Are you healthy enough to qualify?

Applicants for all categories of Australian visas are generally obliged to meet specific health requirements. Failure undergo a health checkup will result in your application being denied. If you pass the test, you don't necessarily qualify for a visa and all related costs are your responsibility unless you qualify under refugee status.

People who will be working in hospitals or other medical facilities, or those involved with children, are most likely to be called to prove their health. Those applicants over the age of 70 or who have medical conditions will be denied.

Health screening

If called for a health screening, you will need to bring specific documents with you. These include your passport, any recent chest X-rays, details of any known medical conditions, any prescription lenses or hearing aids and your application forms (forms 26EH and/or 160EH for online applications or forms 26 and/or 160 for paper applications). You should be aware that your dependents may also be called for this health screening, even those that don't intend moving to Australia with you!

Where the tests are held and when you have them depends on where you are living prior to obtaining the visa.

If living in Australia, you may attend your health examination prior to submitting your application for the visa, if it is an obligatory requirement. If you are unsure if health check is required, you may wish to wait until the check is actually requested. Health Services Australia will carry out the tests and advise you of the costs involved.

If you reside outside Australia, the process is slightly different. The Australian authorities have a list of approved panel doctors, and unless the doctor who undertakes your tests is on the panel, his or her assessment will not be accepted.

For this reason, it would be wise to wait until a test is actually requested by the authorities. The exception to this is the class of visa requiring a health check prior to application. You need to read the terms of the relevant visa.

Test results

The results of the medical examination will be forwarded to immigration, rather than to you as the applicant. Test results are the property of the Australian government, and the doctors will not advise you whether you have passed or not. They will tell you only if they diagnose a medical condition during the exam.

Health examination results are valid for 12 months, so if your visa application is not processed within this timescale or you apply for a different category, you may have to undergo the tests again. Your case officer will advise you at the time.