Securing a skilled migration visa for Australia requires meeting specific health requirements through mandatory medical examinations. These assessments ensure you satisfy Australia’s health standards before your visa is approved. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the medical examination process for your Australian skilled migration journey.
Understanding the Health Requirements
The Australian Government requires visa applicants to undergo medical examinations to:
- Protect the Australian community from public health threats
- Assess potential costs to the healthcare system
- Evaluate impact on services in short supply^5
These health requirements apply to all applicants for skilled migration visas, including primary applicants and all accompanying family members. Even non-migrating family members might require medical assessments in some cases, though this requirement has become more discretionary since policy changes in July 2017^8.
Required Medical Examinations
The standard medical examination for skilled migration visas typically includes:
- Medical history review and physical examination
- Chest X-ray (for applicants over 11 years)
- HIV test (for applicants over 15 years)
- Hepatitis B and C screening (particularly for healthcare workers)
- Additional tests based on your specific circumstances^1^8
For skilled migration applicants, the examination process follows these steps:
- Complete registration and counseling about the health assessment process
- Undergo medical examination with a review of medical history and current symptoms
- Have measurements and vital signs taken
- Complete a detailed physical examination
- Take a chest X-ray
- Undergo tuberculosis screening (TST or IGRA blood test)
- Complete HIV testing and other blood tests as required^2
When and How to Arrange Your Medical Examination
You can complete your health examinations either before or after submitting your visa application:
- Before applying: Use the My Health Declarations (MHD) service to undergo health checks upfront. Remember that results are valid for only 12 months.
- After applying: Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a HAP ID to arrange your examinations^4
In Australia
If you’re in Australia, you must book your appointment through Bupa Medical Visa Services. Health examinations cannot be completed with other providers^5.
Outside Australia
If you’re outside Australia, you must book with an approved panel physician. These are doctors and radiologists approved by the Department to perform Australian immigration health examinations. You can find your closest panel physician on the Department’s website^5.
After Your Examination
Once your examinations are complete:
- The panel physician records your results and sends them electronically to the Department of Home Affairs within 5 business days
- You can track your examination status through your ImmiAccount by clicking ‘View health assessment’ under ‘View application status’
- Results typically remain valid for 12 months after completion^1
Your health assessment might lead to three possible outcomes:
- Quick approval when no health issues appear
- Review by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) for deeper evaluation
- Requests for additional medical details or tests^1
Potential Challenges and Solutions
The only medical condition that automatically results in visa rejection is active tuberculosis. If you have active tuberculosis, you won’t be granted a visa until you’ve received treatment and been cleared by a MOC^11.
For other health conditions, a health waiver may be available for certain visa applicants who don’t meet the health requirements. These waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis and involve demonstrating compelling reasons for the visa grant despite the health condition^9.
Tips for a Successful Medical Examination
- Book early to avoid delays in your visa application process
- Bring your passport, visa application documents, relevant medical records, and a list of current medications
- Follow any pre-examination instructions carefully
- Provide accurate and complete information about your medical history
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle for the best possible outcome^9
By understanding the medical examination requirements and preparing accordingly, you can navigate this crucial step in your Australian skilled migration journey with confidence and increase your chances of visa approval.
[^29]: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/2017-08/MSA Booklet August 2017.pdf
