Status: In force (effective 3 August 2026)
Immigration New Zealand has removed hepatitis B and hepatitis C from the resident visa high-cost health conditions list for applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026. Applicants with these conditions now undergo individual medical assessments rather than facing automatic financial rejection thresholds [1].
What this means in practice
Under updated Ministry of Health and Pharmac data, treatment costs for hepatitis B and hepatitis C fall below the NZD $81,000 threshold. Consequently, resident visa applications lodged from 3 August 2026 onwards are evaluated through standard medical assessment processes [1]. Terminology for major psychiatric illness, severe autoimmune disease, and renal or hepatic disorders has also been updated to align with clinical practices [1].
Who should check this
This update applies to prospective and current resident visa applicants diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C who are submitting or managing applications on or after 3 August 2026 [1].
Practical checklist
- Verify that your resident visa application date is on or after 3 August 2026 [1].
- Gather complete medical documentation and treatment histories for clinical evaluation.
- Review updated medical definitions if your application involves psychiatric, autoimmune, or organ disorders.
Important limits or current position
This policy applies specifically to resident visa applications lodged on or after 3 August 2026 [1]. Applicants must still meet public health and character standards, and other high-cost medical conditions remain subject to existing thresholds [1].
Not sure whether this update affects your plan? Start your NZ visa assessment
This article is general information, not individual immigration advice.
Source note: Based on an Immigration New Zealand announcement published 5 August 2026 [1]. Article status: In force.
[1] Immigration New Zealand. (2026, August 5). Hepatitis B and C removed from resident visa high-cost health conditions list. Open source on immigration.govt.nz ↗