Applying for a NZ Visa? Here's What You Need to Know About Health Requirements
To get a New Zealand visa, you may need to prove you’re in good health. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) checks this to make sure you meet the Acceptable Standard of Health. Here's what that means:
What INZ Looks For:
INZ wants to know if you:
Are not a risk to public health.
Won’t place significant demand or cost on NZ’s health or special education services.
Can do what your visa is for (e.g. work or study).
What You Might Need to Provide:
Depending on your visa type and how long you plan to stay, you may need:
A General Medical Certificate
A Chest X-ray Certificate
A Limited Medical Certificate
Public Health Care Access:
Only certain visa holders can access NZ’s publicly funded health care. Generally, this includes:
NZ citizens and residents
Work visa holders staying 2+ years
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Health Standard?
INZ may decline your application.
You might be considered for a medical waiver or exception to instructions
Did You Know?
Between 2019–2024, 8,365 visa applications were declined due to health reasons.
What About Obesity?
Obesity alone doesn’t mean your visa will be declined.
INZ looks at related health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
BMI is considered, but not used on its own to decide your health status.
In some cases, INZ may defer the applicant’s visa application for 3 months to allow time for them to begin reducing their BMI and to address any associated health conditions.
Tip:
If your health might affect your visa, start preparing early. INZ may allow time to improve your health before making a final decision.