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Who Needs an X-Ray or Health Exam for NZ Visas

New Zealand has specific health standards that applicants for both temporary and residence visas must meet. These standards help ensure public health protection, manage demands for healthcare services, and assess an applicant’s ability to fulfil the purpose of their visa. Certain New Zealand visa applicants may need a chest x-ray or health exam, especially for long stays or specific countries. Check requirements early and apply for your New Zealand ETA online to avoid delays. Staying informed ensures a smoother visa process and a healthy start to your journey.

Who Needs An X Ray Or Health Exam For Nz Visas

Why Are Health Checks Necessary?

Immigration New Zealand assesses your health to determine:

Public Health Risk: To check whether or not you pose a risk to public health.
Significant Health Costs: Whether or not you are likely to create significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services.
Potential ORS Funding: The project might qualify for Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding.
Impact on Work/Study: Have a health condition that could prevent you from working or studying (if that's the visa's purpose).

Important Note: The ability of others to pay for your healthcare or the availability of private health insurance is not considered in this assessment.

What Language Should the Medical Certificates Be In?

All medical certificates must be completed in the English language.

X-Ray or Health Examination for NZ Visas

A medical checkup or chest X-ray may be required as proof of your excellent health when applying for a visa.

Who Needs a Chest X-Ray?

Note: Children under 11 years of age and pregnant women do not require a chest X-ray unless a special report is necessary.

Scenario	Chest X-ray Requirement
Stay up to 6 months	No chest X-ray is required unless applying for a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) limited visa or if specifically requested.
Stay between 6 and 12 months	A chest X-ray is required in both of the scenarios: Citizens of a country with a high TB incidence. Have spent more than 3 months in the past 5 years in a country with a high TB incidence.
Stay for more than 12 Months	If you are applying for a new visa while already in New Zealand, the time you have already been there counts towards the 12-month period that triggers the mandatory chest X-ray.
If Planning to stay in NZ permanently	If you want to stay in New Zealand permanently and do not already hold a resident visa, you must obtain a chest X-ray, regardless of your country of origin.
Applying for a Student Visa	No chest X-ray if you stay less than 6 months.
	A chest X-ray is required if: The individual is staying for 6 months or more and comes from a country with a high TB incidence rate. The student is staying for 12 months or more to pursue a Phd, an MFAT-funded scholarship, or an exchange student program.
Applying for a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa	If you are from a country with a low TB incidence, such as Samoa, Tonga, or Vanuatu, and are staying for 12 months or less, no chest X-ray is required.
	A chest X-ray is required if you are from a country with a high TB incidence, regardless of stay duration.
Had a Chest X-ray for Earlier Visa Application	Must provide a new chest X-ray if: More than 3 years since the last X-ray. Spent more than 6 months in a high TB incidence country since the last X-ray.
Applying for a Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa	A full medical certificate and chest X-ray are required with the application

Who needs to get a medical examination?

Scenario	Medical Examination Requirement
Stay up to 12 months	Normally, no medical examination is required unless applying for a visa that allows you to stay for more than 12 months or if specifically requested.
Stay for more than 12 months	A medical examination is required, regardless of country of origin. Time spent in New Zealand counts towards the 12-month period if applying for another visa.
Applying to stay permanently	A medical examination is required when applying for permanent residence if you do not already hold a resident visa.
Applying for a student visa	A medical examination is required if you are staying for more than 12 months and: Applying for a PhD, MFAT-funded scholarship, or an exchange student visa. Have used intravenous drugs, had a blood transfusion, or been exposed to serious infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B or C).
	No medical examination is required for a fee-paying student or pathway student visas unless specific conditions apply (e.g., drug use, blood transfusions, exposure to infectious diseases).
Had a medical examination for an earlier visa application	A medical examination is required if: It has been over three years since the last examination. The health standard was not assessed as acceptable. A different medical certificate is needed. No new examination is required for applicants applying based on their relationship to an Essential Skills Work Visa holder after 5 August 2021.
You are a woman over 45	May need a physical breast examination, as advised by the physician.
Applying for a Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa	A full medical certificate and chest X-ray are required with the application.

