Applicants for New Zealand visas must have an acceptable standard of health. We consider you to have an acceptable standard of health if you are:
You may be required to provide medical and X-ray certificates to enable Immigration New Zealand to establish whether you have an acceptable standard of health.
For information on when medical and X-ray certificates are required, refer to our Health Requirements leaflet (INZ 1121) PDF [70KB].
Panel physicians are doctors and radiologists approved by Immigration New Zealand to complete medical examinations and chest X-rays for New Zealand visa applications. Our approved list provides information on the physicians you can use to undertake your medical examination in your country.
Not all countries have approved panel physicians. For countries without approved panel physicians, a registered or board certified or licensed medical practitioner or physician may complete your medical certificates. Medical certificates will not be accepted if completed by nurses, physician's assistants and osteopaths.
Panel physicians hold a supply of Immigration New Zealand medical and chest X-ray certificates. Certificates can also be downloaded from the INZ website.
Medical certificates and any accompanying laboratory or specialist reports must be completed in English.
It is advised that you contact the panel physician’s clinic to make an appointment unless otherwise stated on the clinic’s website. Some clinics only accept walk-in clients on a first-in first served basis. The panel physician will be able to indicate how long the appointment will take and the timeframes for receiving test results.
You will need to take the following documents to your appointment for a medical examination and/or chest X-ray:
Your relevant medical certificate provides more detail on the medical information you should take to your appointment.
Do not download photographs directly onto the form as they may not be accepted by the doctor and/or radiologist.
Please contact the panel physicians directly for information on the cost of the examination.
The panel physician who conducts the initial exam will be responsible for referring you to any specialists required.
Your certificates will be completed by the panel physician performing your medical examination or chest X-ray and given back to you (unless an online submission process is used within New Zealand - see below). Once you have received your completed medical or chest X-ray certificates you will be required to submit them to Immigration New Zealand, with the rest of your visa application.
Your medical and chest x-ray certificates must not be more than three months old at the time you submit your visa application.
Registered NZimed doctors and/or radiologists will send Immigration New Zealand medical and chest X-ray certificates using an online submission process.
For information on how long medical and chest X-ray certificates are valid for and on reusing medical and chest X-ray certificates, refer to our Health Requirements leaflet pdf INZ1121.
The panel physician’s statement regarding whether or not there are any significant or abnormal findings does not determine whether you meet health requirements. The immigration officer makes the decision on whether or not you have an acceptable standard of health.
We may send your medical certificate to our medical assessors (who are based in New Zealand) for further advice on whether you are of an acceptable standard of health. This can take about six to eight weeks. Further medical information may be requested.
Our Health Requirements leaflet (INZ 1121) PDF [70KB] provides information on what happens if it is determined that you do not have an acceptable standard of health.
For information on requirements specific to pregnant applicants, refer to our Health Requirements leaflet (INZ 1121) PDF [70KB].
If you have active or inactive (old, healed) TB, your medical and chest X-ray certificates are likely to be referred to an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor. Applicants with a history of TB should provide all documentation (X-ray films/plates/scans) to show recent and past history of diagnosis and treatment. X-ray films/plates/scans should have corresponding reports attached.
If you are applying for a short term visa but your intention is to stay in New Zealand for a length of time that would normally require medical or chest X-ray certificates, then it is recommended that you provide these certificates to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.
