AsimAliApplying for permanent residency in Australia is an important step for skilled workers who want to build a stable future in the country. One of the key requirements applicants should understand is whether they need to complete medical examinations before their visa can be approved. If you are planning to apply for the subclass 186 visa, understanding the health requirements early can help you prepare the correct documents, avoid unnecessary delays, and make informed decisions about your application. 
The Australian government uses health requirements to protect public health, maintain access to essential healthcare services, and ensure that visa applicants meet the applicable health standards. These requirements may involve medical examinations, chest X-rays, blood tests, or other assessments, depending on an applicant's circumstances. Not every applicant will necessarily need the same examinations, and the process can differ according to personal medical history, age, country of residence, and previous health assessments.
For anyone considering the subclass 186 visa, the most important point is that health requirements should be treated as a normal part of preparing a permanent residency application. Knowing when examinations are required, who must complete them, and what happens if a medical concern is identified can help applicants approach the process with confidence.
Why Does Australia Require Health Checks for Permanent Residency?
Australia requires visa applicants to meet specific health standards before a permanent visa can be granted. These standards help protect the community, support public health, and manage the potential demand on healthcare and community services.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, health assessments help determine whether a medical condition could pose a public health risk, lead to significant healthcare costs, or affect access to services that are already in limited supply.
The health requirement is not designed simply to identify people who have medical conditions. Instead, it assesses whether an applicant meets the applicable immigration health criteria.
For example, a person with a chronic condition may still satisfy the health requirement. The outcome depends on the nature and severity of the condition, the likely need for services, and the relevant legal criteria.
Health checks also help the government identify certain infectious diseases, including active tuberculosis, that may require further assessment or treatment.
What Medical Examinations Are Required for a Subclass 186 Visa?
The exact examinations subclass 186 visa depend on the applicant's age, medical history, and individual circumstances. However, because this is a permanent visa pathway, applicants should generally expect health examinations to form part of the process.
The Department of Home Affairs determines which tests are required and provides instructions for completing them.
1. General Medical Examination
A general medical examination is a common part of the permanent visa health assessment.
A panel physician may ask questions about your medical history, previous illnesses, current medication, operations, and existing health conditions. The doctor may also assess your general physical health.
Depending on your circumstances, the examination may include checks of your heart, lungs, blood pressure, and other aspects of your health.
The purpose is to identify issues that require further investigation and help determine whether you meet Australia's immigration health requirements.
2. Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray is generally required for permanent visa applicants aged 11 or older, subject to applicable exceptions and instructions.
The X-ray is primarily used to assess signs of tuberculosis and other abnormalities that may require additional medical investigation.
If the result is unclear or shows a possible problem, you may be asked to provide previous medical records, undergo additional tests, or attend a specialist appointment.
An abnormal X-ray does not automatically mean your visa will be refused. The immigration health authorities must assess the findings and determine whether you satisfy the relevant requirements.
3. Blood Tests
Some applicants must undergo blood tests as part of their health assessment.
For permanent visa applicants aged 15 or older, the standard examination requirements generally include an HIV test and a serum creatinine/eGFR assessment of kidney function. Hepatitis B testing may also be required depending on the applicant's country of birth and the applicable risk criteria.
Additional tests may be requested if your medical history or initial results indicate a need for further investigation.
It is important to follow the examination list provided by the Department rather than assuming that every applicant needs an identical set of tests.
4. Additional Medical Tests
Some applicants may need further examinations because of their medical history, intended occupation, or initial health results.
For instance, people planning to work in certain healthcare roles may need additional infectious disease screening. Applicants with suspected tuberculosis or another significant medical concern may also require further assessment.
Your examination instructions should explain which tests are required. If the department needs additional information after your appointment, it will generally communicate that requirement through the relevant application or health assessment process.
Do Family Members Need Health Checks Too?
Yes. Health requirements may apply to family members included in a permanent visa application, even if they are not the primary applicant.
The Department of Home Affairs states that family members applying with a permanent visa applicant must undergo health examinations. In some circumstances, family members who are not migrating to Australia may also need to be assessed.
This means you should not assume that only the sponsored employee needs to complete a medical examination.
Spouse or Partner
If your spouse or partner is included in your application, they will generally need to meet the applicable health requirements.
Their medical examinations may differ from yours because requirements depend on factors such as age and personal circumstances.
Dependent Children
Dependent children included in the application may also need health examinations. The type of examination depends on the child's age and circumstances.
For example, younger children may require a medical examination and, in certain cases, tuberculosis screening. Older children may require a chest X-ray.
Family Members Who Stay Overseas
A family member who does not intend to migrate with you may still be subject to health examination requirements in some circumstances.
This is particularly important when planning an application involving dependants who will remain overseas initially. Check the Department's instructions carefully so that you can meet any applicable requirements without unnecessary delays.
When Should You Complete the Health Checks?
The timing of your medical examination can affect how efficiently your visa application progresses.
Some applicants complete examinations after lodging their application and receiving instructions. Others may be able to complete them before applying through the Department's My Health Declarations service, provided the intended visa and circumstances are eligible.
Completing Health Checks After Applying
After you submit your application, log in to ImmiAccount and review the health assessment section.
If the Department requires examinations, you may see an option to organise them. Completing the required medical history generates a referral letter containing your Health Assessment Portal identifier, commonly known as a HAP ID. You need this identifier to arrange your examination.
Follow the examination list carefully and arrange the appointment with an approved provider.
Completing Health Checks Before Applying
In some cases, the My Health Declarations service allows applicants to complete health examinations before lodging their visa application.
However, this option is not available for every visa subclass or situation. You should confirm eligibility before arranging an upfront examination.
