Health and character requirements are mandatory checks for most Australian visa applicants. They are designed to protect Australia’s public health, ensure community safety, and confirm that migrants do not place excessive demand on the country’s healthcare and welfare systems. Meeting these requirements is essential for approval, regardless of visa type, whether temporary or permanent.
These checks are administered by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and apply to applicants as well as included family members, even if those family members are not travelling to Australia.
Official guidance can be found at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health and
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character
Why Health and Character Checks Are Important
Australia maintains some of the strictest immigration standards globally. The purpose is to:
- Protect public health
- Prevent the spread of contagious diseases
- Safeguard national security
- Ensure community safety
- Manage healthcare costs and service strain
Failure to meet either requirement can lead to visa refusal, cancellation, or long-term inadmissibility.
Overview of the Health Requirement
The health requirement ensures that applicants:
- Are free from serious communicable diseases
- Will not place significant strain on Australian healthcare
- Can safely live and work in Australia without public risk
Even applicants who feel healthy may still be required to undergo examinations.
Who Must Complete Health Examinations
You may be required to undertake medical tests if you:
- Apply for a permanent visa
- Intend to work in healthcare or childcare
- Plan to stay longer than 6 months
- Come from countries considered high-risk for health conditions
- Apply for certain temporary visas
A full list of scenarios can be reviewed at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/when-to-have-health-examinations
Types of Health Examinations
Common medical tests include:
- Chest X-ray
- Medical examination by a panel physician
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- HIV screening
- Tuberculosis screening
The specific tests required depend on your visa type, country of origin, and personal circumstances.
How to Complete Health Checks
Step 1: Receive Health Examination Request
After submitting your visa application, you may receive instructions through your ImmiAccount to complete medical checks.
Step 2: Book Appointment with Panel Physician
You must visit a clinic approved by the Australian Government. These physicians are known as panel doctors.
Approved clinics can be found at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/offices-and-locations/list
Step 3: Complete Medical Assessments
Attend your appointment and complete all required tests. Results are submitted electronically via the eMedical system.
Health Conditions That May Affect Visa Approval
Some conditions may result in refusal, especially if they pose high public health risks or incur significant treatment costs. These include:
- Active tuberculosis
- Serious chronic illnesses
- Conditions requiring long-term expensive care
- Contagious diseases
- Severe disabilities requiring government assistance
Each case is assessed individually based on medical advice and visa subclass.
Health Waivers
Certain visas may offer health waivers if:
- The applicant’s condition can be managed privately
- The health impact is not excessive
- The applicant provides evidence of private health insurance
Information on health waivers is available at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/health-waiver
Understanding the Character Requirement
The character requirement focuses on assessing whether the applicant poses a risk to the Australian community. This includes evaluating criminal history, behavior, and compliance with laws.
Applicants must confirm that they pass character checks, including:
- No serious criminal convictions
- No involvement in violent activity
- No association with security risks
- No history of immigration fraud
This requirement is grounded in Section 501 of the Migration Act.
Police Clearance Requirements
Applicants must provide police certificates for all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years after turning 16.
Information about obtaining police certificates can be found at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character
Character Assessment Process
Step 1: Declare Criminal History
Applicants must truthfully declare any convictions, arrests, or charges in their visa application.
Step 2: Submit Police Certificates
Official certificates must be uploaded through ImmiAccount.
Step 3: Background Checks
Australian authorities conduct independent security and criminal background investigations.
Misrepresentation or omission can result in automatic refusal and long-term bans.
What Counts as Failing the Character Test
- Prison sentence of 12 months or more
- Repeated criminal offenses
- Domestic violence convictions
- Organized crime involvement
- Risk to national security
- Providing false information
These factors can lead to refusal even if the health requirement is met.
Impact on Family Members
All accompanying family members must also meet health and character requirements. Failure by one member may affect the entire application.
Tips for Meeting Health Requirements
- Complete medicals early
- Disclose existing conditions honestly
- Obtain private medical insurance
- Follow all panel doctor instructions
- Upload medical records if requested
Tips for Meeting Character Requirements
- Provide complete police certificates
- Declare all previous offenses
- Maintain consistency in documentation
- Avoid false or misleading information
- Seek legal advice if you have a criminal history
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying health examinations
- Submitting expired police certificates
- Concealing past convictions
- Using unapproved medical providers
- Ignoring health examination requests
- Providing false health or legal information
Consequences of Failing Health or Character Checks
- Visa refusal
- Application cancellation
- Long-term entry ban
- Loss of application fees
- Impact on future visa applications
How to Strengthen Your Case
- Include medical reports from specialists
- Submit detailed character references
- Provide court documents explaining resolved matters
- Attach proof of rehabilitation programs
- Demonstrate low risk and stability
Professional Assistance
Applicants with complex medical histories or criminal records should consult registered migration agents or immigration lawyers. You can verify agents through the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority at
https://www.mara.gov.au
Final Thoughts
Health and character requirements are fundamental pillars of Australian immigration law. Understanding these obligations, preparing properly, and submitting truthful documentation significantly increases the likelihood of visa approval.
By using official Australian Government resources and addressing potential concerns proactively, applicants can navigate these requirements confidently and progress smoothly through the immigration process toward building a future in Australia.
Anjola Adebanjo