Nearly every permanent visa and many temporary visas require a health examination, and it's one of the most misunderstood steps because it doesn't work like the rest of your documents. You don't scan and upload anything — a Department-approved doctor examines you and submits the results directly. This guide explains when you need a health check, what a HAP ID is, what the exams involve, and how to avoid the delays that stall applications at this stage.
Do you need a health examination?
Whether you need one, and which exams, depends on the visa, how long you'll be in Australia, your country of origin, and what you'll be doing here (for example, work in healthcare or childcare, or intended time in a hospital, can trigger additional requirements). The Department determines your exact requirements — you don't have to guess. For most permanent visas, a health examination is standard.
What a HAP ID is
A HAP ID (Health Assessment Portal identifier) is the reference number that links your health examinations to your visa application. You take it to the examining clinic so your results are matched to the right application. There are two ways it's generated:
- After lodging: once you apply, the Department gives you a Health Examinations List and a HAP ID telling you exactly which exams to complete
- Before lodging: you can arrange exams upfront through My Health Declarations, which generates a HAP ID so you can get the health check out of the way early
What the examinations involve
The specific exams depend on your circumstances, but commonly include:
- A general medical examination
- A chest x-ray (usually for applicants aged 11 and over, screening for tuberculosis)
- An HIV test (usually for applicants aged 15 and over), and sometimes other tests depending on your situation
Examinations must be done by a Department-approved panel physician (overseas) or, in Australia, through Bupa Medical Visa Services. The clinic submits everything electronically through the eMedical system.
This is the key thing to understand: you never upload health results to ImmiAccount yourself. The panel physician or clinic submits them directly to the Department. Your only job is to book and attend promptly with your HAP ID.
Timing and common delays
- Health results are generally valid for 12 months — don't do them so early that they expire before a decision
- Booking late is one of the most common causes of a stalled application; arrange the exam soon after you're asked
- Bring the right photo ID and your HAP ID to the appointment, or the clinic may not be able to proceed
- If further tests or specialist review are needed, they add time — respond quickly to any follow-up request
Because health is handled outside your document upload, VisaPacks marks the health examination as a step to action rather than a file to upload — so it doesn't sit in your checklist looking permanently 'missing' when there's nothing for you to attach.
Do I upload my visa medical results myself?
No. The panel physician or clinic (Bupa Medical Visa Services in Australia) submits your results directly to the Department through the eMedical system. You don't scan or upload anything — you just attend the examination with your HAP ID.
What is a HAP ID?
A HAP ID (Health Assessment Portal identifier) is the reference that links your health examinations to your visa application. You either receive it after lodging, on your Health Examinations List, or generate one before lodging through My Health Declarations.
How long are visa health examinations valid?
Health examination results are generally valid for 12 months. Avoid completing them so early that they expire before your application is decided, which could require you to repeat them.
Should I do the health check before or after lodging?
Both are possible. Doing it after lodging means the Department tells you exactly which exams you need. Doing it beforehand through My Health Declarations can speed things up, but only complete exams early if a decision is likely within the 12-month validity window.