Please Help - Medicals.
Mar 10th 2011, 9:09 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Location: North Shore, Auckland
Posts: 82
Please Help - Medicals.
Hi there
My husband and i moved here and left behind my in-laws. My brother in-law also lives here with his family so other than his parents my husband has no familly remaining outside of NZ.
We have an advisor set up for them and he is in the process of gathering all of their info to apply for sponsorship through my brother in-law (we haven't been here long enough)
We have just had a call saying that after some ill health over the last 6!!! Years the Uk Dr has finally decided that it looks rather likely that my mother in-law has parkingsons and they are now exploring that!
After reading up both hubby and I were gob smacked that it hasn't been noticed sooner? She has not one or 2 but all of the symptoms!
We are now worried at how immi will view her bad health if diagnosed? I remember reading that there are certain illnesses that they just will not accept, However i can not remeber what they were as I was just concerned that none of them applied at the time. Now the link is bloody broken and I can not view it.
Does anyone have any excperience of this or recall what immi's view on this is?
Long shot I know but just after some info rather than none.....
Thanks
H
My husband and i moved here and left behind my in-laws. My brother in-law also lives here with his family so other than his parents my husband has no familly remaining outside of NZ.
We have an advisor set up for them and he is in the process of gathering all of their info to apply for sponsorship through my brother in-law (we haven't been here long enough)
We have just had a call saying that after some ill health over the last 6!!! Years the Uk Dr has finally decided that it looks rather likely that my mother in-law has parkingsons and they are now exploring that!
After reading up both hubby and I were gob smacked that it hasn't been noticed sooner? She has not one or 2 but all of the symptoms!
We are now worried at how immi will view her bad health if diagnosed? I remember reading that there are certain illnesses that they just will not accept, However i can not remeber what they were as I was just concerned that none of them applied at the time. Now the link is bloody broken and I can not view it.
Does anyone have any excperience of this or recall what immi's view on this is?
Long shot I know but just after some info rather than none.....
Thanks
H
Mar 10th 2011, 8:43 pm
#2
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,611
Re: Please Help - Medicals.
I'm so sorry to read of this diagnosis Cookie2B. It must be distressing and worrying for all your family. We recently had a friend in the village diagnosed with this. He'd also displayed one symptom for a few years but the onset of a 2nd symptom made for the diagnosis.
I'm going to PM to someone who may be able to offer some thoughts , other than an NZIS link.
Also. You may need to pause the advisor you have lined up & look for a specialist advisor for this.
I'll be back with the link in a minute.
I'm going to PM to someone who may be able to offer some thoughts , other than an NZIS link.
Also. You may need to pause the advisor you have lined up & look for a specialist advisor for this.
I'll be back with the link in a minute.
Mar 10th 2011, 8:53 pm
#3
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,611
Re: Please Help - Medicals.
NZIS manual has been revamped.
Here is a LINK to the list you were looking for I think
.
LINK
Here is a LINK to the list you were looking for I think
Originally Posted by NZIS
A4.10.1 Medical conditions deemed to impose significant costs and/or demands on New Zealand's health and/or education services
LINK
Originally Posted by NZIS
Central Nervous System disease, including motor neurone disease, complex partial seizures, poorly controlled epilepsy, prion disease, Alzheimer's and other dementia, and including paraplegia and quadriplegia
Mar 10th 2011, 8:54 pm
#4
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,611
Re: Please Help - Medicals.
GGrrr. Link won't go to the page.
I'll quote.
I'll quote.
A4.10 Acceptable standard of health (applicants for residence)
A4.10.1 Medical conditions deemed to impose significant costs and/or demands on New Zealand's health and/or education services
The requirement that an applicant for a residence class visa must be unlikely to impose significant costs on New Zealand's special education services is not met if the Ministry of Education (MoE) has determined that there is a relatively high probability that the applicant's physical, intellectual, sensory or behavioural condition or group of conditions would entitle them to Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Schemes (ORRS) funding.
