If you go through any immigration process, such as getting a second residency or citizenship, you will probably need to submit a criminal record check from your country of origin.
In this article, we’re helping our New Zealander expats and expat-hopefuls understand what this document really is, what information it contains and most importantly, how to acquire it seamlessly.
Getting your criminal record check is important, especially if you are moving to another country or applying for important documents
Many countries you want to move to require that you don’t have a conflictive criminal history before you set foot in their territory. The way to prove you won’t cause any trouble or engage in crime is a criminal record check from your country (in this case, New Zealand). If you’re a Kiwi looking into getting a second residency or citizenship, chances are the immigration authorities of your target country want you to submit this document.
A criminal record check (also known as ‘criminal record’ or ‘criminal conviction history’) is an official document issued by the Ministry of Justice of New Zealand. It typically includes criminal and traffic convictions, while other offences like parking tickets, pending charges, and overseas convictions are not mentioned. This document will not require you to pay any fees to acquire it.
In some cases, you’ll be eligible for a clean slate, which may be granted to you by applying for a copy of your criminal record. You must meet ALL of the following conditions to be entitled to the clean slate:
No convictions in the last seven years.
No custodial sentences (prison, borstal, corrective training).
No convictions of offences are listed in section 4 of the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004.
Paid any fine, compensation, reparation or costs ordered by the court in a criminal case.
No indefinite disqualification from driving.
Never be held in a hospital due to your mental condition by the court in a criminal case instead of being sentenced.
Related content: How To Easily Obtain Your Criminal Record Check From The United States
By following the next steps outlined below, such as getting the correct documents and filling out the appropriate forms, you can easily get your criminal record check from New Zealand
Now that you understand what the criminal record check is and how it can help you move abroad, it’s time to see the step-by-step process for getting this document:
You have to submit two documents, both of which must be saved in a JPG, JPEG, PNG or PDF format:
Valid ID copy, such as a New Zealand driver’s licence (current or expired for no more than two years), a New Zealand passport (current or expired for no more than two years), an overseas passport, or a current New Zealand Firearm Licence.
Signed and dated Authority to Release Form.
Make sure that the copy of your ID shows all your data clearly, matches the details you provide on the online form and is not spoiled. If you don’t have a valid ID at the moment of your request, you can fill out a Proof of Identity or Statutory Declaration.
Once you have all the documents and are ready to start your request, go to this page and check the two boxes at the bottom of the page.
Then, you’ll move on to a new page where you need to fill in a form with various details such as your name, surname, date of birth, email, address, etc. To help you navigate this, check out the sections you will encounter:
Applicant: Provide some personal information (name, surname, date of birth, email address, etc).
Applicant address: Fill out your address and tell me if you have lived at any other address in the last ten years.
Report: You’ll be asked whether you want to receive a full record of your criminal conviction held on the Ministry of Justice’s systems. If you want this document for immigration purposes, such as getting a visa from a foreign country, select ‘yes.’
Upload: Here, you must upload the two documents we mentioned above (valid ID and Authority to Release Form). Make sure the files don’t have more than two pages and the size of each is less than 6 MB.
Declaration: Check the box to indicate that all the information you share with the Ministry of Justice is true, complete and correct, and if you have provided incorrect or incomplete information, the Ministry won’t be able to provide an accurate result.
Within 20 working days, you’ll get a response to your request, but 90% of the time, requests are responded to in under a week. If further information is needed, the Ministry will get in touch with you, further delaying the process. In normal circumstances, you’ll get the response via email or in the post, depending on the option you choose.
Related content: How To Easily Obtain Your Criminal Record Check From Canada
Some countries require you to provide a criminal record check for entry or visa approval, so make sure you follow the right steps to get yours
Getting your criminal record from New Zealand is a fairly simple process, with just a few documents to provide and various options for when you don’t have a valid ID. Follow the steps we’ve discussed above to acquire yours quickly, and you’ll be one step closer to locking in a second residency or passport.
Remember that if you plan on escaping New Zealand in search of greener pastures (or, at the very least, a Plan-B), you can claim your free special report, ‘Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.’ You’ll get the fast-track routes to secure a much-needed safety net when things go south in New Zealand or anywhere else.