About Health Examinations
All permanent visa applicants and some temporary visa applicants will be required to undergo a health examination. The specific tests required depend on various factors, including the type of visa applied for (e.g., the applicant’s intended work or study), the length of the visa, the country the applicant is migrating from, the applicant’s age, and the information provided to the Department of Home Affairs in the visa application. The health examination may include:
- Urine test
- Blood pressure check
- Blood test (TB screening test, HIV test, Hepatitis B and C tests, and syphilis test)
- Eyesight - read letters from a chart
- Weight and height - to determine your body mass index (BMI)
- Heart check
- Reflexes check - on the legs
- Ears and throat
- Lumps on underarms and belly
- Chest X-ray
For more information, please visit What health examinations you need.
Health Examinations – FAQ
Does a tourist visa require a medical examination?
Generally, short-term temporary residence visas, such as tourist visas, will not require a health examination. There are some exceptions to this, for example, if you are over the age of 75 or if you intend to stay in Australia for the next 6 to 12 months.
The health examination and the types of tests required depend on the type and length of your visa, country of origin, age, and the details in your visa application. You will be notified if a health examination is needed after you submit your application.
Should I disclose my hepatitis B status during the visa application process?
It is important to answer any questions honestly during a visa application process, and not to provide any misleading or false information to the department. Some questions may ask you directly about any health conditions you are living with while others may ask about any healthcare services you intend on accessing while in Australia related to a health condition. Before lodging an application, advice should be sought from a registered migration agent or lawyer. It is recommended that a person living with hepatitis B should discuss/disclose their condition and other significant information to their lawyer or migration agent so that they can provide accurate advice.
For more information, please visit Who do you have to tell?
Where can I undergo a health examination?
Medical tests for Australian temporary and permanent residency can be undertaken in Australia or at approved locations in other countries. If an applicant lives in Australia, you must undergo testing through the authorised migration-related health examination provider (currently this is Bupa Medical Visa Services). If an applicant needs to undergo a health examination outside Australia, it is required that the examination be conducted by one of the Department of Home Affairs’ approved panel physicians or clinics at approved locations outside Australia.
For more information, please visit Meeting our health requirement.
What considerations should I be aware of when applying for a new visa in Australia if I am pregnant and have hepatitis B?
If you are in Australia on a visa, you can access care for yourself and your baby during pregnancy, birth, and afterwards. However, the cost will depend on your visa type and the coverage of your private health insurance.
If you have hepatitis B and are pregnant, it is important to see your doctor early to monitor your liver health, viral load, and assess if treatment is needed. Discussing your health condition with your midwife or doctor will help manage hepatitis B and ensure both you and your baby stay healthy.
It is strongly advised that applicants in these circumstances seek advice from a registered migration agent or lawyer to discuss about disclosing they are pregnant before submitting the application, as the applicant or dependent may be required to sign a pregnancy health undertaking if a health examination is needed.
For more information, please visit Hepatitis B, Pregnancy and Babies, Pregnancy Health Undertaking, Me, my baby and hepatitis B.