Immigration X-rays

What is an immigration x-ray?

If you’ve been told you need a chest x-ray with your NZ visa application, we can help. We are on Immigration NZ’s list of accepted radiologists (listed in their Onshore Panel Physician’s network). An x-ray is considered safe and painless. It shows the structure of your chest by passing beams through your body. Very dense parts like bones and metal show up clearly as white, and less dense areas show up as black or grey. This allows radiologists to detect any abnormalities. Our x-ray technology generates a digital image immediately, and then our radiologist will write a report for your doctor or Immigration New Zealand.

If you need an immigration x-ray, here’s everything you need to know.

Before your procedure

If you are based in New Zealand and need a chest x-ray you MUST visit a NZ Immigration Panel Medical Clinic FIRST where they will:
• create a case for you, and
• refer you to a Panel Radiology Clinic for an x-ray.

The panel physician (doctor) enters you into the NZ Immigration Medical database – activating your NZER tracking number.

On the day of your appointment you will need to bring your passport and your active eMedical number. This will ensure the branch reception has all the necessary information required so our expert team can provide you with the best care possible.

The price of the x-ray is $160.00.

On the day of your procedure

When you arrive, please check in with reception and we’ll make sure the details we have for you are correct.

Depending on what part of your body needs to be x-rayed, you may need to remove jewellery, some items of clothing, or change into one of our gowns.

You’ll then stand against a detector, and the radiographer will move behind a screen, where you may talk to them at any time. You’ll have to stay very still during your x-ray, which generally only takes a few seconds.

If your child is getting an x-ray, your radiographer may decide to use restraints to help them stay still. These aren’t painful, but can be distressing for young children. You may be able to stay with your child, but will need to wear a lead apron to avoid exposure to the x-ray.

After your procedure

You can go about your day straight afterwards. Images are produced digitally, so are available straight away. Radiologists will interpret the results and send a report to your primary healthcare provider – usually within two working days.