Health And Character Requirements For The New 2021 Resident Visa

November 23, 2021

The New Zealand Government had announced on 30th September 2021 the New 2021 Resident Visa, a one-time, simpler pathway to residency for migrants in New Zealand. The immigration instructions about the 2021 Resident Visa include the Health and Character requirements under this visa category.

These immigration instructions issued vide Amendment Circular No. 2021-48 will be effective from 1st December 2021.

Health Requirements

An applicant for the new 2021 Resident Visa will need to provide a Limited Medical Certificate (INZ 1007). Please note that the health requirement may be limited but will capture conditions that are not eligible for medical waivers (tuberculosis, haemophilia, and conditions requiring dialysis or full-time care).

Important points to note are as under:

• A medical certificate is not required to be submitted to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) if you have submitted it in the last 36 months and were clear.
• A medical certificate may be requested by INZ or the immigration officer assessing your application if:
  • your previous medicals were not clear; or
  • your previous medicals were clear but with conditions; or
  • you have spent six consecutive months outside of New Zealand; or
  • INZ thinks they must establish that you have met the medical requirements

• A chest x-ray certificate (CXR) might be requested by INZ or the immigration officer assessing your application if you had earlier not submitted the CXR because of your age or pregnancy.
• INZ may grant a medical waiver to a partner or dependent of a New Resident or Citizen if all the immigration instructions for the said visa category are met.

Character Requirements

INZ will undertake New Zealand Police checks for all 2021 Resident Visa applicants aged 17 years or older, regardless of how long they have been in New Zealand. INZ will also undertake National Security Checks (NSC) for all applicants who would normally require one as part of standard immigration processes and requirements.

INZ may also request more information or verification needed as part of the process. Important point (s) to note is if you are 17 years and above when applying for the new 2021 Resident Visa:

• you are not required to submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from your country of residence; and
• you are not required to submit PCC from any country in which you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years

It is vital to remember, regardless of all of the above, INZ or the immigration officer assessing your application may still request for the medical certificate and/or PCC if they think it is necessary for them to establish that you meet the health and/or character requirements of the 2021 Resident Visa immigration instructions.

Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. if you have any queries or require assistance regarding the above information. Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.