New Health Screening Rules for Dependent Children of Temporary Visa Holders in New Zealand
Effective Date: March 17, 2025
The New Zealand government has announced an important update to the health screening requirements for dependent children of temporary visa holders. Starting March 17, 2025, children applying for student or visitor visas will need to meet stricter health eligibility criteria.
Under this new policy, dependent children of work, student, or military visa holders may no longer be eligible for a student or visitor visa if they have a severe cognitive or developmental disability that requires significant support.
Why is This Change Happening?
New Zealand’s immigration system has always required visa applicants to meet an Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH) to ensure they do not pose a public health risk or place excessive strain on the country’s healthcare and education systems.
Previously, children of temporary visa holders were assessed under a less strict health standard compared to those applying for residence visas. As a result, some families were granted temporary visas, only to face residency denials later due to their child’s high medical or learning needs.
By implementing this change, the government aims to provide more transparency upfront, helping families understand whether their child meets the health requirements before making long-term plans to settle in New Zealand.
What This Means for Families Applying for Visas
- Stricter Health Assessments
Dependent children applying for student or visitor visas will now undergo a comprehensive health screening to determine whether they meet New Zealand’s health requirements. - Exclusion for High-Needs Cases
If a child requires ongoing specialized support, such as special education services or extensive medical care, their visa application may not be approved. - Better Alignment with Residence Visa Policies
These changes bring temporary visa health requirements in line with those for residence visas, reducing the risk of families facing unexpected visa rejections later in the process.
Balancing Immigration and Public Services
New Zealand’s immigration policies aim to strike a balance between welcoming skilled workers, students, and visitors and ensuring that public services remain sustainable. This policy update is designed to:
- Ensure consistency across different visa categories.
- Manage the demand on New Zealand’s healthcare and education systems.
- Prevent schools from facing additional resource challenges.
- Provide clarity to families considering long-term migration.
Next Steps for Families Affected by This Change
If you are applying for a student or visitor visa for a dependent child, here’s what you should do:
- Review the updated health criteria before submitting an application.
- Consult an immigration expert if you are unsure about eligibility.
- Prepare medical documentation in advance to assess the likelihood of approval.
For more details on how this change may affect your visa application, visit the Immigration New Zealand website or speak with ICL Immigration Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Reference
About ICL Immigration
ICL Immigration, based in Auckland, is an established licensed immigration adviser with over 20 years of experience and a remarkable 97% approval rate. We’ve helped over 1,000 immigrants realise their New Zealand settlement dreams.
We specialise in various visa services, including student, residency, work visas and business-related services like employer accreditation. We ensure personalised solutions for individuals and businesses aiming to navigate New Zealand’s immigration landscape successfully.