Medical Examination Evidence

To show you have had your chest X-ray or medical exam, please provide any of the following:

Your eMedical reference number
OR a medical certificate (if your country does not use eMedical).

When Should You Get an X-Ray and Medical Examination Done?

To determine if you need a chest X-ray or medical exam:

Check the Application Form: The form you fill out will indicate whether you need to undergo a chest X-ray or a medical examination.
After applying (for some visas): If you apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or a visitor visa from outside the Pacific Islands, you will be told after you submit your application if you need to have these tests.

Regarding the results:

Time Limit: Your chest X-ray and medical examination results must be no more than 3 months old when we receive your application.

Providing Evidence of Your Medical Exam or X-ray

To demonstrate that you have had your required chest X-ray or medical examination, the process depends on whether your country has doctors approved by New Zealand Immigration, known as panel physicians.

If Your Country Has Panel Physicians

See an Approved Doctor: You need to visit one of our panel physicians.
Electronic Results (eMedical): These doctors utilize a system called eMedical to send your results to New Zealand Immigration electronically. This is the fastest way.
If you used a paper application, you must write the eMedical reference number on your form.

If Your Country Does NOT Have Panel Physicians

Visit Any Registered Doctor: You can visit any licensed doctor who is authorised to practice medicine.
Medical Certificate Forms: The doctor needs to complete the official medical certificate forms.
Send the forms to the New Zealand Immigration Authority: The doctor must send the completed medical certificate forms to us as proof of your health.

What You Need for Your Appointment

When you go to your doctor for the exam or X-ray, please bring:

Passport Photos: 3 recent photos (less than 6 months old). If you're only getting an X-ray, you only need 1 photo./li>
Medical Certificate Forms: Be sure to take copies of the official forms for the doctor to complete.

NZ Medical Visa Waiver (Conditions Applied)

A medical waiver is when Immigration NZ (INZ) may approve your visa even if you do not fully meet the standard health rules.It is not automatic and is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Who Might Get a Waiver?

Residence Visas: Waivers are more common for these, considering your potential contribution to NZ and family ties.
Temporary Visas: Less common, focusing on whether you'll likely need costly healthcare during your stay.

When Waivers Are Not Granted:

INZ won't grant waivers for residence applicants who:

Need dialysis or are highly likely to need dialysis within 5 years.
Have severe haemophilia.
Need full-time residential care.
Have active, untreated TB.

These exclusions demonstrate that waivers have limits, particularly for conditions with predictable, extremely high costs or significant public health risks, thereby protecting public resources and health.

The Final Verdict on Your Vital Vitals

Navigating health requirements for your NZ visa is key. Ensure timely tests and proper documentation. Your well-being, documented clearly, paves the way forward. Adhere to these guidelines for a smoother journey. Accurate health submissions build trust and expedite your application. Prioritise this step for a successful New Zealand experience.

Your Health Check Questions Answered

Are there any costs associated with the required medical examination or chest X-ray, and who is responsible for paying them?
Yes, you are responsible for covering all costs associated with the required medical examination and chest X-ray.
What happens if my medical examination or chest X-ray results indicate a potential health concern?
Immigration New Zealand will assess the findings to determine if they pose a public health risk or significant healthcare costs. They may request further information or specialist reports.
Can I choose to have a medical examination even if it's not explicitly required for my visa category?
Yes, you can choose to undergo a medical examination voluntarily, but it won't guarantee a different visa outcome.
If I am applying for multiple New Zealand visas at the same time, do I need to undergo multiple medical examinations?
Generally, one medical examination and chest X-ray are sufficient if the requirements are the same for all the visa categories you're applying for.
Will I receive confirmation from Immigration New Zealand that my medical evidence has been received and is being processed?
Yes, Immigration New Zealand will typically send an acknowledgement once your medical evidence has been received and is being processed as part of your application.

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