A4.10.10 Assessment of whether an applicant for a residence class visa is unlikely to impose significant demands on New Zealand's health services
The requirement that an applicant must be unlikely to impose significant demands on New Zealand's health services is not met if, in the opinion of an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor, there is a relatively high probability that the applicant's medical condition or group of conditions will require health services for which the current demand in New Zealand is not being met.
- Applicants for residence class visas must have an acceptable standard of health unless they have been granted a medical waiver. An application for a residence class visa must be declined if any person included in that application is assessed as not having an acceptable standard of health and a medical waiver is not granted (see A4.60).
- Applicants for residence class visas are considered to have an acceptable standard of health if they are:
- unlikely to be a danger to public health; and
- unlikely to impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services or special education services; and
- able to undertake the work on the basis of which they are applying for a visa, or which is a requirement for the grant of the visa.
- The conditions listed in A4.10.1 are considered to impose significant costs and/or demands on New Zealand's health and/or special education services. Where an immigration officer is satisfied (as a result of advice from an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor) that an applicant has one of the listed conditions, that applicant will be assessed as not having an acceptable standard of health.
- If an immigration officer is not initially satisfied that an applicant for a residence class visa has an acceptable standard of health, they must refer the matter for assessment to an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor (or the Ministry of Education as appropriate).
A4.10.1 Medical conditions deemed to impose significant costs and/or demands on New Zealand's health and/or education services
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B surface antigen positive, with abnormal liver function
- Hepatitis C, RNA positive, with abnormal liver function
- Malignancies of solid organs and haematopoietic tissue, including past history of, or currently under treatmentExceptions are:
- treated minor skin malignancies (not melanoma)
- malignancies where the interval since treatment is such that the probability of cure is > 90%, e.g.: early stage (I & IIA) breast cancer at 5 years; low risk prostate cancer at 5 years; early stage (Dukes A & B1) colorectal cancer at 5 years; childhood leukaemia at 5 years
- Solid organ transplants, excluding corneal grafts more than 6 months old
- Chronic renal failure or progressive renal disorders
- Diseases or disorders such as osteoarthritis with a high probability of arthroplasty in the next four years
- Central Nervous System disease, including motor neurone disease, complex partial seizures, poorly controlled epilepsy, prion disease, Alzheimer's and other dementia, and including paraplegia and quadriplegia
- Cardiac disease including ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy or valve disease requiring surgical and/or other procedural intervention
- Chronic obstructive respiratory disease with limited exercise tolerance and requiring oxygen
- Genetic or congenital disorders: muscular dystrophies, cystic fibrosis, thalassaemia major, sickle cell anaemia if more than one sickle crisis in 4 years, severe haemophilia, and severe primary immunodeficiencies
- Severe autoimmune disease, currently being treated with immuno-suppressants other than prednisone
- In a person up to the age of 21 years, a severe (71-90 decibels) hearing loss or profound bilateral sensori-neural hearing loss
- In a person up to the age of 21 years, a severe vision impairment with visual acuity of 6/36 or beyond after best possible correction, or a loss restricting the field of vision to 15-20 degrees
- In a person up to the age of 21 years, a severe physical disability, where they are unable to stand and walk without support, and cannot independently dress, eat, hold a cup, or maintain their stability when sitting.
- The requirement that an applicant for a residence class visa must be unlikely to impose significant costs on New Zealand's health services is not met if, in the opinion of an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor, there is a relatively high probability that the applicant's medical condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of $25,000.Note: Assessment will be in terms of current costs with no inflation adjustment.
- In the case of acute medical conditions, the medical assessor will provide an opinion on whether there is a relatively high probability that the condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$25,000 within a period of four years from the date the assessment against health requirements is made.
- In the case of chronic recurring medical conditions, the medical assessor will provide an opinion on whether, over the predicted course of the condition or group of conditions, there is a relatively high probability that the condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$25,000.
The requirement that an applicant for a residence class visa must be unlikely to impose significant costs on New Zealand's special education services is not met if the Ministry of Education (MoE) has determined that there is a relatively high probability that the applicant's physical, intellectual, sensory or behavioural condition or group of conditions would entitle them to Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Schemes (ORRS) funding.
