[RJewess]

Hi there! I'm new to the forums but thought I'd dive right in with a question!

My husband is an electrician so we have applied for PR under the Skilled Migrant Category, long term skills shortage. Myself, my husband and our youngest all passed the medicals no trouble at all but our eldest son has global developmental delay - he's not been diagnosed with anything up till now so we don't really know what his prognosis is. As well as the GDD he also has a mild-moderate hearing loss but no other major medical problems.

Yesterday we received a letter saying that he has been assessed as requiring ORRS funding, imposing significant cost on the education system, yada yada yada..! We have the opportunity of providing further information so we are planning to send his school report and his SALT report showing he has made progress, but not enough that it is likely to change the outcome of the initial assessment.

So, my question is, what are our chances of getting a medical waiver? I guess it will come down to my husbands skills v our sons needs so are electricians still desperately required?! I wouldn't add much to the equation - I have an admin background but am planning on being a SAHM if we get to NZ. We always knew it was likely to come to this, but I'd just hate to have done all the hard work and spent all that money just for a big fat NO at the end of it all!

Also, what's the procedure for a medical waiver now? Would we need to be turned down then apply for one, or is it done automatically if we don't qualify?

Thanks in anticipation :D

[Mels]

Hi RJewess,

Welcome to the forum, I am sorry I can't help with your query but there are some on the forum who will be able to help I'm sure.

good luck

Mels

[JandM]

Welcome, and good luck.:)

[dusk]

Hello,

afraid I can't help either with the medical/waiver query, but best of luck :)

[jent]

Hi We are in the same position. So is 'Britzy'. She is busy applying for ITA and will need a medical waiver for her daughter too. They both have jobs to go and if they don't get in, then I don't think you or I will get in.!! We will have to send some very positive thoughts and prayers up for Britzy. They are in limbo right now. Maybe PM her for advice regarding the process. My understanding is that you have to do the EOI. When you are selected and get ITA, you do medicals and submit. They will then tell you approval will be subject to getting a medical waiver. Only then do you apply for a medical waiver. look on the NZIS website for details. Britzy is using an immigration lawyer. Perhaps that is the right route. They may be able to give you some idea of what your chances are.
Good luck

[RJewess]

Thanks for your replies. I guess it's just a waiting game unfortunately! We've already done the whole EOI/ITA business, our application is in their hands now so nothing to do but cross everything and wait!!

[incredible hulse]

I understand you're not in the best position to query, but maybe worth asking why they assess a requirement for ORRS being determined. We have been battling to get ORRS funding for our son (who had a UK statement with no question) with no success as the criteria for kids to get it is very severe and it is limited to 1% of the population, so I'm surprised that they are trying to use this as an obstacle. More details on ORRS is here

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/index.cfm?layout=document&documentid=5323&data=l


Are they saying that your child would be guaranteed ORRS if you took a medical waiver ?

[Bernie]

Hi

Just wondered how you are getting on with the medical waiver?

We are in the same position - rest of the family have passed medicals except for my daughter who has been declined as costs will be over the limit allowed in her lifetime. She had major surgery and requires checks ups twice a year but these will cost over the $24000 in her lifetime otherwise she is now in good helath and no problems. I have applied for a medical waiver and still waiting for an outcome. Not sure where to next if we are declined. As you say having spent so much already I am thinking of going to appeal if we are declined. i am a social worker and there is real demand for this skill so i am hoping we get PR in the end.

Bernie