Case Studies

Mr K applied for residence after being diagnosed with a hereditary condition requiring stem cell treatment.

The estimated cost of this treatment in New Zealand was approximately $300,000. The treatment was not available in Mr K’s home country, and without access to it, his prognosis was that he would not survive.

Mr K did not meet the acceptable standard of health requirements for residence.

Before instructing Visa Matters, Mr K had been advised by his previous immigration adviser to withdraw his residence application rather than pursue a medical waiver. Mr K sought a second opinion because he wanted to continue with his residence application.

After reviewing his circumstances, we concluded that he was eligible to be considered for a medical waiver. We prepared detailed legal submissions and supporting evidence addressing the relevant medical waiver criteria.

Despite the significant anticipated cost of treatment, Immigration New Zealand granted the medical waiver and approved Mr K’s residence application.

As a New Zealand resident, Mr K became eligible to receive his life-saving treatment through New Zealand’s public health system – treatment that would otherwise have been unavailable to him.