A4.10.10 Assessment of whether an applicant for a residence class visa is unlikely to impose significant demands on New Zealand's health services
The requirement that an applicant must be unlikely to impose significant demands on New Zealand's health services is not met if, in the opinion of an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor, there is a relatively high probability that the applicant's medical condition or group of conditions will require health services for which the current demand in New Zealand is not being met.
Mar 10th 2011, 10:06 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Location: North Shore, Auckland
Posts: 82
Re: Please Help - Medicals.
Thanks so much for this BEVS.
I just couldn't the like to work last night.
Such a stressful time she has all of the symptoms other than instead of having a shake she has it in her leg so less noticeable we just thought she was unhealthy. Feel terible for all of the moaning we have done about how she doesn't look after herself.
Pretty annoyed that her GP and nurse hadn't spotted it either she see's them both regualary and has for the last 6 years due to diabetes etc.
I spoke with our immi advisor last night and luckily he has had quite a bit of experience with medical waivers etc so thats pretty lucky he's emailed me some info etc so im calmer now.
thanks again
H x
I just couldn't the like to work last night.
Such a stressful time she has all of the symptoms other than instead of having a shake she has it in her leg so less noticeable we just thought she was unhealthy. Feel terible for all of the moaning we have done about how she doesn't look after herself.
Pretty annoyed that her GP and nurse hadn't spotted it either she see's them both regualary and has for the last 6 years due to diabetes etc.
I spoke with our immi advisor last night and luckily he has had quite a bit of experience with medical waivers etc so thats pretty lucky he's emailed me some info etc so im calmer now.
thanks again
H x
Mar 11th 2011, 8:13 pm
#6
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,208
Re: Please Help - Medicals.
Firstly, all may not be lost. I have a close friend here in NZ who was diagnosed with the same thing last year. Initially here on a WTR visa (I think) they applied for PR after her diagnosis. Initially their application was refused on the basis of health and the cost of the drugs.
They carried out their own research and found that every 3 months the drugs they need go to tender so the pharmaceutical companies basically out bid each other, hence the cost of the drugs came down.
With this info and a blooming good immigration agent they applied for a medical waiver which was granted earlier this year.
I shall email her and she if she can comment further.
Good luck, be persistent and try everything.
They carried out their own research and found that every 3 months the drugs they need go to tender so the pharmaceutical companies basically out bid each other, hence the cost of the drugs came down.
With this info and a blooming good immigration agent they applied for a medical waiver which was granted earlier this year. I shall email her and she if she can comment further.
Good luck, be persistent and try everything.
Mar 12th 2011, 9:55 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: Papamoa, Bay of Plenty
Posts: 97
Re: Please Help - Medicals.
Its true I cannot hide it any longer and I know I now have to face the reality of it all...therapy has helped so I can now say...Hello, my name is Lyn and I am Loolah’s close friend... :-)
Joking aside folks, I do so appreciate and empathise with the situation you all find yourselves in at the moment.
I was 46, living and working full time in NZ under a Work Visa/Permit which was granted under my husbands Work Visa/Permit for Truck Driving.
Our visas were due to expire in July 2010 and in October 09 we began researching our options to stay. An agent was recommended to us and we thought, nothing to lose we’ll just check with him on his thoughts about residency for us. We then discovered that as a PA with over 10 years experience I could apply for residency under the Skilled Migrant category.
To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, you had to show you have the potential to contribute to NZ, by submitting an Expression of Interest where you get points for certain factors, including your qualifications, whether you have a job (or one waiting for you), and previous work experience.
In addition (as with all other categories) we had to meet the following minimum standards:
Good Health - Acceptable Standard of Health
Good Character - Police Certificate
English Language ability - must speak sufficient English
We considered going solo with our applications and not involve the cost of agent etc. but as we were both at the maturer end of the age limit, both working full time and husband being a shift worker, we thought nah.... We knew that trying to compile the paperwork would be challenging enough so why not let the agent guide us on the rules and regs. Boy oh boy, did we sooooo make the right choice there...
