To ensure that applicants meet the health requirements, health examinations may be necessary depending on the type of visa being applied for. In some cases, even non-migrating family members may also need to undergo medical checks.
1. Temporary Policy Update for Health Examinations
Temporary measures have recently been introduced for certain onshore temporary visa applicants. Under these changes, many applicants do not need to undergo health examinations or chest x-rays, based on factors such as nationality, previous residence, and intended duration of stay.
These changes are temporary and were scheduled for review in 2023.
2. Who the Measures Apply To:
These exemptions apply only to applicants who are currently in Australia and are applying for the following visa subclasses:
- Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity) – Subclass 401
- Temporary Work (International Relations) – Subclass 403
- Investor Retirement – Subclass 405
- Training – Subclass 407
- Temporary Activity – Subclass 408
- Retirement – Subclass 410
- Working Holiday – Subclass 417 and 462
- New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship – Subclass 461
- Skilled Recognised Graduate – Subclass 476
- Temporary Skill Shortage – Subclass 482
- Temporary Graduate – Subclass 485
- Student – Subclass 500
- Student Guardian – Subclass 590
- Visitor – Subclass 600
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) – Subclass 870
- Diplomatic (Temporary) – Subclass 995
3. Who Still Needs a Health Exam?
Applicants in Australia applying for the above visa subclasses may still be required to undergo a health examination if any of the following apply:
- Applying for a medical treatment, temporary protection, or provisional visa
- Likely to incur medical expenses or need medical treatment
- Intend to work as or study to be a doctor, nurse, dentist, or paramedic
- Will enter a hospital, aged care, or disability care facility (especially if at higher risk for tuberculosis)
- Are pregnant and plan to give birth in Australia
- Will work or train at a childcare centre
- Are applying for a visitor visa and are aged 75 or older
- Have had household contact with tuberculosis
- Are specifically requested by the Department to complete a medical examination
4. Offshore Applicants
Applicants who are outside Australia (offshore) and applying for a temporary visa are still required to undergo health examinations, regardless of visa type.
5. Appointment with Bupa Medical Services
If you have already scheduled a medical examination with Bupa and have not yet attended, Bupa may contact you to cancel your appointment in line with these temporary exemptions.
Please do not contact Bupa to cancel your appointment yourself.
If you have not been contacted, you should still attend your appointment as planned.
If you have any questions or need help navigating your visa or health examination requirements, please feel free to reach out.
The Migration Team at VisaRepublic is here to help you every step of the way.
Need help securing your Australian visa? Contact VisaRepublic today.
