In October 2022, the Australian government introduced temporary arrangements for certain temporary visa applicants in Australia. These visa applicants are not required to undertake medical examinations and chest x-rays, depending on their nationality, previous residence and proposed length of stay.
This policy change is only in force for applicants that are already in Australia and only for the following visa sub-classes:
· Temporary Work (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)
Thus, if you are outside Australia when making the application for a temporary visa, you will still need to meet the health criterion by undertaking a medical examination.
Whilst this change is extremely beneficial in advocating for faster processing times, there are certain circumstances where some temporary visa applicants in Australia will be required to undertake the relevant health examinations regardless. The following circumstances are situations where a temporary visa applicant will need to undertake a medical examination:
Have previously applied for a medical treatment, temporary protection or a provisional visa;
Are expected to incur medical costs and expenses during their stay in Australia;
Are intending to work (or study) as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or paramedic. As such, the concessions also do not apply if will likely enter a hospital, aged or disability care facility;
If you are pregnant or intending to have a baby in Australia;
Will be working with children at an Australian childcare centre;
In relation to a visitor visa, if you are aged over 75 years old;
Have had previous household contact with tuberculosis;
Therefore, it is important to understand that the Department may still request you to undertake these health and medical examinations if they deem fit.
This is temporary measure and applies to all eligible temporary visa applications currently with the Department and new applications made in Australia. The Department will review these arrangements in early 2023.
Do you require further assistance?
If you have further questions about the above, or have any other immigration related query, please get in touch with our experienced team. Contact us by email at hello@canberramigrationservices.com.au or by phone at +614517572873.
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information.
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