Our Immigration Law expert Rachael Mason was recently interviewed by TVNZ for her views on an updated policy that means children with severe developmental disorders or cognitive impairments will no longer be eligible for temporary visas – unless they can secure a medical waiver.

The Immigration Minister says the change is in response to a spike in migrant children with very high learning needs putting pressure on our already over-subscribed school learning support system.

Rachael says the new rules strike the right balance because the medical waiver process still requires Immigration New Zealand to consider holistic factors – including economic and humanitarian – when determining this issue.

The changes should also reduce the likelihood of families finding out their children aren’t eligible to stay in New Zealand after they’re already settled and applying to become residents, she says.

• 👉Watch the full episode (Starts at 23min:28sec

Medical issues can be complex to navigate and it’s always best to have a plan from early in the visa journey to give you and your family the best chance of a successful overall outcome.

Our team are experts when it comes to handling medical issues and preparing medical waiver submissions to best position clients for success. For expert guidance in this tricky area, please get in touch with our experts today.