Have you ever dreamed of calling New Zealand home? Wonderful! As you prepare for your visa, it is key to be aware of the health standards. New Zealand welcomes healthy newcomers who will thrive and contribute without placing excessive demands on their healthcare system. This information will guide you through the health requirements for your visa journey. Let’s make the process a smooth step towards your Kiwi adventure!
The fundamental principle guiding New Zealand’s health requirements for visa applicants is the "Acceptable Standard of Health" (ASH). In order to meet this standard, New Zealand assesses visa applicants as follows:
Key Criteria for Meeting ASH
|
CRITERIA ONE |
Public Health Safety: This criterion focuses on ensuring your health status presents no significant risk to the health of the general population in New Zealand. The aim is to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and maintain a healthy community environment for everyone. |
|
CRITERIA TWO |
Healthcare Resource Management: This assesses whether your potential healthcare needs are unlikely to create a substantial burden on New Zealand's public health system or specialised education services like the ORS. This helps ensure these resources remain sustainable for all who need them. |
|
CRITERIA THREE |
Fitness for Purpose: Specifically relevant for work or residence visas based on employment, this looks at whether your health allows you to effectively carry out your intended activities in New Zealand. It ensures you are fit for the purpose of your visa. |
Irrelevant Factors
Your personal wealth, ability to afford private healthcare, private health insurance, or external support systems are not considered.
To check if you meet the health standards, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) uses key medical assessments. These usually include chest X-rays and medical exams by approved doctors. Official health forms, such as the General Medical Certificate, record the results, providing essential health information for your visa.
|
Note: To get detailed information on chest X-rays and health examinations, please refer to the webpage Who Needs an X-Ray or Health Exam for NZ Visas on the NZ ETA website. This resource provides comprehensive details on who is required to undergo these medical assessments based on their visa type and intended duration of stay in New Zealand. |
|
Aspect of Health Disclosure |
Importance Level |
Potential Consequences |
|
Critical |
Visa refusal, potential for future application issues |
|
Critical |
Visa refusal, potential for future application issues |
|
Absolutely |
Visa refusal, visa cancellation (even after arrival) |
|
Absolutely |
Visa refusal, visa cancellation (even after arrival) |
|
High |
Underlines the expectation of thorough and truthful reporting |
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) may decline your temporary visa application if your health is likely to require significant healthcare during your stay, including:
Your application may also be declined if you have a severe developmental or cognitive condition needing significant support. These conditions include, but aren't limited to:
This health requirement applies to the following categories of temporary visas:
The Child of a Worker Visitor Visa allows children (who depend on someone holding a New Zealand work visa) to come and visit their parents in New Zealand.
A Child of Military Visitor Visa is for children whose parent is in New Zealand for military duties or work.
A Child of a Student Visitor Visa enables children whose parents are studying in New Zealand to visit them.
The Dependent Child Student Visa is for children who are coming to New Zealand primarily to study at a primary or secondary school.
Note: If you are under 20 and applying for a student or guest visa as a dependent of someone with a work, student, or military visa, you are subject to the extra health condition.
If you or someone in your application has any of the following, INZ may deny your residence visa:
Therefore, while health standards protect New Zealand's public health, they also require applicants to prioritise their well-being during the immigration process. This interplay of individual health and national policy balances collective safety with personal aspirations. Ultimately, a successful visa, secured through preparation and understanding, signifies not just entry but a commitment to New Zealand's healthy future.
Generally, it doesn't automatically lead to cancellation. However, INZ might review severe cases impacting public health or resources. Maintain treatment and inform authorities if asked.
ASH principles apply to children too. However, required assessments can vary by age and visa type (e.g., younger children may not need a chest X-ray).
Yes, your partner's health is assessed under ASH. Significant health issues of your partner can affect your joint visa application.
