New Zealand: Immigration Health Rules for Dependent Children of Temporary Visa Holders Restricted

The government has restricted the immigration health requirements for dependent children of temporary visa holders. Starting March 17, 2025, dependent children of work, student, or military visa holders will no longer be eligible for student or visitor visas if they have a severe cognitive or developmental disability requiring significant support. Specifically, a temporary visa application may be declined if the applicant is deemed likely to require hospitalization, residential care, high-cost pharmaceuticals, or high-cost disability services during their stay. Additionally, the application may be refused if the individual is assessed as having a severe developmental or cognitive condition that necessitates significant support. These conditions include, but are not limited to, physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders.