Visa Refused on Health Grounds: Which Situations Apply

Being refused a visa on health grounds is something many people worry about but few really understand. Not every condition causes a visa to be refused — DHA applies specific assessment criteria.

The two main health grounds for refusal

1. A condition that poses a public health risk: This is mainly active tuberculosis (TB). If active TB is detected, DHA requires full treatment before a visa is granted.

2. Medical costs that place a burden on the Australian system (significant cost): If a health condition is expected to generate medical costs above the prescribed threshold over the intended five-year period in Australia, DHA may refuse the application.

The significant cost threshold is reviewed periodically.

Conditions that often lead to refusal being considered

Active tuberculosis (active TB)
Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis — very high cost
HIV at a stage requiring costly antiretroviral (ARV) treatment
Serious mental illness requiring long-term treatment
Cancer at a stage requiring chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Note: many chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma) generally do not lead to refusal if treatment costs are within the acceptable threshold.

When DHA gives notice

DHA does not automatically refuse a visa the moment a health issue is detected. Typically:

DHA sends a Section 56 notice requesting further information about the health condition
You provide medical documents and specialist reports
DHA assesses everything and decides

Only after a full assessment does DHA make a decision to refuse (or to approve with conditions).

Options if you are refused

Health waiver: Request that the health requirement be waived — see the article on what a health waiver is
Review at the AAT: In many cases, a refusal on health grounds can be reviewed
Treat and reapply: If the condition can be fully treated (such as TB), undergo treatment and reapply afterwards
Remove a family member from the application: In some cases, you may apply for a visa yourself and sponsor the family member later through another pathway

Advice from a migration agent experienced in health cases is very important in this situation.