In most cases, visa applicants are required to go through health and medical examinations. This is done through the Department of Home Affairs’ approved panel physicians located in and outside of Australia where visa applicants undergo specific tests depending on the visa that they are applying for.
This article intends to provide an overview of the medical assessments for Australian visa applications by answering questions based on specific scenarios below.
- I applied for a Student Visa (subclass 500) and I was asked to sign a health undertaking. Does this mean I have failed my health and medical exam?
A health undertaking is usually required in varying circumstances including cases when there’s evidence of the visa applicant having exposure to Tuberculosis (TB) or other health conditions of concern. This does not mean that you do not satisfy the health requirement.
You just have to provide the signed health undertaking and follow the instructions as requested on your request for more information.
- I am applying for a Partner Visa and I received an invitation to comment which stated that I do not satisfy the health requirement as my current health condition will require $120,000 worth of medical and pharmaceutical services.
There is an amount set by the Department of Home Affairs when determining whether the visa applicant’s health condition will result in a significant cost to the Australian community in the areas of health care and community services. As per the migration policy, the significant cost threshold is $86,000. Since the amount of medical and pharmaceutical services you require is more than the $86,000, you were deemed to have not satisfied the health requirement. However, a health waiver can be requested for a Partner Visa application if you can satisfy all the criteria for this visa, and you can provide evidence of your capacity to mitigate the potential costs and provide evidence of your compelling and compassionate circumstances.
Compelling and compassionate circumstances can include the affect of refusing the applicant’s visa to an Australian citizen or to a permanent resident minor child’s best interest, Australian citizen’s sponsor’s health condition and access to treatment if forced to leave Australia, sponsor’s significant links to Australia, and more.
Note that health waivers can only be requested and exercised in specific visas (those that require Public Interest Criteria 4007) such as Partner visas and ENS 186 visa transition stream.
- I have a medical condition and I am not sure if I can satisfy the health requirement for the visa that I am applying for. Is there a way to go through medical examinations before I apply for my visa?
Yes, there is. You can apply for your My Health Declarations on your IMMI account to get an e-referral letter and book yourself a health and medical exam with the Department of Home Affairs’ approved physicians. You can then access the result of your health and medical exams before you decide to lodge your visa application.
- I am applying for an ENS 186 visa and my health assessment has been deferred because there are additional tests and additional information I need to provide to the Department of Home Affairs. What should I do?
The request for information shows the specific tests and reports required and the specialists you need to see. It is best to follow these instructions within the time frames provided. You can also try to ask for extension should you need more time to do the tests and for getting the specialists’ reports.
If you or your family members have health conditions and you would like to understand how it may affect your visa application, it would be best to seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent or an Immigration Lawyer.