What the Australian Visa Health Examination Is and Who Needs It
The health examination is one of the most important requirements in an Australian migration visa application. Not everyone has to do one, but the large majority of migration visa applicants will need to go through it.
Purpose of the health examination
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires a health examination to assess whether a visa applicant meets Australia’s health requirement. Specifically, it aims to:
- Protect the Australian community from serious communicable diseases
- Assess the likelihood of significant cost to Australia’s public health system (significant cost)
- Ensure that health conditions do not affect community safety
Who needs a health examination
Most Australian visa applicants must complete a health examination, including:
- Migration visa applicants: 482, 186, 189, 190, 491, and most other long-term visas
- Family members included in the application (spouse/partner, children)
- Some short-term visa applicants where risk factors are present
Who is often exempt:
- Short-term visa applicants with no particular risk factors (short-stay visitor visas)
- Infants under certain ages (depending on the visa type)
DHA decides which examination applies
DHA determines the type of examination required based on:
- The visa type
- Country of origin / place of residence
- Intended length of stay in Australia
- The applicant’s age
After you lodge a visa application, DHA sends Health Examination Instructions (HEI) through ImmiAccount setting out exactly what you need to do.
The three main components of a health examination
A full health examination usually consists of:
1. Medical examination: A panel physician checks your general health, medical history, and current condition.
2. Chest X-ray: Generally required for people from 11 years old and over. Its main purpose is to detect tuberculosis (TB).
3. Blood tests / other tests: Depending on the case — this may include HIV testing, hepatitis B, and other tests as required.
When you should do the health examination
Book your examination after you receive the HEI from DHA — you should not arrange your own examination before you have these instructions. The results are only valid for the specific visa application they relate to.
For guidance on finding an approved doctor, see the article on what a panel physician is.