address.

Eligibility

• For foreigners who used to live in Thailand for more than 6 months
• For foreigners who are temporarily in Thailand for a short visit
• For foreigners who currently lives in Thailand on a long-term visa and requires Thai Police Clearance Certificate

Requirements

• Passport (old and recent) with Thai immigration stamps
• Copy of Thai work permit (if applicable)
• Two photographs (2 inches x 2 inches)
• One set of original fingerprint. Fingerprint must be taken at local police or Thai Consulate or Thai Embassy in your country together with the official seal and signature of the official taking the fingerprint.
• You will mail all the required documents to our office in Bangkok
• Our representative will submit the application
• The processing time is 7 business days and it does not include the time for the mailing of documents

Service Fees

Foreigners residing abroad – $499 (inclusive of 7% VAT and Government fee)

Foreigners residing in Thailand – $339 (inclusive of 7% VAT and Government fee)

**The fees include the courier fees.

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56 Comments

Is this email working or not? E-mail: [email protected]

I sent an email but bunched back (returned). Please, let me know it is urgent for me.

Please email [email protected] Thank you.

Dear Thai Police, Good Afternoon I sent my application requesting a police clearance certificate using the information provided on the website ( https://pcscenter.sbpolice.go.th/ ) together with the payment receipt transferred from Bank of America, USA. The DHL courier service handed over my documents at your office on 19 Sept 2022 (received and signed by WITTAYA). I sent my email earlier on 22 Sept 2022 ( [email protected] ). Again, after our discussion today, I have forwarded the same email below. Hence, I heartedly request you to furnish a police clearance report at your earliest convenient time and share it with my email ( [email protected] ) and also send it through courier service to my address below. Thank you. Ram Prasad Luetel, Passport: 07607132 from the country Nepal

Please check this page: https://pcscenter.sbpolice.go.th/en/contact/contact.html

Hi. Hope you’ll having a good day. I have studied in Thailand for 2years and have already obtained the police clearance certificate from Royal Thai Police Bangkok in 2018. Im applying for Canadian visa and I need to know how to update my Thai clearance Report. Please assist me.

Thank you so much.

Dear S. Yapa, Good day. Normally the police clearance certificate can use for 6 months. You can’t update the old certificate, but you have to obtain the new one. We have sent you an email regarding the process how to get the Thailand police clearance certificate and the cost.

Thank you. Yord

I am living in Nonthaburi can I get my police clearance near my place or I need to go to Royal Thai Police Bangkok? Thank you!

If you will use the Police Clearance Certificate abroad or other countries, you must get the Police Clearance Certificate (in English) at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Siam area in Bangkok. Thank you.

i want to get thailand police clearance and now i am in 74000

Dear Subi Mathew, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding the process how to get the Thailand police clearance certificate and the cost.

Good day, I am currently living in Nonthaburi province. I want to get a police clearance before I go. I need to use my application for another country. May I know the requirements should be presented ? Thank you.

Dear Edelyne Babilonia, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to get the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you. Yordmanu

Dear receiver,

I am a Tunisian passport holder and I am currently applying for the French citizenship. I therefore need a Police Clearance certificate for Thailand as I lived in Bangkok for one year between 2018 and 2019. How long does it take to have the certificate please ?

Thanks, Sofiene Tarhouni

Dear Sofiene Tarhouni, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to get the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you. Yordmanu

Greetings to respected Thai embassy. I have a inquiry please assist me with that. I am looking forward to to see your message.

Dear Mishal Qadis, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question. Thank you. Yordmanu

Hi, Me and my husband wish to obtain a Thai police clearance. We are currently in the India and lived in Thailand for more than 6 months or we can say between 2-3 years, Came back to our country in 2019. Please help me to proceed my application.

Dear Sonal Kiran Awal, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to get the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you. Yordmanu

Good evening. I want to have a police clearance,how to get it? Thanks

Dear Princess Lim, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to get the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you. Yordmanu

Hello, I need assistance with PCC. How can we expedite the process? is there any number that we can call or chat so that it would be convenient?

Dear Raj, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

What kind of detail shows up on a Thai police check? Is it simply a case of getting a certificate saying person of good character or not. I had a conviction (fine) for a small marajuana possession. I don’t know if it is worth going through the cost of trying to get one. Any advice?

