Overseas police clearance You may be asked to provide a police clearance from overseas if you have spent a long time outside New Zealand in the past twelve years. Generally, clearances may be requested if you have been settled in a place outside New Zealand for:
four or more months during the previous three years; or
twelve or more months during the previous four to twelve year period (with New Zealand residency); or
four months or more during the processing of your citizenship application; or
four months or more after approval and before attending a ceremony.
