Even if you’re physically healthy, there’s still a long list of medical tests that you’ll need to go through when applying for New Zealand PR. How do you know what to expect?
What will the tests cover? Will you be able to bring family members or friends with you during the tests? All of this and more are answered below in our guide on everything you need to know about medical tests for New Zealand PR.
Country Specific Information
It is important to know what medical tests are required when applying for NZ permanent residency. In order to be granted PR status, you must have a chest x-ray, HIV test, and tuberculosis skin test. If you are 55 or older, you will also need an eye exam and blood pressure check. If you have had an organ transplant in the last 5 years, then a chest x-ray and HIV test will not suffice as well as additional tests determined by your doctor.
Read More: Immigration Medical
General Test Guidelines
Medical tests may be required before receiving New Zealand Permanent Residency. These tests are broken up into three categories:
1) general guidelines
2) risk assessment
3) health screening
General guidelines include a chest x-ray or tuberculosis test and medical examination by an NZ doctor. Risk assessment is only necessary if you have an identified risk factor and includes HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, active TB, Chagas Disease or Malaria.
Health Exam
Medical Tests Nz - The medical tests are different depending on the visa category. For the general Skilled Migrant Category, there are three important medical tests you need to pass before applying for this visa: chest X-rays and tuberculosis screening, blood tests, and a general health assessment.
Chest X-Ray (CXR) & Spirometry Test
Chest X-Ray (CXR) and Spirometry Test are two medical tests that you will be required to take before you can apply for a Permanent Residence Visa in New Zealand. The CXR is an X-ray of your chest, and the Spirometry Test is a breathing test.
Renal Profile
If you are applying for Permanent Residence in New Zealand, you will need a medical test to check your renal profile. This test checks your creatinine, urea, and electrolytes. The creatinine is a waste product from muscle cells that is excreted through the kidneys.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Antibody (IgM, IgG) Confirmation Test
The medical test required for New Zealand PR is the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Antibody (IgM, IgG) Confirmation Test. This measures the level of antibodies in the blood. If a person has been exposed to HBV, then there will be detectable levels of antibodies in their blood.
Syphilis – Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), Treponemal Antibody EIA, TPHA, FTA Card Test & VDRL test
The Ministry of Health recommends that when applying for a residence class visa, you undergo the following medical tests: syphilis-RPR, treponemal antibody EIA, TPHA, FTA card test and VDRL.
Diet Sheet & Fitness Assessment Form (Fitness to Train) Section
The medical tests required for NZ PR consist of a Medical Test Nz and a Medical Test PR. The former is conducted by the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) while the latter is administered by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). For some, these medical checks can be quite onerous, though they can also reveal important information about an individual.
A fitness assessment form will be used to gauge one's fitness levels as well as offer recommendations on whether or not they should begin training at all.