Good character for NZ ETA's and Residence Visas

When applying for the New Zealand ETA or a visa to New Zealand, whether it is for temporary stays, residency, supporting a partner, or transit purposes, meeting the good character requirements is essential. New Zealand seeks individuals who respect its values and contribute positively to society. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

Definition of "Good Character" in the Context of New Zealand Immigration

In the context of New Zealand immigration, "good character" refers to an individual’s history of behaviour and conduct, particularly in relation to any criminal activity, dishonesty, or actions that could pose a risk to the safety or well-being of New Zealand’s society. INZ assesses whether an applicant has displayed appropriate moral integrity, honesty, and compliance with the law, both in their home country and internationally.

Why Does Good Character Matter to New Zealand?

New Zealand values security, public order, and the well-being of its people. All visa applicants, regardless of visa type, must demonstrate that they meet good character standards. This includes disclosing any past or current issues that may impact your application. If there are concerns regarding your character, your visa or ETA may be at risk. However, in some cases, New Zealand can approve a character waiver if the issue is minor.

Common Character Issues to Disclose to New Zealand

Regardless of the visa type—ETA, temporary, residence, supporting partner, or transit—New Zealand requires all applicants to meet strict good character standards. All applicants must disclose any of the following:

• Criminal History: Convicted of an offence in the past 10 years and sentenced to a prison term of 12 months or more, or convicted of an offence and sentenced to 5 years or more.
• Human Rights Violations: Participation in activities that harm others’ rights.
• Deportation or Removal: If you have been removed or deported from any country, including New Zealand.
• In case of a Supporting Partner Visa: If you are applying for a visa as the partner of a New Zealander or someone holding a New Zealand visa, your supporting partner must also meet good character requirements. They may be asked to provide police certificates, especially if they are citizens of other countries. If your partner cannot provide proof of good character, they may still support your application through a character waiver, except in cases of family violence or sexual offences.

New Zealand's immigration authorities carefully assess these issues, and if deemed necessary, they may decline your visa or ETA. However, minor issues could be waived if the overall application meets the necessary standards.

Requesting a Character Waiver or Special Direction

If you have any issues that might affect your character assessment, you are encouraged to explain them fully when applying. In cases where you still wish to visit New Zealand despite these issues, you may apply for a character waiver or special direction. These are granted in exceptional circumstances, depending on the nature of the issue and its significance.

Process for Applying for a Character Waiver in New Zealand Immigration

Step 1: Identifying Character Issues

1. Evaluation: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) evaluates your character based on various factors, such as any criminal history, instances of providing false or misleading information, or actions that could negatively affect your character standing (as discussed above).
2. PPI Letter: If INZ identifies concerns regarding your character, they will issue a Preliminary Position Invitation (PPI) letter, outlining the issues and requesting a formal response from you.

Step 2: Preparing Your Response

1. Provide an Explanation: Offer a detailed, clear explanation of the character issue, outlining the context and specific circumstances around it.
2. Submit Evidence: Include supporting documentation such as police certificates, character references, and proof of rehabilitation or participation in community service programmes.
3. Justify Your Request: Articulate the reasons for wishing to enter or remain in New Zealand, explaining how granting a waiver would be in the country’s best interest.

Step 3: Submitting Your Application

1. Responding to the PPI: Submit your response to the PPI letter, ensuring that your explanation and evidence are well-organised and precise.
2. Seek Expert Assistance: It is recommended to consult a professional immigration advisor to ensure your response is thorough and complies with all necessary guidelines.

Step 4: INZ's Review Process

1. Assessment: INZ will carefully review your explanation, supporting evidence, and the circumstances of the character issue. They will consider factors such as the nature of the offence, the time elapsed since the incident, your efforts toward rehabilitation, and your connections to New Zealand.
2. Decision: The decision on whether to grant the character waiver will be based on the details of your case.

Key Considerations

• Honesty is Crucial: Always be honest and transparent about any relevant character issues, even if they occurred years ago.
• Professional Guidance: Seeking advice from a registered immigration consultant or lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success in your application.
• Rehabilitation Efforts: Showing genuine efforts at rehabilitation is an important aspect in supporting your application for a character waiver.

Common Myths About Character Requirements

"My juvenile record doesn’t count" → False

"My conviction was wiped clean" → Still counts

"I don’t need to declare dismissed charges" → Wrong

Conclusion

Good character is a key element in New Zealand’s visa process. By being transparent about your past and providing full explanations, you increase the likelihood of a positive decision on your application. Whether applying for a temporary visa, residence, supporting a partner, or transit, understanding these requirements helps ensure that your application proceeds smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does a cannabis possession charge from college affect my ETA?

  Yes—you must declare it. Minor drug offences sometimes get waivers.

• Can I visit NZ while awaiting trial overseas?

  No—being under investigation usually means automatic refusal.

• Will a shoplifting fine from age 18 block my work visa?

  Not necessarily, but you must declare it and explain rehabilitation.

• How do I prove I have changed since my conviction?

  Provide: employment records, volunteer work, character references.

• Does NZ check foreign criminal databases?

  Yes—they share data with Australia, Canada, the UK, and others.

• Can I apply if my home country won’t give me a police certificate?

  You must try—if impossible, explain why and provide other evidence.

• Do traffic tickets count as criminal convictions?

  Minor fines usually don’t, but serious offences (hit-and-run) do.