On 27 July we released new redesigned medical certificates (Medical and Chest X-Ray Certificate (INZ 1007) and Temporary Entry Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1096)).
The new certificates are available now to download and print off, but are not yet available in printed form from our branches, or from our printers.
If you are a medical professional who carries out Immigration New Zealand medical examinations, see our pages for medical professionals.
Can I use the old version of the form?
Yes. Until 30 November 2009 we will accept all of these versions of the medical certificates:
- Medical and Chest X-Ray Certificate (NZIS 1007) dated August 2005
- Temporary Entry Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1096) dated March 2005
- Medical and Chest X-Ray Certificate (NZIS 1007) dated July 2009
- Temporary Entry Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1096) dated July 2009.
Note: if you regularly supply people with these forms, and order them from our forms supplier, please use any previous versions of the forms that you already have. We have not printed the new version yet, and it is only available to download and print off at the moment.
Why have changes been made?
We updated the medical certificates after carrying out a review. When we developed and implemented migrant health screening requirements in 2005, it was recognised that health is dynamic; and we want to ensure that our medical assessment remains appropriate and continues to evolve.
What changes have been made?
The overall content and structure of both certificates has not changed. INZ’s health and disability screening policy has not changed; applicants for both temporary entry and residence are still required to be of an acceptable standard of health.
Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1007)
The main differences in the new July 2009 certificate (compared with the August 2005 certificate) are:
- information for applicants (‘Applicant’s Notes’ – which was previously published as a separate leaflet) added to the front of the Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate, on pages which can be detached.
- applicants are required to complete their name in a box at the top of the page of the certificate, where indicated.
- some additional notes provided at questions in ‘Section B: Medical history’ to help you complete the form and ensure all relevant information is provided.
- an additional compulsory blood test for applicants 15 years and older is an eGFR or creatinine clearance test (whichever is available).
Temporary Entry Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1096)
The main difference in the new July 2009 certificate, (compared with the March 2005 certificate), is the addition of a new question for the radiologist to answer at ‘Section C: Chest X-ray results’. The radiologist must now answer whether there is evidence of any other (non-TB-related) abnormalities.
What do the changes mean for me?
In the case of the Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate, you may be required to undergo some additional blood tests as part of the medical examination.
In the case of the Temporary Entry Chest X-ray Certificate, the radiologist will also note if there is evidence of any other (non TB-related) abnormalities eg heart or other lung disease.
How will the changes affect my application?
There is no change to INZ’s health screening process; you will still need to have a medical examination with an approved panel doctor and/or radiologist (in countries where INZ has an approved list of panel doctors and radiologists.)
We will continue to use this information to assess whether you have an acceptable standard of health. The requirements for determining whether you have an acceptable standard of health have not changed.
What preparations are required prior to the medical examination?
You may be required to fast or temporarily discontinue some medications in preparation for the medical examination. Applicants that may be required to do a fasting blood test include:
- applicants 30 years of age and over
- applicants with risk factors in their personal or family histories such as premature cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hyperlipidaemia.
The medical examiner will advise the need for the test. In some circumstances a repeat specimen may be advisable. Applicants travelling significant distances to medical examiners should consider whether they may be required to give a fasting blood specimen.
What blood tests do I have to undergo?
Applicants 15 years of age and over are required to do the following mandatory blood tests:
- HIV 1 and 2
- Hepatitis B surface antigen test
- Syphilis
- Liver function tests
- Full blood count
- Serum Creatinine
- eGFR (or creatinine clearance).
Applicants under the age groups stated above may be required to undergo some blood tests if they have clinical indicators or risk factors for certain conditions.
You may be required to undergo further tests should the medical examiner consider that there is a clinical indication for them. The tests may include, and are not limited to:
- Hepatitis C antibody test
- HBA1c
- Trypanosoma cruzi antibody test
Immigration New Zealand reserves the right to ask for whatever documentation is needed to enable the case officer to come to a decision on an application.
I have used the Medical and X-ray Certificate dated August 2005. Will it be accepted?
Yes – until 30 November 2009.
I have used the Temporary Entry Chest X-ray Certificate dated March 2005. Will it be accepted?
Yes – until 30 November 2009.
I am applying for residence in New Zealand. What health checks do I need?
There are no changes to health requirements for applicants applying for residence in New Zealand. All residence applicants must submit the prescribed medical certificate Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate (NZIS 1007) with their application.
I want to come to New Zealand on a working holiday. What health checks do I need to do?
If you intend to be in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you must provide a completed medical certificate.
If you are a citizen of a country that is not a 'low incidence country for TB', or in the last five years you have spent a total of three months or more in a country that is not a ‘low incidence TB country’, and if you intend to be in New Zealand for more than six months, you will be required to undergo a chest x-ray.
I want to come to New Zealand on a temporary entry visa. What health checks do I need to do?
If you are a citizen of a country that is not ‘low incidence countries for TB’ or in the last five years you have spent a total of three months or more in a country that is not a ‘low incidence TB country’, and if you intend to be in New Zealand for more than six months, you will be required to undergo a chest x-ray.
You will be required to complete a full medical if you intend to stay in New Zealand for longer than 12 months.
For how long is my medical clearance valid?
We reserve the right to ask for a medical certificate at any time. However, once an applicant has been assessed as having an acceptable standard of health, they will normally have a clearance for two years (from the date that the medical practitioner has signed the certificate), provided the applicant’s health status remains unchanged.
Who has the Department of Labour consulted with regarding these changes?
We have consulted with our Medical Assessors, general practitioners in New Zealand and overseas, as well as with other agencies such as the Ministries of Health and Education.