Medical Waivers and Health Requirements for New Zealand Visas
Medical Waivers for New Zealand Visas – Health Requirements, INZ Assessment & Expert Advice
Medical Waivers and New Zealand Visa Health Requirements
Author: Tatiana Elvery, Licensed Immigration Adviser – Aspiring Immigration
At Aspiring Immigration, we understand how complex and stressful visa applications can be—especially when medical issues arise. If you or a family member has been told you do not meet the acceptable standard of health for a New Zealand visa, we can assist you in understanding your options, and represent you, preparing submissions, and applying for a medical waiver where applicable.
Understanding the Health Requirement
All applicants for New Zealand visas must meet the acceptable standard of health (ASH), unless they are applying for a visa specifically for medical treatment, for a further residence class visa under specific categories or they qualify for a waiver.
To be deemed to have an acceptable standard of health, you must be:
Unlikely to be a danger to public health,
Unlikely to impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand’s health or special education services,
Able to undertake the work, study, or activity for which the visa is granted.
Applicants are usually required to submit:
A Medical Certificate,
A Chest X-ray Certificate (especially if staying over 6 or 12 months, or at risk of tuberculosis).
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Health Requirements?
If INZ determines that an applicant does not meet the ASH, the visa may be declined—unless a medical waiver is granted. Medical waivers allow INZ to approve a visa despite the health issue, based on compelling circumstances and other eligibility factors.
Before declining a visa based on health, INZ must:
Refer the case to a medical assessor or Ministry of Education (for special education cases);
Provide the applicant with the opportunity to comment on adverse medical reports;
Consider second opinions submitted by medical professionals.
Medical Assessment Process
Submission of Health Documents: Applicants submit required medical certificates and X-ray results via eMedical or paper form.
Medical Assessor Review: INZ medical assessors evaluate the applicant’s medical condition(s) based on the likelihood of cost, demand, and risk to public health.
Comment Opportunity: Applicants are invited to respond to any negative assessment before a final decision is made.
Second Opinions: If additional medical evidence disputes INZ’s assessment, a second assessor may be appointed to review the case.
Medical Waivers for Residence Class Visas
Applicants for residence class visas who do not meet the ASH may be considered for a medical waiver, provided they meet all other criteria for approval. However, waivers are not available for applicants with the following conditions:
Dialysis requirement (or expected need within 5 years);
Severe haemophilia;
Full-time care requirements due to physical, intellectual, or cognitive incapacity;
Untreated TB, MDR-TB, or XDR-TB.
Waivers are commonly granted to:
Partners or dependent children of NZ citizens or residents (exclusions apply);
Refugees or protected persons (with some exceptions);
Certain special visa categories (e.g. 2021 Resident Visa, Christchurch Response, Afghan Emergency Resettlement).
Factors INZ considers:
Ties to New Zealand (e.g. family, duration of residence);
Potential contribution to NZ (skills, work, community);
Humanitarian or compassionate circumstances.
Medical Waivers for Temporary Entry Class Visas
Waivers for temporary visa applicants are more limited and available only for:
Refugee and protection claimants;
Partners or children of NZ residents or citizens (meeting residence criteria);
Children under 21 with cognitive or developmental disabilities (in certain cases);
Seconded business personnel where the secondment benefits New Zealand.
Private health insurance or the ability to pay for treatment does not influence the assessment.
Mental Health Conditions and Visa Applications
Having a mental health condition does not automatically mean a visa will be declined. INZ considers:
Severity and stability of the condition;
History of treatment and hospitalisation;
Need for ongoing support;
Risk to public safety or significant cost/demand on health services.
Examples:
Mild Anxiety/Depression: Often accepted, especially if well managed with no hospital history.
Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia: May trigger additional assessment but can still lead to approval or waiver if the applicant demonstrates long-term stability and treatment compliance.
Past Hospitalisation: Will be assessed in context. Applicants should provide recent psychiatric evaluations showing current management and prognosis.
Applicants are encouraged to include letters from treating specialists outlining diagnosis, treatment, stability, and any risk assessments. These can be pivotal in obtaining a waiver or favourable assessment.
Examples of Medical Conditions and Their Impact
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Often considered high cost. A waiver may be required depending on the severity and prognosis.
Chronic Hepatitis B: If the condition meets criteria for antiviral treatment in NZ, it may be assessed as not meeting the ASH. A waiver will depend on the visa type and other factors.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: For children, these may trigger ORS funding eligibility and special education assessments, which could impact residence or student visas.
How Aspiring Immigration Can Help
We provide full support for clients facing health-related visa concerns, including:
Reviewing medical assessments and explaining INZ policy;
Preparing compelling medical waiver submissions;
Coordinating with doctors to obtain medical letters or second opinions;
Responding to INZ’s health concerns when a risk of decline is possible.
Get Expert Help Today
Health issues shouldn’t prevent you from achieving your goals in New Zealand unless clearly excluded by INZ policies. Let Aspiring Immigration advocate for your case with expert, compassionate, and strategic advice.
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Disclaimer: The information in this blog is current as of March 2025 and is intended as general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration adviser and qualified medical professional.
