Health examinations are a key part of the Australian visa application process. Whether you’re applying for a temporary or permanent visa, ensuring you meet the health requirements is crucial for a successful application. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from understanding why health checks are necessary to the process of arranging your health examination.
Why Health Examinations Are Required
Health checks help protect the Australian community and manage healthcare costs. The main reasons for these examinations include:
-
Protecting public health: Screening for communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB), helps prevent public health risks.
- Managing healthcare costs: Ensures applicants don’t pose significant healthcare costs to Australia.
- Ensuring access to healthcare: Ensures that Australian residents and citizens can access healthcare services that are in short supply.
Most visa applicants and their family members must undergo these checks, even if some family members are not migrating to Australia.
Who Needs Health Examinations?
The requirement for health checks varies depending on the visa type and personal circumstances.
Permanent Visa Applicants
- Medical examination for all ages.
- Chest X-ray for those aged 11 and above.
- HIV test for applicants aged 15 and above.
- Hepatitis B test for individuals from high-risk countries.
Temporary Visa Applicants
- Health requirements for temporary visas depend on the visa type, length of stay, and activities in Australia. Common checks include:
- Medical examination
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests, especially for healthcare or childcare workers.
What Examinations Are Required?
Health examination requirements are determined by the type of visa and individual circumstances:
- Medical Examination: A general checkup assessing overall fitness.
- Chest X-ray: Required to screen for tuberculosis (TB).
- HIV Test: Required for permanent visa applicants and healthcare workers.
- Hepatitis B Test: Required for applicants from high-risk countries.
- Additional tests: These may include screening for syphilis, hepatitis C, or tuberculosis depending on your circumstances.
When to Complete Your Health Examinations
You can complete your health examinations either before or after submitting your visa application:
- Before Applying: The My Health Declarations (MHD) service allows applicants to undergo health checks upfront. Be mindful that results are valid for only 12 months.
- After Applying: Once your visa application is submitted, you will receive a HAP ID to arrange your health examinations.
How to Arrange Your Health Examinations
Once you receive your HAP ID, follow these steps:
- Log in to ImmiAccount and select ‘Organise health examinations’.
- Book an Appointment with an approved panel physician—a doctor or radiologist authorized by the Department of Home Affairs. In Australia, you can book through Bupa Medical Visa Services.
- Prepare for the Appointment: Bring your passport, HAP ID, and any relevant medical documents.
Costs of Health Examinations
You are responsible for covering the costs associated with health examinations, which vary by location and the tests required. Costs may include:
- Fees for doctors or radiologists.
- Additional specialist consultations.
- Further tests or treatments, if necessary.
In Australia, Bupa Medical Visa Services provides cost information. Contact clinics abroad to confirm pricing.
After Your Health Examinations
Once your health exams are completed, results are submitted electronically through the eMedical system. The panel physician sends your results to the Department of Home Affairs. You can track your examination status via ImmiAccount.
If any health concerns arise, your case may be referred to a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) for further evaluation. In some cases, you may need to sign a health undertaking, agreeing to medical follow-ups once in Australia.
Health Waivers
In certain cases, applicants who do not meet the health requirement may still receive a visa through a health waiver. This waiver is only available for specific visa subclasses and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
A health waiver may be granted if:
- The condition does not impose significant costs on the healthcare system.
- Compassionate or compelling circumstances justify the waiver.
How Migration Guru Can Help
Navigating the health examination process can be complex, but Migration Guru is here to assist you:
- Identifying required health checks for your visa type.
- Booking your health examination with an approved panel physician.
- Tracking your visa application after submitting your health examination results.
Let Migration Guru guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you meet all health requirements and avoid unnecessary delays.
Contact Migration Guru:
- Website: www.migrationguru.com.au
- LinkedIn: Migration Guru Pty Ltd
- Facebook: Migration Guru
- Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
- Phone: +61-0730363800
