A4.45 Second opinion assessments by Immigration New Zealand medical assessors (residence applications)

1. In the case of applications for residence, where the original assessment of an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor is confirmed by that medical assessor and a medical opinion from a medical practitioner or relevant professional which disputes the original assessment has been provided, the Immigration New Zealand medical assessor's original assessment and the further medical or professional opinion will be referred to a different Immigration New Zealand medical assessor for a second opinion. Where this occurs, it is the role of the second medical assessor, acting as a medical referee, to assess whether the applicant is:
   1. unlikely to be a danger to public health; or
   2. unlikely to impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services or education services; or
   3. able to undertake the work on the basis of which they are applying for a visa, or which is a requirement for the grant of the visa.
2. The recommendation arising from the second medical assessor's assessment is final.

Effective 29/11/2010