Dear Rhys Jones, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

Hi, I am an American Citizen and I am also a permanent Resident in Mexico and I live in Mexico, I was thinking about moving to Thailand, however I have a 1989 Felony non violent Conviction for Manufacturing methamphetamine, I have long since retired from my chemistry hobby, I am 68 years old, If I sell my house and all my other investments in Mexico, I should have around 1 million US Dollars. I am single, my wife died a year or so ago, is it possible for me to move there permanently?

Dear Bruce Terry Gottschalk, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

Hi, I wish to obtain a Thai police clearance for my visa application. I am currently in the Philippines

Dear Katrina, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

Hy Sri Hi sir I stay in Thailand 7 years before 3 years I come back in Pakistan now I want to character certificate from Thailand because I want to and Umesh ambassy asking methat’s why I need character certificate from Thailand please sir help me

Dear Ikram Ullah Rashid, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

Dear sir/ ma’am,

I lost my old passport and I need to get police certificate for my visa application in another country. I stayed in Thailand for more than 2 years. I need help. Hoping for your positive response soon. Thank you very much.

Dear Eurika, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

Hello sir, I just want to ask how can I obtain a Thai Police clearance? Currently, I’m in the Philippines. Thank you.

Dear Jireh Glenn Pastolero, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

Good day, I am currently living in kalasin province. I will go back to my country in October 2021. However I wish to get a police clearance before I go to the Philippines. I need to use my application for another country. May I know the requirements should be presented ? Thank you.

Dear Annalyn Melgo, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

hi how to get that one set of original fingerprint? I am in China now ,can you provide service for that?

Dear Ali, Good day. Yes, we have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

I need help with PCC

Dear Ankush,

How may I help you? We can definitely help you to get a police clearance certificate. The process takes 7 to 10 business days AFTER we submit the application.

Hi sir/Mam Greetings of the day. Two year before I was do my PCC from Thailand. Still it is valid or not .If i need do again how I can apply I am in Austrian this time. Thanks

Dear Mohammad fariyad, Good day. Yes, you can. We can definitely help you again to get a police clearance certificate. The process takes 7 to 10 business days AFTER we submit the application.

Thank you, Yord

Hi! I need Thai Police Clearance for my new job here in Philippines since I lived there for 13 years. Please tell me how will I be able to get it.

Dear Romessa Valdez,

We can definitely help you to get a police clearance certificate. The process takes 7 to 10 business days AFTER we submit the application. https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/securing-thai-police-clearance-for-foreigners.php

My wife and me need the Thai Police clearance how much is the cost?

We can definitely help you to get a police clearance certificate. Our fee is 15,500 THB. The process takes 7 to 10 business days AFTER we submit the application. https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/securing-thai-police-clearance-for-foreigners.php

I need help with Thai Police clearance

Dear Jonathan, Good day. I believe our staff has already contacted you about application for the police clearance certificate. Should you have any question or clarification, please do not hesitate to email us. Thank you.

Hi im residing in Canada and would like 2 apply for police clearances.

Dear Joanne,

I need a police clearance.

Is this possible right now, with all the covid stuff going on? How long will its validity last for?

Kind regards, Chris

Dear Chris,

Yes, It’s possible right now to obtain the police clearance certificate. We can definitely help you to get a police clearance certificate. The process takes 7 to 10 business days AFTER we submit the application.

Thank you. Kind regards, Yord

I been working in phuket for more then 3 year..I got all Thai document to submit for police clearance..pls get back to me in email..Thanks

Dear Khin Marlar Lwin, Good day. We have sent you an email regarding your question on how to get the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you. Yordmanu

Please help to get a thai poice clearance

Dear Victor, Good day. Yes, we have sent you an email regarding your question on how to obtain the Thailand police clearance certificate. Thank you.

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How to get a police certificate: United States

If you need to give your fingerprints for a police certificate, this isn’t the same as giving your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for an application.

Name of the document you need

Identity History Summary issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Police certificate and IRCC requirements

You must provide a police certificate when you apply for permanent residence in Canada and for some temporary residence programs (please see the Document Checklist and/or visa office requirements for details).

If you apply for criminal rehabilitation, temporary resident permit, and authority to return to Canada (ARC), you must provide state certificates as well as an Identity History Summary issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

How to apply

You can request an Identity History Summary from the FBI online .

Contact information

FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division Attention: Summary Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306 USA

FBI Website

Page details

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GETTING ONBOARD

Required travel documents.

GETTING ONBOARD WITH

THE RIGHT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It’s your responsibility to ensure you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries your cruise visits. We’ll require government-issued identification to board. And government authorities may require you to have a visa or meet other requirements.

