Highlights: Indians Applying for New Zealand Visas Must Get PCCs from Regional Passport Offices from December 2025

• From December 1, 2025, only Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) issued by India’s Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) will be accepted for New Zealand visa applications.
• PCCs issued by local police stations, Deputy Commissioners, or Superintendent Offices will no longer be valid.
• The change has been introduced to ensure consistent formats and easier authentication of documents.
• The new rule applies to Indian nationals applying for visas from within India.
• Indian nationals residing outside India and non-Indian nationals who have lived in India can continue following the existing PCC requirements.

*Want to apply for a New Zealand visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.
 

INZ Updates Police Clearance Rules for Indian Visa Applicants

Starting December 1, 2025, Indian nationals applying for New Zealand visas must present a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued only by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) of the Ministry of External Affairs.

This update replaces the old system where PCCs from local police stations, Deputy Commissioners, or Superintendents of Police were accepted. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) found these certificates inconsistent in format and harder to verify, which often caused processing delays.

By centralizing the requirement through the RPO, INZ aims to ensure greater consistency, authenticity, and faster verification of documents. This change is expected to streamline the visa process and reduce the chances of rejections due to unverified or inconsistent PCCs.

For Indian nationals residing outside India, as well as non-Indian nationals who have lived in India, the existing requirements remain unchanged.

Also, read…

New Zealand Launches Parent Boost Visitor Visa on September 29, 2025. Apply now!
 

How Indian Applicants Can Prepare for the New PCC Rule

If you are planning to apply for a New Zealand visa on or after December 1, 2025, it is important to prepare in advance and follow the updated rules carefully. Here are some steps to help you stay compliant with the new PCC requirement:

• Apply for your Police Clearance Certificate directly through the Regional Passport Office (RPO).
• Factor in the processing time, as obtaining a PCC may take several weeks.
• Ensure all other supporting documents are ready in advance to avoid delays.
• Double-check that your PCC is issued in the updated format before submission.
• Seek expert advice if you are unsure about the process or timelines.

Note: By planning early and securing your PCC from the Regional Passport Office, you can avoid last-minute stress and keep your New Zealand visa application on track.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis News Page!

 

Highlights: New Zealand Introduces Parent Boost Visitor Visa for Extended Family Stays

• New Zealand opened applications for the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa from September 29, 2025.
• The visa allows parents to stay for up to 5 years, with an option to extend their stay to 10 years through a second visa.
• Applicants must be sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Parents or their sponsors are required to meet financial conditions, including income or savings thresholds, to ensure self-sufficiency.
• Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory, with a minimum coverage of NZD $250,000 per year for medical emergencies.

*Want to apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa? Get in touch with Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.
 

Who Can Apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is designed for parents who want to spend meaningful, extended time with their children in New Zealand while keeping their main home ties abroad. It offers flexibility and longer stays but is strictly for temporary visits, not for permanent residence.

To be eligible for the New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor visa, you must:

• Apply from outside New Zealand and remain overseas until the visa is granted.
• Be sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident (joint sponsorship allowed).
• Not have any dependent children.
• Meet health and character requirements with no waivers for medical issues.
• Show financial self-sufficiency through income or savings, or meet sponsor’s income criteria.
• Purchase at least 12 months of acceptable health insurance upfront, covering a minimum of NZD $250,000 per year for emergencies.

 

*Want to know more about the Parent boost visitor visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for further guidance.
 

Requirements for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa comes with specific requirements to ensure parents are well-supported during their stay and that the programme remains sustainable. Below is a clear breakdown of the key conditions:

 

Requirement	Details
Financial Support	Sponsors must earn at least the median wage for one parent, or 1.5 times the median wage (NZD $104,707.20) for joint sponsors. Parents can also qualify with income matching New Zealand Superannuation rates (NZD $32,611.28 for singles, NZD $49,552.88 for couples) or by showing savings of NZD $160,000 (single) or NZD $250,000 (couple).
Health Insurance	Applicants must maintain valid insurance throughout their stay. Minimum cover: NZD $250,000 a year for emergencies, NZD $100,000 for cancer treatment, NZD $250,000 for repatriation, and NZD $50,000 for return of remains. First 12 months must be purchased upfront.
Character & Health	Parents must meet New Zealand’s character and medical standards. No waivers are allowed for health issues.
Sponsorship	Must be sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. Joint sponsorship is allowed.
Temporary Stay Declaration	Applicants must confirm they understand the visa is temporary and does not lead to residence.

