Health requirement
Statutory definition
Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4005, 4006, 4007, and 4010 in Schedule 4 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) set out the health requirements for most visa subclasses. The criteria require that the applicant and each secondary applicant must be assessed by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth as meeting the health threshold.
Explanation
The health requirement involves an examination by an approved panel physician and review by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth. The MOC determines whether the person has a condition that:
- Is a direct or indirect threat to the health of the Australian community
- Is a direct or indirect threat to public health or public safety
- Would be likely to result in significant costs to the Australian community in the areas of health care or community services (the "cost threshold")
The cost threshold is assessed over a specified period (currently ten years for a permanent visa) against a cost limit that is periodically updated. A health waiver exists for some visa subclasses where the decision-maker finds that granting the visa is in the national interest.
Standard health examinations include a chest X-ray (for most applicants over 11 years), medical examination by a panel physician, and HIV testing for certain applicants.
How this term is used
Health examinations must be undertaken by an approved panel physician at a clinic listed by the Department. Examinations arranged through immiAccount are linked electronically to the visa application. Examinations have a validity period (typically 12 months) and must be current at the time of decision.