Select your departure port below to find out exactly what you need. But be aware – government requirements may change.

Don't Get Caught Without The Right Travel Doc

Passports are Best A passport is the best ID document for travel. Make sure yours doesn't expire for 6 months after your cruise ends. Learn more

Caution: Birth Certificates U.S. Citizens can cruise with a U.S. birth certificate on most sailings from the U.S. But your birth certificate needs to meet the requirements. Learn more

Names Must Match If you've had a name change, and the name used across your documents does not match, you will need to take an extra step. Learn more

Cruising With Kids That Aren't Yours When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child's guardian. Learn more

Visas May Be Required Some countries require an entry visa or electronic visa based on your nationality. Learn more

Don't Pack Your Docs Please keep all travel documents on your person at the terminal; you’ll need to present them at check-in.

Select where you're sailing from

Popular homeports:, full list of all homeports:, travel document requirements for sailings from u.s. homeports (excluding honoulu, hawaii & seward, alaska).

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the U.S. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

Note: U.S. Cruises that visit Colombia or Panama If your sailing visits Colombia or Panama, see your protocols here .

In order to sail, a guest must meet the requirements of ONE of the check boxes below.

All documents must be original – no photocopies. Your name must match across documents. What if I had a name change?

• U.S. Passport Book OR U.S. Passport Card
• Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best.
• Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends
• Read more about passport requirements.
• U.S. Birth Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID)
• U.S. Birth Certificates must be the original or an official document issued by the government.
• Read more about birth certificate requirements.
• Guests age 15 and under are NOT required to have a photo ID, just the birth certificate.
• Permanent Resident Card (Alien Resident Card "ARC" OR Green Card) AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship
• Guests must bring their physical Permanent Resident Card and it must be original – no photocopies.
• Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends.
• Guests age 16 and older whose ARC has no photo must present a valid government issued photo ID
• Barbados & Martinique require ARC guests to provide a valid passport.
• Any additional requirements are the responsibility of the guest.
• U.S. Naturalization Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID)
• Original U.S. Naturalization Certificate or a certified copy.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is not expired
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only available from the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington State.
• An Enhanced Driver’s License is different from a REAL ID compliant id. An EDL will have a flag on the front.
• U.S. Passport Book
• Visa may be required based on Passport Country of Origin. Learn More

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries.

• Electronic Travel Authorization will be required based on disembarkation port.
• Learn more about visa requirements.

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens

• Canadian Passport Book – Required if traveling to the U.S. by air
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only available from the following Provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
• Guests age 14 and under may present a passport as noted above OR one of the documents below:
• Original Naturalization Certificate OR Original Valid Canadian Citizenship Card OR Original Birth Certificate Issued by Canada.
• Read more about birth certificate requirements

In order to sail, a guest must meet the requirements below.

• Canadian Passport Book

Accepted Identification for Other Nationalities

• Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries. Please check requirements for your own nationality. Common visas are noted below.

• The United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.
• Please check requirements for your own nationality .
• Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is required for Chinese Nationals.
• Sailings with a Canadian Port of Call (ex. Alaska sailings) may require a Canadian Visitor’s Visa.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Australian homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Australia. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens

• U.S. Passport Book AND Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• All visitors are required to get an Australian ETA to travel to Australia.
• Read more about passport requirements

Additionally, visas or travel permits may be required to enter some countries. Please check requirements for your own nationality.

• New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
• All visitors are required to get a NZeTA to travel to New Zealand.

Accepted Identification for U.K. Citizens

• Passport Book

Accepted Identification for Australian Citizens

• Australian Passport Book
• Australian Driver's License OR Government-issued, laminated photo ID
• Cruise itinerary must call only on Australian ports of call.
• If an itinerary leaves Australia, then guests must use a Passport.
• Guests age 17 and under may present one of the documents below:
• Medicare Card - Can be used as the only identification for children when all guests share the same last name.
• Original (or Certified) Birth Certificate - If the parent's name differs from the child.

* Sailings that originate and end in ports within Australia that do not include a visit to an overseas port outside of Australia. (Note that Queensland cruises that include Willis Island are considered domestic cruises) . If an itinerary leaves Australia, then guests must use a Passport.

