Australia has introduced a clearer and more structured set of rules for visa‑related health examinations. Effective from 15 January 2026, the Migration (Specification of Required Medical Assessment) Instrument 2025 aims to make the process more transparent and predictable for applicants.

 

What Hasn’t Changed

 

You still need to:

  • complete your health examinations through approved panel physicians only:

In Australia: Bupa Medical Visa Services

Outside Australia: the Department’s approved panel physicians or clinics

  • use your HAP ID to book appointments
  • wait for the clinic to upload results directly to Home Affairs
  • complete all checks within the timeframe listed in your ImmiAccount

These steps remain essential for avoiding delays.

 

What Has Changed

 

  • The new rules are more detailed, which helps reduce confusion.
  • A single, consistent list of approved clinics. This reduces the risk of applicants accidentally attending a non‑approved clinic, which is a cause of delays in the past.

 

Who Needs a Health Examination?

 

According to the Department of Home Affairs, whether you need a health examination depends on:

  • your visa subclass
  • your length of stay
  • your country’s TB and hepatitis B risk level
  • your occupation in Australia
  • your personal health circumstances
  • any significant medical conditions identified during processing

 

Permanent & Provisional Visa Applicants

Home Affairs provides a detailed age‑based table:

 

Additional tests may apply if:

You may need to have additional tests when you attend your appointment if any of the below situations apply to you.

 

Temporary Visa Applicants

Temporary visa requirements depend on:

  • visa type
  • length of stay
  • TB risk level of your country
  • your intended activities in Australia
  • any medical conditions identified

 

Special circumstances requiring extra tests include:

  • You are from a country with a higher risk of TB and likely to enter a healthcare or hospital environment
  • You are pregnant and plan to have your baby in Australia
  • You are 15 years old or older and intend to work as, or study or train to be a doctor, dentist, nurse or paramedic
  • You are 15 years old or older and intend to work as, or study or train to be a health care worker, or work within a health care, aged care or disability care facility while in Australia, and are from a country with a higher risk of TB
  • You are likely to work (or be a trainee) at an Australian childcare centre (including preschools and creches)
  • You are aged 75 years or older and applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600)

 

How I Support You Through This Process

 

As your migration adviser, I help you:

  • understand which health checks apply to your visa
  • identify the correct panel clinic
  • avoid unnecessary delays
  • manage follow‑up requests from Home Affairs
  • coordinate timelines with employers or family members

Australia’s new health‑assessment framework brings welcome clarity and consistency. Whether you are applying for a skilled visa, partner visa, student visa, or employer‑sponsored visa, understanding these requirements early can make  the process remains manageable and predictable.

If you need help understanding how these medical requirements apply to your situation, the team at Southern Stone Migration is ready to assist.