All seemed to be trucking along swimmingly.....Expression of Interested submitted 21 Sept and we were selected from the pool on 23 Sept. NZIS then began their initial verifying of the information provided to them. We were told the verification stage can take on average 4-12 weeks and may involve visiting your place of work or contacting your employer to verify your job offer. If successful, we would then be issued an invitation to apply for residence.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) was issued on 14 October 2009. We then had to provide more detailed information including Medicals, Police Certificates, etc. At the time I was worried about my Liver Function Tests (LFT) - being an ex Wren my liver was nervous of the scrutiny it would now be under. Also my BMI was borderline.
In March 2010, I was asked for repeat LFT and a Hep C test..pretty standard request when LFT levels high. Agent said very common.
In the meantime, I had been experiencing some issues with my left foot...nothing major at the time but physiotherapists, podatrist and then GP...all shook their heads while tutting..not a good look. Then finally a referral to a neurologist where after further tests a diagnosis was given that I had Parkinsons Disease.
We could have said nothing, but how could you live looking over your shoulder every minute worrying. So hands up, we told immigration of the “change in circumstances” and that I was now taking Ropinirole.
NZIS wrote back via our agent on 23 April 2010 with “concerns on my standard of health” (you don’t say) and requested more info by way of a report from my neurologist. In summary we had to provide the following info:
1. the treatment over long term is able to be controlled by Sinemet and the current cost of this drug
2. confirmation that the decision of choice of drugs is a joint one and
3. estimation of total cost of treatment over my expected lifetime (they deem lifetime to be age 83).
Report done and submitted. NZIS then forwarded to Medical Assessor for comment; but what you need to understand the MA is not a specialist in any field they just “assess’ information” so no shocks when the letter from NZIS arrived on 16 June.
Medical Assessors Comments
The Medical Assessor has advised that you do not meet the acceptable standard of health for entry to New Zealand on that basis that you are likely impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services.
Specifically the medical accessor has noted:
“The applicant has Parkinson’s Disease requiring long term medication. Currently her medication is costing approximately $2100 per annum (Ropinirole 2mg Q.I.D). Along with regular G.P. and specialist visits there is a relatively high probability that the applicant’s chronic recurring medical condition, over the course of the condition will require health services costing in excess of $25,000.
Parkinsons Disease is a lifelong incurable central nervous system disease which is an Appendix 10 condition."
Our immediate thoughts were “where are the suitcases lets start packing”...However our Agent said not all lost. Firstly we have an opportunity to challenge the comments and if the MA still agrees with what he said above, then we would have an opportunity to go down a Medical Waiver route.
So the deal was to go with step one first. We didnt have to prove that my condition will not cost in excess of $25,000", but just show reasonable doubt.
Then the research began....we needed to show that alternative “cheaper” drug options such as Sinemet were available (and common practice) and that research is continuing for cure, cheaper drugs, etc. etc.
Then our golden nugget....I discovered through Pharmac website (the NZ
government agency who decide which medicines are subsidised) that Ropinirole had reduced in price..woohoo!!
I provided evidence of that by way of a link to relevant Pharmac website and a copy of my last prescription from pharmacy and then the current one. In NZ it shows the amount of subsidy government provides to you towards the cost of the drug...the cheaper the drug becomes the less the government needs to contribute. Pharmac had sourced a cheaper supplier so the drug was cheaper for the government. All good.
We also provided a supplementary neurologist report confirming that medication for PD is not limited or restricted to Ropinirole..etc. With a number of website address’ on the condition thrown in for good measure, all paperwork went off to NZIS on 14 July 10 keeping everything crossed (fingers, legs, arms, toes) and believe me thats a challenge with my condition!
1 September NZIS advised our “response to comments” had been referred to the MA for consideration. Our agent said that the MA could either say nah, I stand by my first comments in which case a medical waiver would have to be applied for (we’d then have to prove our contribution would outway our cost...) OR the MA could say all good.