• Passport Book AND Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• For Transpacific sailings, the United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Canadian homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Canada. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

• U.S. Passport Book - If traveling to Canada by air
• U.S. Passport Card - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea
• U.S. Birth Certificate AND Valid Government Issued ID (State ID Card, Driver’s License OR Military ID) - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea
• Original U.S. State Certified Birth Certificate or a certified copy; or an original Consular Birth Abroad Certificate from the U.S. State Department.
• Permanent Resident Card (Alien Resident Card "ARC" OR Green Card) AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship - If traveling to Canada by air, ground/car or by sea
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends.
• Guests age 16 and older whose ARC has no photo must present a valid government issued photo ID.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is not expired - Can be used if traveling to Canada by ground/car or by sea

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents

• Canadian Permanent Resident Card AND Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship
• Guests age 14 and under may also present either:
• Canada may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from European homeports (excluding Southampton, England; Haifa, Israel & Istanbul, Turkey)

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Europe. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Additionally, visas or travel permits will soon be required to enter European Union countries.

• Traveling to Europe
• Coming Soon - All visitors will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.
• Sailings that have a European Union Port of Call
• For Transatlantic sailings, the United States may require a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa depending on nationality.

Accepted Identification for European Citizens

• Guests are responsible for any requirements a country may have.
• Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best
• EU Government ID
• Cruise itinerary must call only on countries within the Schengen Region .
• EU Government ID must be valid at least 3 months after your cruise ends.
• A Multi-Entry Schengen Visa may be required
• Coming Soon - European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
• Some nationalities will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.
• A Schengen Visa may be required
• European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
• Coming Soon - Some nationalities will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Dubai

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Dubai. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.K. Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Central & South American homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Central and South America. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Australian citizens cruising to and from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile require additional documentation.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Singapore

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Singapore. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.S. Passport Book AND Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)
• All visitors are required to get an Singapore Arrival Card to travel to Singapore.

Accepted Identification for Singaporean Citizens

• Singaporean Passport Book
• Passport Book AND Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

Travel document requirements for sailings from Japanese homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Japan. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for Japanese Citizens

• Japanese Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Chinese homeports

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from China. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Accepted Identification for Chinese Citizens

• Chinese Passport Book

Travel document requirements for sailings from Istanbul, Turkey

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Istanbul, Turkey. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• U.S. Passport Book AND Turkish Visa
• All visitors are required to get a Turkish Visa to travel to Turkey.
• Passport Book AND Turkish Visa

Travel document requirements for sailings from Haifa, Israel

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Haifa, Israel. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• All visitors will soon be required to get an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to Europe.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Seward, Alaska

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the Seward. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Canada may require a Visa depending on nationality.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Southampton, England

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from Southampton. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

Additionally, visas or travel permits will soon be required to enter the U.K. and European Union countries.

• Entering the U.K.
• Coming Soon - All visitors will soon be required to get an U.K. Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the U.K.

Travel document requirements for sailings from Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Here are the current requirements for our guests sailing from the Honolulu. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing. Please select the citizenship options below to learn the right requirements:

• Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

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Visa policy

What is eu visa policy.

Under this key policy, all 27 countries in the Schengen area apply the same visa rules.

Non-EU nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area for a visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period .

When someone enters a country in the Schengen area, the 180-day period starts. They can enter Schengen area countries as many times as they want, but only stay for a total of 90 days, every 180 days. 

A Schengen visa is generally valid for every country in the Schengen area.

Visas for stays exceeding 90 days are subject to national procedures .

EU visa policy is monitored and implemented by the European Commission .

What are the main elements of EU visa policy?

Countries whose nationals require a visa.

For a list of these countries, see Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 .

Individual Schengen countries can grant visa-free access to certain categories of people - for example diplomatic staff, armed forces, refugees and school pupils on an excursion.

Countries whose nationals require a visa for airport transfers

Nationals of certain countries must have a visa - called an airport transit visa - even to simply transit through the international (non-Schengen) part of an EU airport.

Schengen countries can also impose individual airport transit requirements on certain other countries. 

Countries whose nationals don't require a visa

For a list of these countries, see Annex II of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 .

27 of these countries have visa waiver agreements with the EU.

The decision of whether to grant visa-free status to a non-EU country is based on a variety of criteria (migration, security, considerations of human rights, reciprocity, and economic benefit - in particular in terms of tourism and foreign trade).

New travel document from 2025

From 2025, visa-exempt travellers will need to fill out an online ETIAS form and pay a small fee before being able to travel to the Schengen Area. 

This form is designed to facilitate border control and security.

It is not a visa, but is comparable to similar systems in the USA (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (eVisitor).

The EU visa code sets out the procedures and conditions for issuing short-stay visas .

