GREAT NEWS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT JUST NOW!

The Government has just announced an update on health standards for residence visa applications.

The Significant Cost Health threshold is increasing from $41,000 to $81,000.

This change means that more candidates will meet the health costs and should therefore hopefully avoid the need for further testing and examinations. This should also mean faster processing times for staff applying for residency!

All applicants applying for residence class visas must have an acceptable standard of health. One of the requirements to meet this standard is that the applicants must be unlikely to impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand’s health services.

Residence applications lodged before 4th September 2022, will be assessed at the previous cost threshold of $41,000. However from the 5th of September 2022, applications will be assessed against the new higher threshold.

This is welcome news for both applicants and employers as it means that more candidates will be eligible for a visa without having to go through the arduous task of a medical health waiver which can add time, cost and stress to the application process.

Should you have any candidates or employees that you are looking to support with a residence or temporary visa get in touch with us to discuss how we can assist.