SAPS police clearance for US immigrant visa applications
How U.S. Department of State police-certificate requirements treat South African applicants — including those living in New Zealand — and where a SAPS certificate fits in.
US immigrant visa police-certificate requirements
For U.S. immigrant visa applicants aged 16 and over — whether through the Diversity Visa (Green Card) program, family sponsorship, or employment sponsorship — the U.S. Department of State generally requires an original police certificate from your country of current residence, and from any country you've lived in for six months or more since turning 16. For most South African applicants, that means South Africa is one of the countries requiring a certificate — and if you've lived in New Zealand for six months or more, a separate New Zealand Police certificate is typically required as well.
This applies specifically to immigrant (permanent-residence) visas processed via the National Visa Center. Nonimmigrant visas, such as a standard visitor or tourist visa, typically don't require a police certificate as standard supporting documentation — always confirm the exact requirement for your specific visa category and consulate on travel.state.gov before relying on general guidance like this page.
Frequently Asked
Does a US visa require a SAPS police clearance certificate?
For US immigrant visas (permanent-residence pathways, including the Diversity Visa program and family- or employment-sponsored petitions), yes — the U.S. Department of State generally requires police certificates from your country of current residence and any country you've lived in for six months or more since age 16, which for most South Africans includes South Africa. Nonimmigrant visas, like a standard tourist visa, typically don't require one as standard documentation. Always confirm the exact requirement for your visa category on travel.state.gov.
Who processes US immigrant visa applications — do I deal with SAPS directly?
No. The National Visa Center (NVC), part of the U.S. Department of State, manages your petition and documentation until an immigrant visa number is available and an interview is scheduled at a U.S. consulate. SAPS only issues the South African police certificate itself, which you submit as one piece of supporting documentation.
Do I need a police certificate from New Zealand as well as South Africa?
If you've lived in New Zealand for six months or more, you'll generally need a police certificate from New Zealand too — that's a separate process through New Zealand Police, distinct from the SAPS certificate EM Services coordinates. Confirm both requirements against the current instructions from NVC or your specific consulate.
How recent does my SAPS certificate need to be for a US application?
We don't have a single confirmed validity window to quote here — check the current instructions from the National Visa Center or the specific U.S. consulate handling your case, since requirements are set by the U.S. Department of State and can vary.
Can I get my SAPS certificate coordinated from New Zealand?
Yes — EM Services coordinates the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate itself (fingerprints, documentation, submission) from Christchurch, regardless of which country or authority the finished certificate is ultimately being submitted to.