Operational instructions for applying the code are set out in: 

• Handbook for processing visa applications  
• Handbook for managing visa processing

The visa code also helps improve cooperation with non-EU countries on readmissions of irregular migrants , through the 'visa leverage mechanism'. Under this mechanism, if a country does not cooperate sufficiently on readmissions, restrictive measures can be imposed as regards processing visas and visa fees. 

Such measures have been adopted for nationals of The Gambia:

• Decision suspending visa-free access for Gambian nationals
• Decision on increased visa fees for Gambian nationals

Visa facilitation agreements with non-EU countries

The EU has visa facilitation agreements in place with certain non-EU countries. Under the simplified visa regime , non-EU citizens enjoy facilitated procedures (such as lower visa fees) to obtain a visa for the Schengen area.

However, visa facilitation agreements can be suspended if a country no longer satisfies the conditions of the agreement. What then applies are the general rules of the EU visa code.

Suspensions can be triggered by an EU country or by the European Commission. Currently, 2 agreements are suspended, those with:

• Russia (full suspension of facilitation agreement) 
• Belarus (partial suspension of facilitation agreement).

Visa facilitation agreements are linked to readmission agreements . Readmission agreements establish procedures for returning irregular migrants to the EU or non-EU country they came from (EU, non-EU nationals or stateless persons).

EU countries may also individually negotiate agreements on local border traffic with neighbouring non-EU countries. These agreements enable border residents of specific areas to cross the EU's external borders, under certain conditions, without having to obtain a visa.

Suspension of visa-free travel

The visa suspension mechanism ( Regulation No 1806/2018 , article 7) enables Schengen countries to call for a temporary suspension of a visa exemption in the event of a sudden and substantial surge in irregular migration . 

If this happens, a country can notify the Commission, which can then decide to trigger the suspension mechanism.

Currently the visa waiver agreement with Vanuatu has been suspended under the suspension mechanism.

Since 2017, the Commission has been issuing annual reports on its usage of the mechanism. 

Proposed changes to the suspension mechanism .

Visa reciprocity

This is when nationals of Schengen area countries do not need a visa to visit countries whose nationals also do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area. 

The EU aims at achieving full visa reciprocity with non-EU countries whose nationals are exempt from the visa requirement. For that purpose, a visa reciprocity mechanism is set out in Regulation No 1806/2018 ( article 7 ). 

To date, the EU has achieved visa reciprocity with all visa-free third countries, except the United States . 

Citizens of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania still need a visa to visit the United States.

Visa digitalisation

The Pact on Migration and Asylum set the objective of making the visa procedure fully digitalised by 2025. 

This involves:

• replacing the visa sticker with the option to apply through a European online visa platform
• simplifying the visa application process
• reducing the costs for governments and applicants.

The requirements are set out in Regulation 2023/2685 and Regulation 2023/2667 .

After a transition period of 7 years, Schengen countries will all have to use the EU's standard online platform for visa applications :

• applicants will carry out all steps in the process on the platform, except for providing biometrics (when required)
• a digital visa will replace the visa sticker.

Which countries' nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area?

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Check the progress of a National Police Check

You can check the status of your National Police Certificate (NPC) through our AFP Status Portal . You can also validate any newly completed checks.

Before you check please remember:

• We complete and post most NPCs within 48 hours of receiving your application. This may vary if we need to get information from multiple states or territories.
• Digital certificates are sent directly to your email address. Don't forget to check your junk mail.
• For hard-copy certificates, allow for postage time. Wait at least 15 business days before contacting us about the status of your check.
• Name and fingerprint NPCs may take 15 to 30 business days.

We'll send you an email to let you know when we've:

• received your application
• finalised your application and mailed your certificate.

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Coming to the United States Temporarily - Nonimmigrant Visa Services Coming to the United States Permanently - Immigrant Services Special Visa Services

This webpage lists visa application fees and other visa related fees collected by Department of State. Note that many immigration-related forms are submitted to the Department of Homeland Security’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and not to the Department of State. If the type of information or form you are seeking is not shown here, select USCIS Forms and Fees  to go to the USCIS Website to review more.

Coming to the United States Temporarily - Nonimmigrant Visa Services

Nonimmigrant visa application processing fees are tiered, as shown below, based on the visa category for which you are applying.

Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for, unless the application fee is not required, as listed below .

