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Noticias de Chile

No More Medical Checks for Most International Students

Monday, 2 April 2012

New Zealand's Minister for Immigration has just announced that beginning in late July 2012, most full fee-paying students coming to New Zealand will no longer need expensive medical checks from approved doctors. A simple TB test will be all that's required.

“From July this year, international students will no longer need to supply full medicals. Unless they have other health conditions, they will only need to be screened for tuberculosis.

“This will greatly reduce the cost and hassle for around 62,800 students who will save around $17 million a year in medical costs.

“We are also requiring international students to hold health insurance as a condition of their visa. This will not be an issue for most students, as they are ineligible for health services in New Zealand and education providers are required to ensure they hold insurance.

Changes to health screening for other visa categories include:

  • Previously submitted medical records will be able to be re-used, provided they are less than 36 months old and there are no clear risk factors.
  • For the partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents, screening will be limited to serious conditions which could disqualify them.
  • Tests and requirements will also be updated to ensure that the latest developments in high-cost health conditions are taken into account.

“These changes show that the Government is serious about tackling red-tape and attracting migrants who can make a contribution to New Zealand. At the same time, we are making sure that applicants have an acceptable standard of health,” says Mr Guy.

Further information is available at: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/news/healthchanges

Some FAQs about the changes can be found at: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/qanda/healthscreeningchangesqandas.htm

Students who are considered 'domestic students' in New Zealand (including all PhD students) will still need to undergo a full medical before a student visa is issued.

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