Health requirement (Australian visas)
Statutory definition
PIC 4005 in Schedule 4 of the Migration Regulations 1994 requires applicants to meet the applicable health requirement. A person meets the health requirement if it is unlikely they have a disease or condition that would be a significant cost to the Australian community in terms of health care or community services, or is likely to prejudice the access of Australian citizens to health care services or community services. Health examinations are conducted by panel physicians approved by the Department.
Explanation
The health requirement can result in visa refusal where a medical condition is assessed as likely to generate significant public health costs. The threshold for "significant cost" is set by Ministerial Direction and is assessed at the individual level. Common conditions triggering health requirement concerns include kidney disease (dialysis costs), intellectual disabilities requiring specialised support, and certain chronic conditions. Waivers are available for some visa subclasses (not protection visas or permanent skilled visas generally) where compelling and compassionate circumstances exist. The health examination must be completed at a panel physician appointed by the Department and is valid for 12 months.