Then on 21 September we received an email from NZIS via our agent:
“Just to update you on this application. The medical assessor has reviewed his opinion with the new information provided and has now determined that Lyn has an acceptable standard of health so a medical waiver will not be required. I have made a recommendation for approval and the application is now awaiting a second person check.”
So then my file with all the information required, proof of acceptable standard of health, good character, etc was sent for final consideration.
On 19 October 2010 we had THE email....A P P R O V E D.....
A long journey but so worth it in the end. Our agent was amazing and I believe the fact that he has such a good rapport with the Hamilton office, he processes a large number of applications (knows his stuff) and is totally professional; I believe this certainly helped us.
But we do appreciate every case is different so try not to compare with others too much.
You just need to remember that with any medical condition NZIS need to have some confidence that its unlikely that you are going to cost more than $25000 in the lifetime of the condition. We provided a heap of information to prove reasonable doubt including our own sustanability... I know we were both working but we also provided evidence of private pensions, etc. to show we had funds for the future.
I’ve waffled on long enough and the majority of other members reading this are now on their 2nd bottle of wine, but I do hope this helps you (and maybe others) in the world of immigration medical issues and if you want to PM for any more info then please do feel free to do so.
All the best and good luck.
LC x
Joking aside folks, I do so appreciate and empathise with the situation you all find yourselves in at the moment.
I was 46, living and working full time in NZ under a Work Visa/Permit which was granted under my husbands Work Visa/Permit for Truck Driving.
Our visas were due to expire in July 2010 and in October 09 we began researching our options to stay. An agent was recommended to us and we thought, nothing to lose we’ll just check with him on his thoughts about residency for us. We then discovered that as a PA with over 10 years experience I could apply for residency under the Skilled Migrant category.
To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, you had to show you have the potential to contribute to NZ, by submitting an Expression of Interest where you get points for certain factors, including your qualifications, whether you have a job (or one waiting for you), and previous work experience.
In addition (as with all other categories) we had to meet the following minimum standards:
Good Health - Acceptable Standard of Health
Good Character - Police Certificate
English Language ability - must speak sufficient English
We considered going solo with our applications and not involve the cost of agent etc. but as we were both at the maturer end of the age limit, both working full time and husband being a shift worker, we thought nah.... We knew that trying to compile the paperwork would be challenging enough so why not let the agent guide us on the rules and regs. Boy oh boy, did we sooooo make the right choice there...
All seemed to be trucking along swimmingly.....Expression of Interested submitted 21 Sept and we were selected from the pool on 23 Sept. NZIS then began their initial verifying of the information provided to them. We were told the verification stage can take on average 4-12 weeks and may involve visiting your place of work or contacting your employer to verify your job offer. If successful, we would then be issued an invitation to apply for residence.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) was issued on 14 October 2009. We then had to provide more detailed information including Medicals, Police Certificates, etc. At the time I was worried about my Liver Function Tests (LFT) - being an ex Wren my liver was nervous of the scrutiny it would now be under. Also my BMI was borderline.
In March 2010, I was asked for repeat LFT and a Hep C test..pretty standard request when LFT levels high. Agent said very common.
In the meantime, I had been experiencing some issues with my left foot...nothing major at the time but physiotherapists, podatrist and then GP...all shook their heads while tutting..not a good look. Then finally a referral to a neurologist where after further tests a diagnosis was given that I had Parkinsons Disease.
We could have said nothing, but how could you live looking over your shoulder every minute worrying. So hands up, we told immigration of the “change in circumstances” and that I was now taking Ropinirole.
NZIS wrote back via our agent on 23 April 2010 with “concerns on my standard of health” (you don’t say) and requested more info by way of a report from my neurologist. In summary we had to provide the following info:
1. the treatment over long term is able to be controlled by Sinemet and the current cost of this drug
2. confirmation that the decision of choice of drugs is a joint one and
3. estimation of total cost of treatment over my expected lifetime (they deem lifetime to be age 83).
