Health Examinations for Children in an Australian Visa Application
Health examinations for children in a visa application have some important differences from those for adults. Understanding the process helps you prepare better and avoid unnecessary delays.
Which Children Must Have a Health Examination?
All children declared in a visa application must meet the health requirement, including children who are not travelling to Australia but are included in the application.
Specific requirements by age:
- Children under 2 years old: A general examination, usually with no X-ray or blood test
- Children 2–10 years old: A general examination; tests may be required depending on the visa type and the specific case
- Children 11 years old and over: A full examination as for an adult, including a chest X-ray
Who Takes the Child to the Examination?
A child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the examination. The panel physician will confirm the child’s identity and the guardian’s standing.
If a parent cannot attend, a valid guardianship authorisation is required.
Documents to Bring
These may differ from an adult:
- The child’s passport (required to verify identity)
- If the child does not yet have a passport: birth certificate plus the parent’s passport
- The HEI (Health Examination Instructions) from ImmiAccount
- The child’s immunisation record (the panel physician may ask for it)
- Medical records if the child has a condition under treatment
Chest X-rays for Children
Children under 11 usually do not need a chest X-ray under the standard requirement. The DHA only requires an X-ray for a child where there is a specific medical indication from the panel physician (for example, TB exposure).
For children aged 11 and over, an X-ray is required.
Special Considerations
Newborns: If a child is under 3 months old at the time the application is lodged, the health examination is usually deferred until the child is old enough to be examined. The DHA will direct the appropriate timing.
Children with a congenital condition or disability: Full medical records and specialist reports should be prepared. Depending on the condition, a health waiver may be needed. The topic on what a health waiver is covers this in more detail.
Children born after the visa application is lodged: If you have another child while the visa is being processed, the child must be added to the application and will need a health examination.
After the Examination
As with adults, the child’s results are sent by the panel physician directly to the DHA through eMedical. You do not receive the results yourself. Track the status through ImmiAccount.