 

Also, read…

Planning for a business trip to New Zealand? Get this visa in 4 days.
 

How does the New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa work?

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is structured to give parents flexibility while ensuring they meet health and financial safeguards throughout their stay. Once approved, parents can enjoy extended time with their families in New Zealand under the following conditions:

Some of the key features of the Visa are:

• Visa holders can stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years under the first visa.
• A second 5-year visa can be applied for, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years.
• Parents must arrive in New Zealand within 6 months of visa approval.
• Visa holders can leave and re-enter New Zealand freely during the visa period, with partners allowed to travel separately.
• A compliance check is required between years 3 and 4, which includes providing a new medical certificate and proof of continuous health insurance.
• Medical waivers will not be granted, meaning applicants must continue meeting health requirements to remain eligible.
• This system balances the opportunity for families to be together with clear rules that protect both visa holders and New Zealand’s services.

 

Steps to Apply for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Step 1: Apply from outside New Zealand and remain abroad until the visa is granted.

Step 2: Provide sponsorship details from your adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Step 3: Submit proof of financial support along with health and character documents.

Step 4: Receive Approval in Principle and purchase 12 months of acceptable health insurance.

Step 5: Get your visa granted and arrive in New Zealand within six months to activate your stay.

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis News Page!

Your Company Won't Pay $100K for Your H1B – Now What? Discover Plan B with Y-Axis

• Trump proposes a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B and Green Card applicants abroad.
• Not everyone is affected — see the breakdown below.
• New wage-based lottery system gives higher salaries better chances.
• IT & Engineering professionals face tougher competition.
• Students in the U.S. must start thinking about a Plan B.

Who’s Affected?

Situation	$100k Fee?	Status
H-1B worker inside U.S.	❌	Not affected
H-1B transfer inside U.S.	❌	Not affected
H-1B extension inside U.S.	❌	Not affected
Travel abroad, H-1B stamp still valid	❌	Not affected
Travel abroad, H-1B expired → new petition	✅	Affected
Currently abroad filing fresh H-1B	✅	Affected
OPT → H-1B (change of status inside U.S.)	❌	Not affected
OPT → H-1B with stamping abroad	✅	Affected
Green card I-485 inside U.S.	❌	Not affected
Green card consular processing abroad	✅	Affected

Wage-Based Lottery Explained

If H-1B applications exceed the 85,000 cap, USCIS will prioritize higher wages:

• Level 4 (highest wage): 4 lottery entries
• Level 3: 3 entries
• Level 2: 2 entries
• Level 1 (lowest wage): 1 entry

The higher your salary, the better your chances.

But what if your salary isn’t at the top levels? Here’s your Plan B — global career options for IT & Engineering professionals.

🌍 Plan B Options for IT & Engineering Professionals

If the U.S. dream is getting tougher, you can still build a great career abroad:

1. Canada PR (Express Entry & PNPs)
   1. Huge demand for software engineers, developers, AI/ML specialists, and engineers.
   2. Direct PR pathway, NO employer sponsorship required.
2. Australia Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190/491)
   1. Points-based system favors young IT and huge demand for civil engineering professionals.
   2. PR with job flexibility and excellent lifestyle.
3. UK Skilled Worker Visa
   1. Shortage Occupation List includes programmers, developers, and engineers.
   2. Employer sponsorship plus a path to settlement.
4. Germany & EU Work Opportunities
   1. EU Blue Card and Opportunity Card open doors for skilled IT and engineering talent.
   2. Europe is actively seeking IT, Engineering and STEM professionals.
       
5. Middle East & UAE
   1. Strong demand in IT, AI, and engineering projects.
   2. Tax-free salaries and faster visa processing.

🎓 Students in the U.S. What’s Your Plan B?

Relying only on H-1B could be risky. If stamping or fees make it harder, here are smarter routes:

• Canada Work Visa after graduation to PR Pathway
• Australia Graduate Work Visa to PR pathway
• UK Graduate Route to Skilled Worker Visa
• Germany & Europe study-to-work pathways

Don’t let your U.S. study dream end with uncertainty. Have a backup ready.

