How Long Australian Visa Health Examination Results Stay Valid

Health examination results do not last forever. If your visa application takes a long time to process, the results may expire before the visa is decided — and you will have to be re-examined.

Standard validity period

Health examination results are usually valid for 12 months from the date of examination.

However, DHA may set a shorter period in some special circumstances (for example, a health condition that needs to be monitored).

When you must be re-examined

You must be re-examined if:

1. The results expire before the visa is granted: If DHA has not made a decision 12 months after the date of examination, you will be asked to complete a new health examination.

2. Your health changes significantly: If you develop a serious condition after submitting your results, DHA may require a reassessment.

3. A family member is added to the application: A dependent added after the original examination date must complete their own health examination.

The case of visas 482 and 186

For visas with long processing times such as the 186 (often two to three years), the risk that examination results expire before the visa is granted is real. DHA will let you know through ImmiAccount when a re-examination is needed.

There is no need to worry — the notification process is automatic. You only need to check ImmiAccount regularly.

Results do not apply to another visa

Health examination results are carried out for a specific visa application and tied to that application’s case number. You cannot reuse results from an old visa application for a new one (even if still within the 12-month period).

Cost of a re-examination

If you must be re-examined, you have to pay the full cost of the second examination — DHA does not refund or contribute to it.

This is why preparing a complete application from the start matters — it reduces the risk of drawn-out processing.