2013-May 10: Work visa requirements for health eligibility

Visa Pak 111 - Clarification about duration of work visa required to enable client's ability to access publicly funded health services.

Visa Paks

10 May 2013

Work visa requirements for health eligibility

Recently INZ has received a number of complaints from clients and the Ministry of Health (MOH) regarding the duration of time a work visa is issued for and how it affects a client’s ability to access publicly funded health services. There have been cases where INZ has been issuing work visas to clients with a 24 month visa expiry but without 24 month stay conditions. This has excluded the clients from being eligible for publicly funded health services.

Background:

In order for a client on a work visa to be legally entitled to any health eligibility they must hold a work visa that is valid for 24 months from date of first entry. MOH have directions which clearly define when a person who is not a New Zealand resident or citizen is able to access publicly funded health services. This falls under MOH’s legislation and any questions regarding health eligibility by an applicant should be directed to MOH to answer.

INZ cannot comment about an applicant’s ability to access publicly funded health services as it is not our policy.

Process:

  • Applicants should be given a first entry before date to allow them to travel to New Zealand, and a 24 month work visa starting from the date of first entry; unless there are other circumstances that dictate a shorter work visa should be issued.
  • (When applicants have been given a 25 month work visa, allowing for time to get to New Zealand, and then arrive in New Zealand having less than 24 months left on their work visa then they are not eligible for publicly funded health services.)
  • Applicants need to meet all relevant Immigration instructions.
  • An applicant needs to meet health requirements as part of their application.
  • If an applicant is issued a work visa for less than 24 months when they were either eligible or indicated they wanted a 24 month visa then clear notes in AMS should be made explaining why one was not issued.
  • Eligibility to health funding is not a requirement under any Immigration Instruction.

When issuing a work visa to an applicant who is eligible for 24 months or longer, please ensure that the visa is valid for 24 months from date of first entry into New Zealand.