Medical Waivers

Every person applying for a visa needs to meet health requirements or be approved a medical waiver.

Immigration New Zealand looks at three factors when deciding whether you have an acceptable standard of health to be approved a New Zealand visa:

• Are you a danger to public health?
• Will you impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand’s health services?
• Are you able to undertake the work which is required for the visa category you are applying under (if you are applying for a work visa or for skilled residence)

If you are found to have an “unacceptable standard of health,” your visa application may be declined — unless INZ grants you a medical waiver.

When Is a Medical Waiver Considered?

Medical waivers may be considered if you or a family member included in your application is found to have:

• A condition that could impose costs over the acceptable threshold
• A condition that requires special education services
• A communicable disease deemed a risk to public health

Medical waivers are available for partnership visas, dependent child visas, some work visas, and residence visa applications.

When Is a Waiver Not Available?

Waivers are generally not available to:

• Visitors, students and most work visa applicants
• People with health conditions which will impose very high costs, for example, people who require full-time care, or people who need dialysis treatment.

What INZ Considers in a Medical Waiver

INZ considers:

• The severity and long-term impact of your health condition
• The cost and availability of treatment in New Zealand
• Your personal circumstances and family ties to New Zealand
• Your potential contribution to New Zealand (for example, through your employment) 

How to Strengthen Your Case

• Provide up-to-date medical reports 
• Show evidence of ongoing treatment and management
• Provide evidence to prove your potential contribution to New Zealand.

Why Use a Licensed Immigration Adviser

Medical waivers are technical and involve interpreting medical opinions, cost estimates, and immigration policy. A single error can result in a decline.

Visa Matters can:

• Explain INZ’s Medical Assessor’s (MA) report
• Recommend additional evidence you can provide to respond to the MA
• Prepare a detailed, policy-aligned waiver request
• Highlight your contributions to New Zealand