Report done and submitted. NZIS then forwarded to Medical Assessor for comment; but what you need to understand the MA is not a specialist in any field they just “assess’ information” so no shocks when the letter from NZIS arrived on 16 June.
Medical Assessors Comments
The Medical Assessor has advised that you do not meet the acceptable standard of health for entry to New Zealand on that basis that you are likely impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services.
Specifically the medical accessor has noted:
“The applicant has Parkinson’s Disease requiring long term medication. Currently her medication is costing approximately $2100 per annum (Ropinirole 2mg Q.I.D). Along with regular G.P. and specialist visits there is a relatively high probability that the applicant’s chronic recurring medical condition, over the course of the condition will require health services costing in excess of $25,000.
Parkinsons Disease is a lifelong incurable central nervous system disease which is an Appendix 10 condition."
Our immediate thoughts were “where are the suitcases lets start packing”...However our Agent said not all lost. Firstly we have an opportunity to challenge the comments and if the MA still agrees with what he said above, then we would have an opportunity to go down a Medical Waiver route.
So the deal was to go with step one first. We didnt have to prove that my condition will not cost in excess of $25,000", but just show reasonable doubt.
Then the research began....we needed to show that alternative “cheaper” drug options such as Sinemet were available (and common practice) and that research is continuing for cure, cheaper drugs, etc. etc.
Then our golden nugget....I discovered through Pharmac website (the NZ
government agency who decide which medicines are subsidised) that Ropinirole had reduced in price..woohoo!!
I provided evidence of that by way of a link to relevant Pharmac website and a copy of my last prescription from pharmacy and then the current one. In NZ it shows the amount of subsidy government provides to you towards the cost of the drug...the cheaper the drug becomes the less the government needs to contribute. Pharmac had sourced a cheaper supplier so the drug was cheaper for the government. All good.
We also provided a supplementary neurologist report confirming that medication for PD is not limited or restricted to Ropinirole..etc. With a number of website address’ on the condition thrown in for good measure, all paperwork went off to NZIS on 14 July 10 keeping everything crossed (fingers, legs, arms, toes) and believe me thats a challenge with my condition!
1 September NZIS advised our “response to comments” had been referred to the MA for consideration. Our agent said that the MA could either say nah, I stand by my first comments in which case a medical waiver would have to be applied for (we’d then have to prove our contribution would outway our cost...) OR the MA could say all good.
Then on 21 September we received an email from NZIS via our agent:
“Just to update you on this application. The medical assessor has reviewed his opinion with the new information provided and has now determined that Lyn has an acceptable standard of health so a medical waiver will not be required. I have made a recommendation for approval and the application is now awaiting a second person check.”
So then my file with all the information required, proof of acceptable standard of health, good character, etc was sent for final consideration.
On 19 October 2010 we had THE email....A P P R O V E D.....
A long journey but so worth it in the end. Our agent was amazing and I believe the fact that he has such a good rapport with the Hamilton office, he processes a large number of applications (knows his stuff) and is totally professional; I believe this certainly helped us.
But we do appreciate every case is different so try not to compare with others too much.
You just need to remember that with any medical condition NZIS need to have some confidence that its unlikely that you are going to cost more than $25000 in the lifetime of the condition. We provided a heap of information to prove reasonable doubt including our own sustanability... I know we were both working but we also provided evidence of private pensions, etc. to show we had funds for the future.
I’ve waffled on long enough and the majority of other members reading this are now on their 2nd bottle of wine, but I do hope this helps you (and maybe others) in the world of immigration medical issues and if you want to PM for any more info then please do feel free to do so.
All the best and good luck.
LC x
Mar 16th 2011, 8:18 pm
#8
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,208
Re: Please Help - Medicals.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this Lyn. I owe you a vino!! 
Can I suggest you put it in an updates thread for anyone who might miss it on this thread but might be interested too.
Can I suggest you put it in an updates thread for anyone who might miss it on this thread but might be interested too.
Last edited by Am Loolah; Mar 16th 2011 at 8:21 pm.
