Policy verified from immigration.govt.nz as of 2026-04-13
All New Zealand visa applicants must meet the Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH). If a medical condition raises concerns, applicants may receive a PPI letter and can apply for a health waiver with proper clinical evidence and professional guidance.
Source: immigration.govt.nz — 2026-04-13
Acceptable Standard of Health
Health is a critical factor in INZ's assessment of both temporary and resident visa applications. All applicants must meet the Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH) to ensure they will not place undue burden on New Zealand's public healthcare or special education systems.
Note: If you are travelling to New Zealand specifically for medical treatment, you are exempt from ASH requirements.
What a Medical PPI Letter Means
If you receive a PPI letter regarding medical issues, INZ believes your health condition creates a "relatively high probability" (more than 50% likelihood) of placing significant demand on:
- Public healthcare services
- Special education systems
- Disability support services
A PPI letter does not mean automatic refusal. You can still qualify by obtaining a health waiver.
Health Waiver Eligibility
Temporary Visas
You may qualify if there is NOT a "relatively high probability" you will require high-cost pharmaceuticals, expensive disability services, hospital admission, or residential care.
Resident Visas
INZ considers your planned length of stay, the value of your potential contributions, whether you have immediate family who are permanent residents, and the estimated cost to health and education systems.
Second Medical Opinion
You can request a second medical opinion. If a practitioner disputes the original INZ assessment, a different assessor is appointed. Important: The second assessor's recommendations are final and cannot be challenged further.
How ProVisas Helps
- We assess your health waiver eligibility and realistic chances of success
- We prepare your case with proper clinical evidence and supporting documentation
- We coordinate second medical opinions where appropriate
- Typical fees: NZ$1,500-$2,750 plus GST, disclosed upfront
Frequently Asked Questions
All visa applicants must meet the Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH) to ensure they will not place undue burden on New Zealand public healthcare or special education systems. If you do not meet ASH, you may still qualify for a health waiver.
Having a medical condition does not automatically disqualify you. If you do not meet the standard health requirements, you may be eligible for a health waiver with the right medical documentation and supporting evidence.
It means INZ believes you may not meet the Acceptable Standard of Health. The immigration officer is concerned your condition creates a more than 50% likelihood of placing significant demand on public health services.
Yes. INZ has provisions allowing you to request a second medical opinion. If a medical practitioner disputes the original assessment, a different assessor will be appointed. Note: the second assessor's recommendations are final.
ProVisas typical fees for medical issue cases and health waiver applications range from NZ$1,500-$2,750 plus GST.
