1 Answer the declaration honestly
This is the part within your control, and it matters more than most people expect. A record that is disclosed is assessed. A record that is concealed and later discovered is treated as misrepresentation, which is generally a more serious problem than the original offence — and it can affect future applications, not just this one.
2 What tends to weigh
Authorities generally look at how serious the offence was, how long ago it happened, whether any sentence is complete, and whether there is a pattern. A single minor matter long in the past is a very different case from a recent or serious one. Read each question carefully — some ask only about convictions, others about charges, and the wording decides what you must disclose.
3 Practical steps
- Apply early. Allow well beyond the usual 3 working days, since a file needing extra assessment does not move at the standard pace.
- Do not book non-refundable travel before you have a decision.
- Keep documentation about the disposal of the case accessible.
4 If you need certainty
For a serious or recent matter, the New Zealand embassy or a qualified immigration adviser can speak to your specific circumstances. We handle the application; we cannot assess your admissibility.
United eVisa Services is a private application-support provider, not a government agency. The immigration authority makes the decision.