Navigating Medical Issues in Your New Zealand Visa Application
Received a medical query on your visa application? Health requirements can be complex, but having a medical condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you. With the right documentation and expert guidance, you can address Immigration New Zealand’s concerns and secure a health waiver. Professional Visa Solutions is here to help.
01. Introduction
Health is a critical factor in Immigration New Zealand’s assessment of both temporary and resident visa applications. All applicants must meet the Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH) to ensure they won’t place undue burden on New Zealand’s public healthcare or special education systems.
Important note: If you’re traveling to New Zealand specifically for medical treatment or health consultation, you’re exempt from ASH requirements.
If you’ve received a PPI (Potentially Prejudicial Information) letter regarding medical issues, it means Immigration New Zealand believes you may not meet the Acceptable Standard of Health requirements.
The immigration officer is concerned that your health condition creates a “relatively high probability” (more than 50% likelihood) that you’ll place significant demand on:
- Public healthcare services
- Special education systems
- Disability support services
But here’s the good news: A PPI letter doesn’t mean automatic refusal. Even if you don’t meet standard ASH requirements, you can still qualify for your visa by obtaining a health waiver with proper medical documentation and strong supporting evidence.
Book a free consultation with our licensed immigration advisers to discuss your options.
Immigration New Zealand considers several factors when assessing Health Waiver applications.
For temporary visas, you may qualify if there’s NOT a “relatively high probability” you’ll require:
- High-cost pharmaceuticals
- Expensive disability services
- Hospital admission
- Residential care facility admission
For resident visas, Immigration New Zealand considers:
- Your planned length of stay in New Zealand
- The value of your potential contributions to New Zealand
- Whether you have immediate family who are lawful permanent residents (and for how long)
- The estimated cost to New Zealand’s health and special education systems
Every case is unique, and many personal circumstances require specialised handling. Our experienced team at Provisas can assess your situation and build the strongest possible case for your Health Waiver.
Yes. Immigration New Zealand has specific provisions allowing you to request a second medical opinion to support your health waiver application.
When can you request a second opinion?
- If a medical practitioner disputes the original Immigration New Zealand medical assessment, a different medical assessor will be appointed as a referee
- If you disagree with Ministry of Education health assessments that determine your eligibility for ORRS (Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Schemes) subsidies; these assessments significantly impact visa applications
Important: The second assessor’s recommendations are final and cannot be challenged further.
A second opinion can revitalise your visa application, but the process is complex and requires careful preparation. Don’t underestimate what’s involved – work with experienced professionals who understand what Immigration New Zealand needs to see.
The Health Waiver process is complex, especially when factoring in your unique health situation and Immigration New Zealand’s qualifying criteria. Some cases require second opinions, which demand even more thorough documentation and representation.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. We provide honest advice, answer all your questions patiently, and build the strongest possible case for your Health Waiver.
Our fee for responding to PPI letters: NZ$1,500 – $2,750 (plus GST)
Book a free consultation and give your visa application the best chance of success.