2011-Jun 10: Temporary entry health requirements instructions

Visa Pak 20 - Information about temporary entry health requirements instructions and ensuring that the length of stay is clearly noted when a medical is referred to a Medical Assessor.

Visa Paks

10 June 2011

Temporary entry health requirements instructions

Health requirements instructions state that applicants for temporary entry class visas to New Zealand are considered to have an acceptable standard of health if they are: 

  1. unlikely to be a danger to public health; and
  2. unlikely to impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services during their period of intended stay in New Zealand; and
  3. (if they are under 21 years of age and are applying for a student visa) unlikely to qualify for Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Schemes (ORRS) funding during their period of intended stay in New Zealand; and
  4. able to undertake the work or study on the basis of which they are applying for a visa, or which is a requirement for the grant of the visa.

There have recently been instances where the applicant’s period of intended stay in New Zealand has not been provided to the INZ appointed Medical Assessors when a medical certificate is referred to them for assessment. As a result they have not been able to make an assessment.

There have also been instances where the Immigration Officer has advised the INZ appointed Medical Assessors that the temporary entrant intends to stay in New Zealand “indefinitely”. The use of the word “indefinitely” causes confusion as it implies a permanent stay in New Zealand.

Action required:

Please ensure staff are completing the Medical Referral for Temporary Entry form correctly when referring a medical certificate to an INZ appointed Medical Assessor for assessment. It is important that staff specify the applicant’s period of intended stay in New Zealand.

Examples:
a. A partner of a New Zealand citizen who has also applied for Residence should have the period of intended stay in New Zealand noted as the length of time for which you intend to grant the temporary entry class visa.
b. A person applying to work in New Zealand for two years should have the period of intended stay in New Zealand noted as two years.
c. A Grandparent applying for a multiple entry three year visa should have the period of intended stay in New Zealand noted as three years.