The Australian Visa Health Examination Process Step by Step
The Australian visa health examination is straightforward if you follow the right order. Below are the specific steps to complete it and avoid having to redo it or delay your application.
Step 1: Wait for the Health Examination Instructions (HEI)
After you lodge your visa application, DHA sends the HEI (Health Examination Instructions) through ImmiAccount. The HEI sets out:
- The types of examination you need (medical, X-ray, blood tests)
- The deadline to complete them
- Your case identifier so the panel physician can look you up
Do not have your examination before you receive the HEI — the results will not be attached to your application correctly.
Step 2: Find a panel physician
Use eMedical (the link is in ImmiAccount) or the Panel Physicians page on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to find the nearest doctor.
Book your appointment early — popular panel physicians are often busy and may need to be booked two to four weeks ahead.
Step 3: Prepare before your appointment
Bring:
- Your original passport (required — the panel physician verifies your identity using your passport)
- The HEI printout or your case number
- Passport-style photos (some clinics require them)
- Cash or a card to pay the examination fee
- Your personal medical records if you have them (medical history, current prescriptions)
Step 4: Have the examination
At the clinic, you will:
Complete a medical history form: Declare honestly any conditions you have had or currently have, medications you take, and surgeries you have undergone.
Have a general examination: The doctor checks your cardiovascular system, respiration, blood pressure, and your general condition.
Have a chest X-ray: Usually in the same visit or immediately afterwards. Wear comfortable clothing and remove jewellery.
Have blood/urine tests: If required — you may need to fast from the night before.
Step 5: Results are sent automatically
The panel physician sends the results directly to DHA through eMedical — you do not receive a copy of the results to take home. The results belong to your DHA file, not to you.
Step 6: Track the status
Check ImmiAccount after a few days — DHA usually updates the health examination status one to three weeks after receiving the results from the panel physician.
If anything further is needed (for example, an additional X-ray or a re-examination), DHA will let you know through ImmiAccount.
Important notes
- Every family member included in the application must complete a separate health examination
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Results are only valid for a limited time (12 months in some cases) — see the article on how long health examination results remain valid for details