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Getting an x-ray or medical examination

When you need a chest x-ray or medical examination, which ones to get, and where to get them.

When to have your chest x-ray or medical examination

If you need to get a chest x-ray or medical examination, the application form tells you when to get them.

Whether you need a chest x-ray or medical examination, and if you need them before or after you apply depends on the visa. With some visas you need to get a chest x-ray and medical examinations before you apply. There are other visas where we let you know you need them after you submit your visa application. This could be a few days after you submit it.

Who needs an x-ray or medical examination

Alert

Your chest x-ray and medical examination results must be no more than 3 months old when we receive your application.

X-rays and medical examinations for online applications

Check if you need an x-ray or medical examination before or after you apply for your visa online.

Getting x-rays and medical examinations after submitting an application

If you are applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, or a visitor, apply using the online application form.

If you need to have a chest x-ray or medical examination we will let you know after you submit your application.

Note

If you are applying for a Group Visitor Visa or Tour Escort Visitor Visa you need to get x-rays and medical examinations before you apply.

If you need to provide an x-ray and medical examination:

  1. Our online system will contact you and ask you to log in and check the notification about booking a medical examination.
  2. Note down the medical examination booking reference number in the notification.
  3. Make a medical examination appointment with an approved panel physician.
  4. After you have your examination you can either:
    • enter your panel physician eMedical reference code
    • tell us the name of the clinic where you had the medical examination
    • upload a copy of your medical certificate. 

When you need an x-ray and medical examination before you apply

Check first before getting a chest x-ray and medical examination.
Who needs an x-ray or medical examination

Your situation affects what you may need. Such as how long you are staying in New Zealand, being pregnant, or if there is a child under 11 in your application. 

If you are applying for a Group Visitor Visa or Tour Escort Visitor Visa, and you need a chest x-ray or a medical examination, get them before you apply.

You also need to get them before you apply for a residence category visa and a:

When you apply online, to show you had an examination you can either:

Chest x-rays and medical examinations for paper application forms

You need to:

eMedical client consent and declaration form PDF 166KB

Where to get a chest x-ray or medical examination

If you have to get a chest x-ray or medical examination, you need to use a doctor or radiologist from our list of panel physicians.

Find a doctor or radiologist near you

If you are based in New Zealand and you only need a chest x-ray you must visit an Immigration New Zealand Panel Medical Clinic, where they will:

You need to tell the panel physician what type of visa you are applying for.

Types of medical examinations

The medical examination you need depends on your circumstances.

Who needs an x-ray or medical examination

Limited medical examinations

You must have a limited medical examination if:

Partnership

Dependent children

General medical examinations

You must have a general medical examination if you are not:

You must also have a general medical examination if you:

RSE Scheme Supplementary medical examinations

People from countries with high risk factors for HIV applying for a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) limited visa must have an RSE Scheme Supplementary medical examination.

Countries with a high risk of HIV

Making your appointment

Contact a panel physician to find out when you can book an appointment for your x-ray or medical examination.

When you book your appointment, you must say that it is for an Immigration New Zealand application so your appointment is made with an approved panel physician.

Authority to collect medical information

At your medical appointment, you need to sign a declaration to allow your doctor to collect your medical information to send to us.

It is important to read the declaration carefully before signing it. If you are 17 years old or under, your parent or guardian must sign the declaration for you.

eMedical client consent and declaration form PDF 166KB

What to bring to your appointment

You need to bring:

If you are using an immigration adviser you also need to bring a completed ‘Immigration Adviser Details’ form

Identity documents for x-rays and medical examinations

Immigration Adviser Details (INZ 1160) PDF 260KB

You can bring a family member, support person or interpreter to your appointment. Let the clinic know when you make your appointment if you will be bringing another person with you.

If you are from a country that does not have panel physicians

If your country does not have panel physicians, you also need to bring these items to your medical appointment:

All x-ray and medical certificates must be completed in English.

Evidence you are in good health

Planning your appointment if you are a woman

You cannot have your medical examination during your period (menstruation) because it can affect your urinalysis results — you will need to wait until your period finishes before having your medical examination.

Medical examinations for children under 14

All children, including babies, must have a medical examination if it is required for the visa they are applying for.

Children aged 10 and under do not need to have a chest x-ray, unless the physician thinks it is necessary or we ask for one.

Children aged 14 and under do not need to have a blood test, unless the physician thinks it is necessary or we ask for one.

What happens at a medical examination

There are 3 parts to the medical examination:

The physician checks your height, weight, mental state, hearing and vision, listens to your heart and lungs, feels your abdomen and checks your reflexes and other parts of your nervous system.

Some parts of the examination may be completed by a nurse or health care assistant.

You will need to:

If you would like a copy of your medical examination results, you need to tell the clinic when you have your examination.

Your x-ray and medical examination results

Paying for your medical examination

You must pay any fees and costs related to your medical examinations. Health costs can vary from country to country. Ask the clinic about the fees when you make your appointment.