I know that applying for your Australian Partner Visa is a huge milestone – and you’ve just learnt that you also need to pass a health check. That can feel like a lot! Don’t worry. In this blog, I’ll walk you through what the Partner Visa health check involves, what to expect, and answer the most common questions I get from clients.
This blog will be helpful whether you’re just in the early stages of Partner Visa preparation or if you’ve already lodged your Partner Visa.
What is a visa medical or health check?
If you’re applying for a Partner Visa – including the subclass 820/801 (onshore), subclass 309/100 (offshore), or the Prospective Marriage Visa subclass 300 – you’ll need to complete a medical visa (also called a health assessment). This requirement also applies to any dependent children listed on your application.
While the idea of a Partner Visa health check might seem intimidating, it’s simply Australia’s way of ensuring that applicants don’t have a health condition that would:
- Result in significant costs to the Australian community, or
- Limit the access of Australian citizens or permanent residents to health or community services.
The exact tests you’ll need can vary based on your country of citizenship, but typically include:
- A full medical examination
- A chest X-ray
- An HIV test
Many of my clients feel uneasy about the chest X-ray – but unfortunately, it’s mandatory and there’s no way around it.
Does my partner need to do the Partner Visa health check?
This is a common question. To clarify: only the visa applicant (and any dependent children) need to complete the visa medical. The sponsor – your Australian citizen or permanent resident partner – does not need to undergo any health assessment (phew!)
When can I complete my health check?
Unlike some visa types, Partner Visa applicants can only complete the health check after their application has been lodged.
There are two main approaches when it comes to timing:
- Wait until the Department requests it – This usually means your application is actively being assessed, and completing the health check could be the final step before a decision.
- Do it shortly after lodging – This can help make your application decision-ready and potentially reduce delays caused by Requests for Further Information (RFIs)
In my experience, completing the Partner Visa health check soon after lodging is a smart move. It shows you’re prepared and can sometimes help move your application along faster – but of course, there are no guarantees.
Just keep in mind there’s a cost involved, and health checks are only valid for 12 months. If you’re not comfortable potentially paying twice (e.g. if processing drags on), you may prefer to wait for a formal request.
How much does the health exam cost for an Australian Partner Visa?
As if the Partner Visa cost wasn’t enough, you now also need to pay for visa medicals! The cost for the health exam varies depending on your location and what tests are required.
If you’re applying from inside Australia, the medical visa typically costs around $400, paid directly to Bupa, the only approved provider in Australia.
Where can I complete my health check?
If you’re applying for a Partner Visa inside Australia then your visa medical can only be completed with Bupa. Bupa is the only authorised panel physician within Australia contracted by the Department of Home Affairs.
If you are outside Australia, you can complete your visa medical through a panel physician listed on the Home Affairs website. It’s important you only complete a medical examination through one of the authorised panel physicians. You can search for the closest clinic to you by using the Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/offices-and-locations/offices-outside-australia
I’ve received a request to complete my Partner Visa health check but I can’t do it in time
You’ll often find that if you receive a request for more information asking for you to complete your health check, the Department may only give you 28 days to complete it.
This is where a lot of people start to panic, but I’m here to tell you that it’s going to be okay! If you can complete your medical visa within the 28 day timeframe, then that’s fantastic. But if you can’t, then you should book the closest appointment available and provide evidence of this to your case officer.
For example, I’ve had cases where a couple was travelling overseas from Australia and there was no way the visa applicant could complete her visa medical while she was offshore. She booked in for her health check as soon as she returned and provided evidence of this to the Department.
I’ve also had another case where the visa applicant was from a country where they had no panel physician in that country. The visa applicant needed more than 28 days to organise travel arrangements to complete his health check.
There can be a lot of reasons why you can’t complete your Partner Visa health check within the 28 day timeframe. Just remember to provide evidence that the medical visa has been booked and ideally you also want to provide reasoning to your case officer as to why you can’t complete the medicals within 28 days.
What actually happens during the health check?
I’ll start by saying that I’ve never completed a visa medical examination so this part is based largely on feedback from clients who have. First thing you should know, and be prepared for is that there may be a lot of waiting around. On average, I’m told that visa applicants will spend between 1-3 hours at the clinic. So if you have a current book you’re reading, take that along with you just in case.
You should expect a full and complete medical examination. This means getting checked head to toe including a hearing check, vision check, blood pressure and a blood test.
You’re also going to be asked about your medical history and whether you have any known medical conditions.
You’re not actually provided with a copy of your medical results, but I have had clients who have requested them. Your results are sent directly to the Department of Home Affairs
Should I DIY my Partner Visa if I have a health condition?
If you think or know you have a health condition then I would recommend you start by obtaining immigration advice from our sister company, Freedom Migration. In circumstances where you have a health condition, and depending on what that condition is, you may not meet the health requirements for a Partner Visa.
It’s super important to understand the implications of what may happen if you don’t meet the health criteria (you can read more about whether you should DIY your Partner Visa in this blog). There is a health waiver available to Partner Visa Applicants, but I would encourage anyone who needs a health waiver to have a Registered Migration Agent manage their case from start to finish.
The Partner Visa health check is just one step on your journey, and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you complete your medical soon after lodging or wait for a request, knowing what to expect will help you feel more in control.
Got questions or need tailored help? Reach out – we’re here to support you through every step of your Partner Visa journey.
IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication.