Another important consideration is validity. Health assessment results are generally valid for 12 months. If your application takes longer than expected, you may need to complete some or all examinations again.
For this reason, it is sensible to consider the likely application timeline before paying for an upfront medical examination.
How Do You Arrange a Health Examination?
Arranging your examination is usually straightforward when you follow the official instructions.
Step 1: Check your health assessment instructions
Review ImmiAccount or the letter issued by the Department to identify the examinations you must complete.
Step 2: Book an approved medical provider
Arrange your appointment through the appropriate panel physician or authorised visa medical service provider. In Australia, the Department directs applicants to Bupa Medical Visa Services.
Step 3: Bring the required documents
Bring your original passport or an accepted alternative, your HAP ID, and the health examination referral letter. Prescription glasses or contact lenses may also be useful if you use them.
Step 4: Complete the requested tests
Attend the appointment, answer the doctor's questions accurately, and complete any additional investigations requested.
Step 5: Wait for the assessment outcome
The clinic submits the examination results to the Department. Immigration health authorities then assess whether you meet the health requirement.
These steps follow the Department's official guidance on arranging and attending visa health examinations.
What Happens If You Have a Medical Condition?
Having a medical condition does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining permanent residency. The relevant question is whether you satisfy the health criteria that apply to your application.
The Department considers medical advice when determining whether a condition may create a public health risk, result in significant healthcare or community service costs, or place pressure on services in limited supply.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Applicants with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or kidney disease may need additional medical information.
Depending on the circumstances, the Department may request specialist reports, treatment details, recent test results, or information about the likely need for future care.
It is important to provide accurate information and attend any additional examinations requested. Concealing a medical condition or providing misleading information can create serious immigration problems.
Additional Assessment by a Medical Officer
If the initial examination identifies a significant concern, the case may be referred to a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth.
The medical officer may request further information or additional examinations before providing an opinion on whether the applicant meets the health requirement.
Possible outcomes include satisfying the requirement, satisfying it subject to a health undertaking where applicable, or not satisfying it.
Can a Health Waiver Apply?
A health waiver is not available for every permanent visa application. Whether one can be considered depends on the specific visa subclass and the applicable legal provisions.
You should not assume that a waiver will be available simply because a medical condition exists. If the Department raises a health concern, seek advice from a registered migration agent or Australian immigration lawyer about the options permitted under the rules applying to your application.
How Much Do Health Checks Cost?
The cost depends on the examinations required, the country where you attend the appointment, and whether additional investigations are necessary.
The Department of Home Affairs estimates that examinations undertaken in Australia cost approximately AUD $350, although this is only an estimate and not a fixed price. Overseas costs vary by country, and further tests or other charges can increase the total.
You should budget for the medical examination, any required X-rays or laboratory tests, and possible follow-up appointments.
These expenses are generally paid directly to the clinic or medical provider rather than being included in the visa application charge.
Before booking, confirm the current prices with the authorised provider. If several family members are included in the application, calculate the likely cost for each person who needs an examination.
What Can Delay the Health Assessment?
Although many applicants complete their examinations without significant problems, some circumstances can extend the process.
Common reasons include:
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Missing documents: Arriving without your HAP ID or acceptable identification may prevent the clinic from locating your case.
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Incomplete examinations: Missing a requested test or appointment can delay submission of the results.
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Abnormal findings: The Department may need further tests or specialist reports.
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Previous medical records: Additional evidence may be required to clarify an existing condition.
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Expired results: If your health assessment is no longer valid, repeat examinations may be necessary.
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Delayed responses: Failing to respond promptly to requests for further information can slow the assessment.
The best approach is to follow the examination instructions carefully, keep copies of relevant medical records, and monitor your application for updates.
If you cannot attend an examination within the requested timeframe, the Department advises you to notify it through ImmiAccount and explain the circumstances.
Practical Tips for a Successful Health Assessment
Preparing in advance can make the health examination process easier and reduce avoidable complications.
Consider the following recommendations before attending your appointment:
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Review your medical history. Make a list of current medications, previous operations, existing conditions, and relevant specialist reports.
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Follow the official examination list. Do not assume that a medical examination completed for another visa automatically satisfies the current requirements.
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Check the validity of previous results. Examinations completed within the previous 12 months may sometimes be reused, depending on the Department's instructions and your circumstances.
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Attend appointments promptly. Arrange any required follow-up tests as soon as possible.
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Keep your contact details updated. Make sure you can receive messages from the Department and access your ImmiAccount.
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Seek professional advice when necessary. If you have a complex medical condition or receive a request for additional assessment, a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer can help explain the process.
These steps cannot guarantee visa approval, but they can help you meet the health requirements efficiently and avoid preventable delays.
Conclusion
Health checks are an important part of Australia's permanent residency process, and applicants should prepare for them when planning their immigration journey. Most applicants for the subclass 186 visa should expect to meet the applicable health requirements, which commonly involve a medical examination and may include chest X-rays, blood tests, or additional investigations.
The precise examinations depend on your age, medical history, and individual circumstances. Family members may also need to complete health assessments, including some who are not migrating to Australia with the primary applicant.
If you have an existing medical condition, do not assume that your application will automatically be refused. The Department assesses the relevant medical evidence against the applicable health criteria. Providing accurate information, completing requested examinations, and responding promptly to additional requests can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Before booking an appointment, review your ImmiAccount instructions and consult the official Department of Home Affairs guidance. Because requirements and individual circumstances can differ, confirm the current rules that apply to your application.
Ultimately, understanding the health assessment process early helps you prepare financially, organise your documents, and approach your permanent residency application with greater confidence.
