Out of all the tests required for a visa is the 501 medical examination. However, what should an applicant get checked for? What does the examination include?
Before we answer all of these, let’s understand the importance of completing medical examinations for Australian visa purposes. We will also look into why both permanent and temporary visa applicants (even visitor visas) must take such examinations.
In this article, we will explore the 501 medical examination.
Why Does the DHA Require Medical Tests?
Medical tests are important for the safety of the Australian community, especially for those from high-risk countries according to DHA rules. This exam is important not only for a visa applicant but also for the community. All countries implement such medical examinations to protect their people.
They wouldn’t want a random visa applicant who carries deadly diseases into their country — and Australia is no stranger to these medical examinations. The DHA will provide the list of examinations you must have and a HAP ID.
A HAP ID is an identifier in the referral letter you receive after you complete your medical history. You can receive this in the referral letter you download from your ImmiAccount if you lodged an online visa application.
eMedical Is Here To Help!
Australian immigration health exams are processed through eMedical. This is an electronic system that approved clinics and medical professionals use to record medical examination results. This can include medical history, photos, x-rays, and results electronically.
Find eMedical clinics near you by looking for the eMedical logo on the department’s website. Anyone with a HAP ID can use eMedical Client to track their results. Where can you find this ID? See below:
- Paper Application HAP IDs are on Health Examination Lists (or equivalent documents)
- Online Application HAP IDs are on referral letters you downloaded when you applied. You will be directed to this service automatically.
Oh No! My Clinic Doesn’t Use eMedical
You may have found yourself in a clinic that doesn’t use eMedical to process medical examinations. Luckily, you can download these forms to resume with your application:
Be Prepared for Your 501 Medical Examination!
Just like with any exam, you will need to bring a few documents before starting. Let’s make sure you have everything you need for this examination:
- Original, valid passport
- Your HAP ID
- Prescription glasses/contacts
- Existing medical records
- Previous chest x-ray reports
What’s in the 501 Medical Exam?
501 medical examination includes general physical health examinations conducted by panel physicians or a medical officer.
This test is mandatory for certain visa subclasses. For example, ranging both from temporary visas such as the 485 visa, to permanent visas, such as the 189 and 190 visas, all applicants need to undertake medical examinations. Let’s look at the steps to organise your health examinations:
- First, complete the online My Health Declaration form
- After you submit your health declaration form, the “health assessment” link shows the required health examinations (if any) for each family member listed.
Note: If your family members don’t have to go through medical exams, you can proceed with your visa application. However, you may still need to complete health examinations if:
- Personal circumstances change; or
- You put the wrong information in your health declaration form
Need To Proceed With the Medical Exam?
If you need to undergo a medical examination proceed with the following steps:
- Click the “Organise health examinations” link.
- eMedical will open in a new window.
- Answer the on-screen 501 medical examination history questions. The questions include:
- Click “View client declaration,” read it, and close the window.
- Check the “Client declaration” box to confirm you’ve read and agree to electronic submission of your medical information.
- Click “Submit.”
- The “Generate Referral Letter” screen appears. Answer the “Additional questions.” If you answer “Yes”, provide an email address for further correspondence.
- Click “Save and Print Referral Letter.” Your PDF referral letter (with your HAP ID) will open. Keep your HAP ID for all communication about your health examinations.
Why Do You Need a Medical Examination 501 For Visa?
Essentially, the DHA needs to identify applications that may have a history of health problems. Health is a factor in visa approvals by the Department of Home Affairs.
As a general rule, these are mandatory for applicants for temporary and permanent visas. Also, members of their family unit who are a part of the application must undergo this examination including:
- Spouses and de facto partners,
- A child or step-child who: has not turned 18, has turned 18 but has not turned 23
Who Needs to Complete Medical Examination 501?
This test is typically applicable for primary applications of most visa subclasses. Moreover, secondary applicants above 5 must also undergo this test. The type of tests an applicant must undergo largely depends on the visa subclass they are applying for.
How Much Do You Have To Pay?
In Australia, Bupa Medical Services provides all medical examinations for visa purposes. Let’s look at the fees:
- Medical Examination and Chest X-ray – AUD $362.20
- Medical Examination Only – AUD $261.40
- Chest X-ray Only – AUD $135.10
Click here to see all fees for the different types of services they provide.
Seeking Advice from Immigration Lawyers
“Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” – Anne Wilson Schaef
Indeed, health is a primary necessity when you want to achieve great things in life. Hence, it’s important to realise that the 501 medical examination is not just for visa purposes, but for your own health as well.
Are you a migrant looking to apply for an Australian visa? Then you deserve to gain as much information about this exam procedure as possible. Moreover, you would want to pass the medical exam with no legal matters arising.
Each visa has different eligibility requirements and conditions. If you have more questions, such as what is medical examination 501, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of solicitors today. You may also wish to review DHA’s decisions by applying to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal with the help of our solicitors.
At JB Solicitors, our lawyers have experience in dealing with a variety of legal matters under different areas of law. We offer marker-leading advice and services for family law, property law, conveyancing, immigration law, and criminal law matters.
Reach out to us today for more information.
