Australia, with its vibrant cities, booming economy, and exceptional quality of life, continues to attract thousands of immigrants annually. However, one critical factor influencing visa outcomes is the Australian health check. Whether you’re applying for a temporary work visa, student visa, or permanent residency, passing a health examination is often mandatory.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about how health checks affect visa approvals, outlines key health requirements, discusses potential medical issues, and offers expert advice to help ensure a smooth visa process.
Understanding the Australian Health Requirement
What Is the Australian Health Requirement?
Australia’s health requirement aims to:
-
Protect the Australian community from public health risks.
-
Ensure limited health and community services are available for all citizens and residents.
-
Control government healthcare expenditure.
Official source: Read more from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
Why Health Checks Matter for Visa Approval
Failing the health requirement can result in visa refusal, even if an applicant meets all other eligibility criteria. The health evaluation is not a mere formality; it is a central part of Australia’s strict immigration assessment process.
Who Needs to Undergo a Health Examination?
Mandatory Health Checks for Certain Visa Applicants
Applicants typically required to complete a health check include:
-
Individuals applying for permanent or provisional visas.
-
Temporary visa applicants planning to stay longer than 6 months.
-
Applicants intending to work or study in healthcare, aged care, or childcare sectors.
-
Individuals with a history of significant medical conditions.
-
Applicants from countries with a high risk of tuberculosis (TB).
Check your specific visa health requirements using the Health Requirement Wizard.
What Happens During the Australian Health Examination?
Booking a Medical Examination
After submitting a visa application, applicants receive instructions (via the ImmiAccount portal) on how to complete a health examination.
Health checks must be performed by an approved panel physician, listed by the Australian government here.
Standard Tests Conducted
Typical medical examinations include:
-
General physical examination.
-
Chest X-ray (especially to screen for TB).
-
HIV test (mandatory for many permanent visa classes).
-
Hepatitis B and C tests.
-
Urine tests and blood tests.
Special Examinations If Required
If the initial tests reveal health concerns, applicants may be asked to:
-
Undergo further diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, etc.).
-
Submit reports from specialists (oncologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, etc.).
-
Complete treatment and demonstrate recovery (especially for infectious diseases).
Key Medical Conditions That Can Affect Visa Outcomes
Tuberculosis (TB)
TB poses a significant public health risk. Applicants diagnosed with active TB must complete treatment and demonstrate full recovery before visa approval.
HIV/AIDS
Testing positive for HIV does not automatically lead to visa refusal. However, authorities assess:
-
Likely costs of treatment.
-
Potential burden on healthcare services.
-
Public health risk.
Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases
Applicants currently undergoing cancer treatment, dialysis, or other expensive long-term care may face challenges in meeting the health requirement.
Severe Mental Health Conditions
Severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or psychosis are evaluated for potential public health and community support impacts.
Disabilities
Conditions such as Down syndrome, severe autism, or physical disabilities that necessitate substantial community service support could impact visa outcomes.
How Health Costs Are Assessed
Australia uses a cost threshold to assess whether an applicant’s health condition would likely result in significant healthcare or community service costs.
-
Current Significant Cost Threshold (2025): Approximately AUD $51,000 over a projected lifetime.
If projected costs exceed this figure, the visa may be refused unless a health waiver is available and approved.
Learn more at Home Affairs Health Costs Policy.
Health Waivers: An Opportunity to Still Get Approved
What Is a Health Waiver?
If applicants fail the health requirement, some visa categories allow for a health waiver. This means applicants can argue that compelling reasons exist to grant the visa despite health concerns.
Who Can Apply for a Health Waiver?
Eligible visa categories include:
-
Humanitarian visas.
-
Partner visas (Subclass 820/801).
-
Child visas.
-
Parent visas.
-
Some skilled visas in exceptional circumstances.
How the Health Waiver Process Works
-
Applicant notified of failure to meet the health requirement.
-
Immigration invites submission of supporting documents showing:
-
Compelling circumstances.
-
Contributions to Australia (e.g., professional skills, humanitarian grounds).
-
Mitigating strategies for health costs (e.g., private insurance).
-
-
Case officer evaluates all submissions before making a decision.
Success Stories
Health waivers are not automatic but are frequently granted where strong cases exist, especially when applicants demonstrate financial means to cover treatment or significant community contributions.
Consequences of Not Meeting the Health Requirement
Immediate Visa Refusal
If health requirements are not met and no waiver is available or approved, the visa application will be refused.
Future Visa Applications
Applicants with previously failed health checks may face hurdles in future visa applications, particularly if their health condition remains unchanged.
Ban Periods
False declarations regarding medical history can lead to a 3-year exclusion from applying for Australian visas under the Public Interest Criterion 4020.
Health Examination FAQs
How Long Are Health Results Valid?
Health results are generally valid for 12 months. If visa processing extends beyond this period, repeat examinations may be required.
Can I Use My Own Doctor?
No. Only approved panel physicians may conduct the required immigration medical examinations.
Will Pregnancy Affect the Health Check?
Pregnant applicants can defer chest X-rays until after giving birth, but this may delay visa processing.
Is Health Insurance Required?
While health insurance is not mandatory for the visa health check itself, some visa subclasses (e.g., student visas, working holiday visas) require applicants to maintain adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia.
Expert Tips to Pass the Health Check
Disclose All Conditions Honestly
Undisclosed medical conditions discovered later can lead to visa refusal.
Attend Examinations Promptly
Quickly completing health checks minimizes visa processing delays.
Provide Comprehensive Medical History
Submit complete medical records to avoid unnecessary referrals or repeat tests.
Pre-Emptive Health Examination (My Health Declarations)
You can complete your health checks before applying for a visa via the My Health Declarations system if you anticipate health issues.
Check more at My Health Declarations.
Changes in Health Policies in 2025
New Mental Health Screening Requirements
New immigration policies as of 2025 place greater emphasis on assessing mental health conditions among student and worker visa applicants.
Telehealth Expansion
Australia is increasing the use of telehealth appointments for preliminary medical assessments, especially for applicants in remote areas.
Real-Life Visa Cases Affected by Health Checks
Canadian Family’s PR Refusal Due to Autism
In 2018, a Canadian family’s application was rejected when their child’s autism-related support costs were projected to be high. The family appealed, and after significant public attention, Australia reviewed its policy on disabilities in immigration decisions.
Read the full story: CBC News – Australian Autism Visa Debate.
Indian Skilled Worker Delayed Due to TB
An Indian IT professional faced a 18-month visa delay due to TB diagnosis. After completing treatment and clearing health checks, his visa was finally approved.
Conclusion
Passing the Australian health check is a fundamental component of a successful visa application. Understanding the health requirement, preparing adequately, and seeking expert help when necessary significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome.
Applicants should:
-
Be proactive in managing their health examinations.
-
Understand their rights regarding health waivers.
-
Stay updated on new health policies that may impact visa processing.
By approaching the process strategically, migrants can ensure that health-related hurdles do not stand in the way of achieving their dreams in Australia.
Useful Resources
