The Standard Document: Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check
For international visa applications including Korea's E-2, NZ teachers obtain their criminal record check through the Ministry of Justice. This is the police clearance certificate that Korean immigration accepts as the standard NZ background check.
The key advantage over some other countries: you apply for this yourself, directly online. No employer sponsorship required. The certificate is also free for personal use.
Important
The criminal record certificate must be issued within 6 months of your contract start date in Korea. Time the request so the DIA apostille completes 2–3 months before your departure — too early and the certificate expires, too late and you miss the visa deadline.
NZ Police Vetting Is Different — Don't Confuse Them
New Zealand has two separate criminal record systems that confuse first-time applicants:
- Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check — for international visa purposes, individuals apply themselves online. This is what Korea wants.
- NZ Police Vetting — for employment screening inside NZ, requires an authorised organisation to request on your behalf. This is not the route for Korea.
Step 1: Apply via Ministry of Justice
- Go to justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/get-a-copy.
- Apply online for a copy of your criminal record.
- Verify identity with NZ driver's licence or passport.
- The certificate is free for personal-use copies.
- Processing time: approximately 20 working days, then mailed to you.
Korvia Tip
The 20-working-day processing window is the longest part of the NZ teacher's visa preparation. Apply early — ideally before you have a job offer. Once the certificate arrives, the DIA apostille step is fast (3–5 days).
Step 2: DIA Apostille
Once you have your Ministry of Justice criminal record certificate, send it to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in Wellington for apostille. DIA is the federal authority that issues apostilles for NZ documents.
The DIA Process
- Download the apostille request form from the DIA website.
- Send the certificate, request form, and ~NZD $45 fee to DIA.
- Use NZ Post Tracked or a courier — never untracked mail.
- DIA processing: 3–5 working days.
- If you're in Wellington, in-person submission is the fastest option (often same-day or next-day).
Realistic Timeline by Route
| Stage | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check | ~20 working days + mail (~4–5 weeks total) | Free |
| DIA apostille — in-person Wellington | Same-day to 1–2 days (fastest) | ~NZD $45 |
| DIA apostille — mail | 3–5 working days + shipping | ~NZD $45 |
Total Time Scenarios (Apostille Only)
The numbers below cover the MoJ certificate + DIA apostille only. The E-2 visa application at the Korean Embassy is a separate process.
- Best case (MoJ + DIA in-person Wellington): ~4–5 weeks
- Standard case (MoJ + DIA mail): 5–6 weeks
After Apostille: E-2 Visa Application (Separate Process)
Once the DIA apostille is attached, the document is fully authenticated. The Korean Embassy in Auckland does not re-authenticate the apostille — they accept it as part of your E-2 visa application packet. The E-2 visa application is a separate process; see our E-2 visa guide for details.
Other Documents You'll Need for the E-2 Visa
- Apostilled MoJ Criminal Record Check (issued within 6 months of contract start)
- Apostilled university degree
- Sealed university transcripts
- Valid NZ passport (6+ months remaining)
- Employment contract from your Korean school
- Medical exam results (chest X-ray, blood test)
- Passport photos (4×6 cm)
- Completed E-2 visa application form (provided by embassy)
Common Mistakes NZ Teachers Make
- Confusing MoJ criminal record with NZ Police Vetting: They are different. MoJ is for overseas visa use; Police Vetting is for NZ employment.
- Forgetting the DIA apostille: An un-apostilled certificate is automatically rejected by Korean immigration.
- Using untracked mail to DIA: Use NZ Post Tracked or a courier. Lost certificates mean restarting the entire 20-working-day MoJ process.
- Starting too late:The MoJ 20-working-day window is non-negotiable. If you're targeting an August start, get moving by June at the latest.
- Name mismatch with passport: Verify every name field and date of birth before submitting to DIA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for my own police clearance in New Zealand?
Yes. The Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check is applied for by individuals directly at justice.govt.nz. This is the standard document used for overseas visa applications, including Korea's E-2 visa. You do not need an employer or agency to apply on your behalf.
How long does the NZ Ministry of Justice criminal record check take?
Standard processing time is approximately 20 working days from application. A printed certificate is then mailed to you — allow 4–5 weeks total from application to receipt. Factor in additional time for the DIA apostille. Start at least 6 weeks before your target visa submission date.
Where do I get my NZ criminal record apostilled?
Apostilles for NZ documents are issued by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in Wellington. Mail your criminal record certificate with an apostille request form and fee — DIA processing typically takes 3–5 working days. In-person submission in Wellington is the fastest option (often same-day or next-day).
What is the difference between Ministry of Justice criminal record and NZ Police Vetting?
The Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check is the standard document for international visa purposes — individuals apply themselves at justice.govt.nz. NZ Police Vetting is a separate process used for employment screening inside New Zealand and requires an authorised organisation to request it. For Korea's E-2 visa, the Ministry of Justice criminal record check is the typical submission.
Can I apply if I have lived overseas most of my life?
Yes. The Ministry of Justice check covers NZ criminal history for NZ citizens and residents. If you have overseas criminal history, you may need to declare it on the E-2 visa application separately. Korean immigration may request additional documentation for overseas history.
Apply With Korvia
As EPIK's exclusive international recruiting partner since 2008, Korvia guides NZ teachers through every visa document step — MoJ timing, apostille coordination, and full E-2 visa preparation. Free for teachers.