Your Future Doesn’t End with H-1B — Y-Axis Makes It Global

At Y-Axis, we help you stay ahead of immigration changes:

• For Professionals: PR & work visas in Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, and UAE.
• For Students: Study-to-PR guidance & global career planning.
• For Families: Permanent residency and settlement solutions worldwide.

Don’t let U.S. immigration rules decide your future. Talk to Y-Axis today and unlock your global career options.

 

Why More Students & Professionals Are Choosing Asia and the UAE Over the USA?

• Asia & UAE emerging as global education hotspots — affordable, world-class, and career-focused.
• Top destinations: China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and UAE (Dubai).
• Scholarships & grants widely available across Asian universities.
• Strong job prospects in tech, healthcare, business, and research.
• Lower tuition & living costs compared to the U.S. and Europe. 

Key Facts You Should Know

• China: 490,000+ international students, strong in medicine, engineering, and technology.
• Japan: Top-100 global universities, MEXT scholarships, and global leadership in AI & robotics.
• Singapore: Ranked among the top 15 education systems, excellent post-study job prospects.
• Malaysia: International campuses of UK & Australian universities, at 50–60% lower cost.
• South Korea: 160,000+ international students, GKS scholarships, global tech giants (Samsung, Hyundai).
• Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan: Affordable MBBS & engineering programs with WHO/NMC recognition.
• UAE (Dubai): Branch campuses of NYU, Middlesex, Heriot-Watt; tax-free economy; global business hub.

Why Students & Professionals Prefer Asia & UAE?

• Affordability: Tuition fees are far lower than the U.S. or UK.
• Global Recognition: Degrees from top-ranked institutions carry international weight.
• Career Prospects: Strong demand in AI, healthcare, engineering, business, and IT.
• Cultural Comfort: Safe, multicultural, and familiar environment for Indian students.
• Future Pathways: Post-study work rights, residency options, and exposure to booming economies. 

Y-Axis: Your Guide to Study in Asia & the UAE

At Y-Axis, we help you choose the right study destination and secure your future:

• University Selection & Admissions — personalized counseling for Asia & UAE’s top institutions.
• Scholarship Assistance — maximize chances of winning government or university grants.
• Visa & Documentation Support — smooth processing for study visas.
• Career Guidance — plan your path from degree to job and residency.

👉 Seats for 2025 intakes are filling fast!  Book your free consultation with Y-Axis today and explore opportunities in Asia & the UAE.

 

UK to Become Global Tech Hub — $11.8 Trillion Investments, A Perfect Alternative to H-1B for Professionals & Students

• $11.8 trillion tech giants (Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI, and more) pledged multi-billion-dollar investments in the UK.
• Focus areas: AI, cloud computing, advanced data centers, and next-gen digital infrastructure.
• UK is positioning itself as a global technology hub.
• New pathways open for foreign professionals and international students.
• Seen as a perfect alternative to the U.S. H-1B visa, offering freedom and opportunity.

Key Facts You Should Know

• Windsor Castle Meeting (Sept 2025): Tech leaders joined former U.S. President Donald Trump in the UK.
• Investments in UK: Tens of billions committed to AI chips, computing, and digital services.
• Strategic goal: Strengthen the UK’s role in global AI leadership and digital regulation.
• Hiring potential: High demand for AI engineers, software developers, cloud architects, and data scientists.
• For students: More industry-backed programs in AI, robotics, and computing at top UK universities. 

Why This Matters for Students & Professionals in India?

• With the U.S. H-1B becoming costlier and restrictive, the UK is offering a clearer, more attractive alternative.
• Professionals gain direct access to a booming AI and digital economy.
• International students benefit from world-class education and career pathways linked to major tech companies.
• The UK is shaping up to be the next big global magnet for skilled talent. 

Y-Axis: Your Gateway to UK Skilled Worker Visa

At Y-Axis, we help you leverage this opportunity:

• Work Visa & Tech Visa Guidance — fast-track entry into the UK job market.
• Job Search & Resume Marketing — designed for AI, cloud, and IT roles.
• Study Abroad Counseling — admissions to UK universities aligned with industry demand.
• PR & Settlement Services — build your long-term future in the UK.

👉 The U.S. may be closing doors with its H-1B hurdles, but the UK is opening them wide.
 With Y-Axis, you can make the UK Skilled Worker Visa your perfect alternative to the H-1B.