December 16, 2022
The Department of Immigration recently announced a change to immigration policy in which certain temporary visa types are no longer required to undertake medical examinations based on nationality, previous residence, and proposed length of stay. This means that for many temporary visitors, the health requirement may no longer be necessary as part of their visa application process.
The government said that it plans on streamlining immigration procedures, and announced this on October 18, 2022.
The Australian government announced that it has plans to waive the requirement for health checks for Temporary Work Visas (including those issued for an extended stay), Temporary Skill Shortage Visas, and Student Visitor Visas.
In addition, the Department of Home Affairs will contact the applicants in case a health examination is still required.
The Australian authorities have said that these regulations will remain in effect until 2023.
The Australian government separated the work migration program into five parts–Global Talent Visa, Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, Permanent Skilled Regional Visa, Regional Sponsored Migration Visa and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa.
There are three types of visas that will benefit from the new changes – Temporary Skill Shortage Visas, student visitor visas, and working holiday visas. Each one is discussed in detail and separated from the other two visa categories.
There are 3 ways to apply for an Australian visa:
- The official ETA portal of the Australian Department of Home Affairs,
- through the online service of the Australian Department of Home Affairs,
- or at an Embassy or Consulate.
If you apply for a temporary visa and you are not in Australia at the time, you will still have to meet the health criterion by undertaking a medical examination.
Below is a list of the circumstances in which a temporary visa applicant will need to undergo a medical examination:
- Have applied for medical treatment and been denied;
- Need to pay out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatments.
- If you are planning to work as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or paramedic, the concessions do not apply. For example, the concessions would not apply if you will likely enter a hospital, aged care facility, or disability care facility
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in Australia
- We’ll be working with children at an Australian childcare centre
- If you are over age 75 when applying for a visitor visa
- You have had previous contact with tuberculosis in a household setting
- If you are requested by the Department to do so.
It’s important to note that the Department may still require you to undertake these health and medical examinations if they deem it appropriate. We understand that if you’ve already made a health examination with Bupa Medical Services, and have not yet attended, then your appointment will be cancelled and refunded. As long as you haven’t received confirmation that your appointment has been cancelled, it’s important that you still attend. You won’t receive a refund for appointments already attended.
With this temporary measure, a reviewal is set to happen in December 2023. We are hopeful the date will bring many updates and changes that will help many of our clients who have been waiting a long time for visas.
If you have any query related to a Temporary work visa or need visa advice Call – (02) 8678 5756 and Book your Consultation Today! You can also visit HOPE IMMIGRATION SERVICES, Blacktown, Sydney.
