As part of its efforts to clean up the significant visa backlog the Department of Home Affairs has announced that certain temporary visa applicants in Australia will not be required to undertake medical examinations and chest x-rays, based on their nationality, previous residence and proposed length of stay, in order to meet the health requirement. It will however be necessary to undertake relevant medical examinations and/or test x-rays if they:
- have applied for a medical treatment, temporary protection or a provisional visa
- expect to incur medical costs or require medical treatment
- are intending to work as (or study to be) a doctor, dentist, nurse or paramedic
- will enter a hospital, aged or disability care facility (if higher tuberculosis risk)
- are pregnant and intending to have the baby in Australia
- will work or train at an Australian childcare centre
- are aged over 75 years (if applying for a visitor visa)
- have had previous household contact with tuberculosis or
- are requested to do so by the Department.
Persons who are not required to undergo medical or chest x-rays and have already made appointments with BUPA may have those appointments cancelled and fees refunded. BUPA will be in contact with eligible applicants and the Department has requested that applicants do not contact BUPA to cancel the appointment themselves. If not advised that the appointment has been cancelled (this will be done by SMS), then it is necessary to attend the appointment.
The Department has stressed that this is a temporary arrangement only which only applies to eligible temporary visa applications with the Department and new applications made in Australia. The arrangement will be reviewed in early 2023.
If you have any questions about any type of visas please feel free to contact Nevett Ford Lawyers:
Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne
Telephone: +61 3 9614 7111
Email: melbourne@nevettford.com.au
Visit our website: www.nevettford.com.au