Description of Service and Fee Amount (All fees = $ in US currency)

Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee (non-refundable) for all categories below

• Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E): $185.00

Includes (but not limited to), the following visa categories:

*Though petition-based nonimmigrant visas, the processing fee for these visas is $185.00

• Petition based visa categories: $205.00

Includes these visa categories:

• E - Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty category visa: $315.00
• K – Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. citizen category visa: $265.00

Border crossing card fees

• Border crossing card - age 15 and over (Valid 10 years): $185.00
• Border crossing card - under age 15; for Mexican citizens if parent or guardian has or is applying for a border crossing card (valid 10 years or until the applicant reaches age 15, whichever is sooner): $15.00
• L visa fraud prevention and detection fee - for visa applicant included in L blanket petition  (principal applicant only): $500.00
• The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-113) increases fees for certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners.  Consular sections collect this fee for blanket L-1 visa applications (principal applicant only) filed by petitioners who employ 50 or more individuals in the United States if more than 50 percent of those individuals are in H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant status: $4,500.00 

When the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is not required:

• Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas (defined in 22 CFR 41.26): No Fee
• Applicants for J visas participating in official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges: No Fee (See Exchange Visitor Visas for further detailed fee information.)
• Replacement of machine-readable visa when the original visa was not properly affixed or needs to be reissued through no fault of the applicant: No Fee
• Applicants exempted by international agreement as determined by Visa Services, including members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly, and their immediate families: No Fee
• Applicants travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services: No Fee
• U.S. government employees travelling on official business: No Fee
• A parent, sibling, spouse or child of a U.S. government employee killed in the line of duty who is traveling to attend the employee’s funeral and/or burial; or a parent, sibling, spouse, son or daughter of a U.S. government employee critically injured in the line of duty for visitation during emergency treatment and convalescence: No Fee

Nonimmigrant visa issuance fee, including border-crossing cards.

• See the  Visa Reciprocity Tables  to find out the visa issuance fee amount, if applicable:  Fee varies (Reciprocal)

When the nonimmigrant visa issuance fee is not required:

• An official representative of a foreign government or an international or regional organization of which the United States is a member; members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly; and applicants for diplomatic visas as defined under item 22(a); and their immediate families:  No Fee
• An applicant transiting to and from the United Nations Headquarters:  No Fee
• An applicant participating in a U.S. government sponsored program which may include applicant’s dependent spouse and children:  No Fee
• An applicant travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services:  No Fee

Other - When a Visa is Not Required - Visa Waiver Program

• Citizens of Visa Waiver Program participating countries, and meeting requirements pay a small fee. Select USCIS fees to learn more.

Coming to the United States Permanently - Immigrant Services

Immigrant visa application processing fees are tiered, as shown below, based on the visa category you apply for.

Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for.

Filing an Immigrant Visa Petition  (When collected by U.S. Embassies and Consulates for USCIS. Fees subject to change.)

Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees (non-refundable, per person) 

Note: Forms and fee amounts are listed for immigration petitions which are submitted to Department of State, either accepted at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, or within the United States to the National Visa Center or Kentucky Consular Center. Other immigration related forms can only be approved by the Department of Homeland Security's United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For other fees (relating to forms starting with an "I" select USCIS Forms and Fees for additional information.

Special Visa Services

Note:   These fee charts are based on the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 22, Part 22, Sections 22.1 through 22.7.)

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News What is a U.S. Visa? Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Global Visa Wait Times

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Accredited Employer Work Visa

Apply for this temporary visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer, the skills and qualifications for the job, and a link to the visa application form.

Length of stay

Processing time, with this visa you can.

• Work in New Zealand for an accredited employer who has offered you at least 30 hours work a week.
• Study for up to 3 months in any 12 month period, or do any study required as part of your employment.
• If you are eligible, apply for a Straight to Residence Visa, Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa or Transport Work to Residence Visa.
• If you are eligible, use skilled work experience in New Zealand to claim points towards the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. New Zealand skilled residence pathways

Things to note

• Most AEWV holders can stay in New Zealand for a total of 5 years. If you are paid less than the median wage or are employed in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job your total stay may be less than 5 years.  How long you can stay on an AEWV Wage rate requirements for visas
• This visa links you with the employer who offered you the visa application for the length of your visa. If your situation changes, you must apply to vary the conditions of your visa or apply for a Job Change or apply for a new visa. Changing the conditions of a work visa or applying for a Job Change
• You may be able to support a work visa for your partner and visitor or student visas for your dependent children. You can only support your dependent child's visitor or student visa if you earn at least NZD $43,322.76 each year.  Bringing family if you have a work visa
• New Zealand employers or agents cannot charge you fees for a job or make you pay any of their recruitment costs.  Protect yourself from immigration scams

Use the filters below to display relevant tips as well as detailed fees and receiving centre information

What you need to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

Prove your identity by providing:

• 1 acceptable photo, and
• a scan of the personal details page of your passport or certificate of identity .

Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA

After you apply, we let you know if we need to see your original passport.

Providing your passport for online applications

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand.

You must also provide your Kartu Keluarga .

If you are not a French national, you must provide a copy of your carte d’assuré.

You must also provide a copy of your livret de famille.

If you are a Filipino citizen leaving the Philippines, your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you plan to leave. This is a departure requirement in the Philippines.

If you are a citizen of China and you submit a paper application form in China, you must also complete a supplementary form.

Supplementary form for Chinese citizens (INZ 1027) PDF 338KB

If you are submitting a paper application form, you must provide a supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students.

Supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students (INZ 1220) PDF 240KB

Also provide a copy of your Identity card.

Also provide your:

• Hukou (household registration book)
• Chinese identity card.

You must be of good character

If you have a criminal conviction or are a security risk to New Zealand we may not be able to grant you a visa.

Good character for temporary visas

You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then.

You also must provide police certificates if we ask for them.

If you are 16 years old or younger you do not need to provide police certificates.

Providing police certificates

How to get a police certificate

If you have already sent us Police Certificates with a previous visa application and they are less than 24 months old, you do not need to send them again.

Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application. They must be from any country you are a citizen of, or have spent more than 5 years in since you turned 17.

If you provide a police certificate that is not in English, you must provide an English translation .

This includes police certificates that record no convictions.

The acceptable character certificate for the Philippines is the NBI clearance.

You must be in good health

After you submit your application we will check any medical information you have previously submitted and contact you if we need new medical information.

You must provide a chest x-ray completed in the last 3 months, even if you've provided one to us previously, if:

• you have spent 6 consecutive months in China since the last x-ray certificate was issued, and
• you are now coming to NZ for more than 6 months.

Genuine intentions

You must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa

When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we consider all the information:

• you provide to support your application
• we have about your personal circumstances, and
• you provided in any previous applications.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ

New Zealand job offer

You must have an offer of full-time work from an accredited employer

Your job offer must be:

• current at the time you apply for your visa
• for at least 30 hours of work a week
• from an employer who is accredited to hire migrants for the Accredited Employer Work Visa and has an approved job check for your role.

The accreditation process

In your visa application you must include:

• a copy of the employment agreement and job description
• a signed copy of the job offer.

The employment agreement must include:

• your employer’s name, address and phone number
• your name and address
• your job title
• the address for your place of work
• the kind of work you will be doing and your responsibilities at work
• details of any necessary qualifications or work experience
• information about whether you need New Zealand registration to do the work
• what hours you will work and how long the work will be for
• how long you have to take up the job offer
• pay and work conditions that comply with New Zealand employment law.

Your employment agreement must be with an accredited employer who has a history of compliance with immigration and employment law.

Check if an employer is accredited

List of non-compliant employers | Employment New Zealand

Job offer scams are common in India and South Asia, ensure your job offer is genuine.

How to determine how realistic the job offer is

Your employer must pay you at least the February 2023 median wage rate unless your job is on an exemption list.

AEWV roles exempt from paying the February 2023 median wage rate

Your job offer cannot be for:

• work planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops in the horticulture or viticulture industries
• foreign crew of fishing vessels, or
• self-employed work.

ANZSCO Skill Level

There may be additional requirements, depending on the ANZSCO level of your job

If your role is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5:

• you must show that you can speak and understand English
• you may have a shorter total time you can stay in New Zealand of 3 years instead of 5 years
• your employer will need to advertise a role for a longer period of time before offering it to you.

Minimum skill requirements

You must show you meet the AEWV skill requirements we set

You must have either:

• 3 years or more of relevant work experience, or
• a qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) .

Your qualification or work experience must be in the same field or industry as the job you have been offered. If you have a Bachelor's degree or higher your qualification can be in any field or industry.

Work experience evidence

Evidence of work experience must be from someone other than yourself, and can include:

• letters of reference from a former employer
• certificates of employment
• pay slips, or
• tax certificates.

Qualifications evidence

You must provide copies of your qualifications with your application.

You also must provide an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) if your qualification is:

• below a Bachelor's degree, and
• from outside of New Zealand.

This is so we can check if your qualification is comparable to a level 4 New Zealand qualification or higher.

Apply for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) – NZQA website

If your job token  is expiring before 30 June 2024 we will also accept evidence that you have applied for an IQA, such as your receipt from NZQA, when you submit your application. We will hold your application for a reasonable period of time, until your IQA can be provided. We will complete an assessment on the rest of your application while we wait for your IQA.

You do not need to provide any additional evidence to show you meet our minimum skill requirements if:

• your role is on the Green List, and you provide evidence that you meet the Green List requirements for that role
• you have occupational registration for your role, which required evidence of work experience or qualifications to get, and you provide this evidence to us
• you are paid 2 times the February 2023 median wage or more (NZD$59.32 an hour), or
• you have already given us evidence of your Level 4 or higher qualification, or 3 or more years of work experience with a previous visa application.

Green List roles

Occupational registration

Employer's requirements for the job

You must show you have the skills and experience your employer has specified

These requirements may include evidence of your work experience, qualifications or occupational registration.

You may need to provide this evidence for other AEWV criteria, such as

• minimum skill requirements, and
• occupational registration.

If you provide this evidence for another AEWV criteria, you do not need to provide it again.

You may need New Zealand registration

If registration is required to work in your occupation in New Zealand, you must provide either:

• a certified copy  of your full or provisional New Zealand registration
• confirmation from the appropriate registration body that you’re eligible for New Zealand registration.

Time required outside New Zealand

You must have spent the required time outside New Zealand to be eligible for another AEWV.

There is a total time you can stay in New Zealand (also called maximum continuous stay ) for everyone with an AEWV. If you reach your maximum continuous stay, you must spend the required time outside New Zealand for your role before you are eligible for a further AEWV.

If you are paid less than the February 2023 median wage, or if your role is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5 your total time you can stay may be less than 5 years.

If you have an existing AEWV and you are eligible for a further AEWV, you may be able to apply for your visa balance.

How long you can stay on an AEWV

English language

If your role is at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 you must show that you can speak and understand English

There are 2 ways to show us you speak and understand English – through:

• your citizenship, where you studied and the qualifications you gained
• English language tests.

The results of your English language test must:

• meet the minimum score we set
• be no more than 2 years old when you apply.

If your job token  is expiring before 30 June 2024 we will accept evidence of your English language test booking when you submit your application. We will hold your application for a reasonable period of time, until your test results can be provided. We will complete an assessment on the rest of your application while we wait for your results.

Find out about the citizenship requirements, the evidence needed for study and qualifications, or the test results required:

English language requirements for AEWV skill level 4 and 5 roles

When we assess your application, we may ask for more evidence of your ability to speak and understand English. If we do, you may have to sit a test and send us the results.

Process and costs

The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.

We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

How to submit

Payment methods and receiving centre details if applicable.

We cannot display any receiving centre or payment method information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.

Entry permission

You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD), or an NZTD paper declaration.

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.

Arriving in New Zealand

You can be refused entry permission if:

• you don’t meet our character requirements
• your circumstances have changed since you were granted a visa
• you refuse to let us to take your photo, or provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan, if we ask you for them.

If you want to travel in and out of New Zealand, you must have valid multiple entry travel conditions to return to New Zealand.

Varying the conditions of a work visa

If applying from inside New Zealand, we will normally give multiple entry travel conditions when we grant a visa.

If there are no multiple entry travel conditions and you leave New Zealand the visa will expire.

The travel conditions will be listed on the visa label or in a visa letter.

Your employer must offer you at least 30 of hours of work per week. You may work only in the specific occupation, for the employer and in the location specified on your visa. If these conditions change, you must apply to vary the conditions of your visa or apply for a Job Change. You cannot work a second job while on an AEWV.

Changing the conditions of a work visa or applying for a Job Change

To be accredited your employer has committed to:

• give you specific work-related settlement information and support
• allow you time to complete study modules about working in New Zealand
• not pass on their accreditation, recruitment or operational costs to you, and
• comply with New Zealand employment and immigration laws.

Migrant workers have the same rights as New Zealand workers. If you think your employer is mistreating you or your workplace is unsafe, report them. Reporting them will not affect your visa.

Your employer's commitments to hire you on an AEWV

They must also pay you at least NZD$29.66 an hour (the February 2023 median wage rate) unless your occupation is on an exemption list.

You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period.

You may be able to do other study if it is required by your employer as part of your employment. Your employer must pay for any work-related study you need to do.

Visa expiry

You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

You can stay for up to 5 years on this visa if you are paid at or above NZD$29.66 an hour (the February 2023 median wage rate).