What Is Australia's Health Requirement?
Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4005 requires that visa applicants — and most family members included in the application — not have a condition that is likely to result in significant cost to the Australian health or community services system, or that would endanger public health or safety.
The health assessment is conducted by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC), who reviews the applicant's medical examinations and records. If the MOC forms the view that the health requirement is not met, the Department is notified — and the waiver process begins.
Conditions That Commonly Trigger Assessment
Any condition that may result in ongoing treatment costs can attract MOC scrutiny. Common examples include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B or C (depending on stage and treatment needs)
- Tuberculosis — requires clearance before a visa can be granted
- Chronic kidney disease, particularly where dialysis is required
- Significant physical disability requiring ongoing care or community services
- Intellectual disability where significant care or community support is anticipated
- Cancer requiring active treatment
- Certain cardiovascular conditions
Having one of these conditions doesn't automatically mean your visa will be refused. It means the MOC will assess the likely cost and impact — and a waiver may then be available.
When a Waiver Is Available
For most temporary and permanent visa classes, a health waiver can be considered where the MOC has found the health requirement is not met. The waiver test requires the decision-maker to weigh:
- The nature and severity of the condition
- The estimated annual and lifetime cost of treatment in Australia
- The benefit to Australia of granting the visa — economic, social, family unity
- The availability and cost of private health insurance
- The interests of Australian citizen children in the family, whose best interests must be a primary consideration
- Any commitment the applicant makes regarding treatment and insurance
Waivers are not automatic. The decision-maker has discretion, and the evidence in front of them shapes how that discretion is exercised.
What a Strong Waiver Submission Includes
Jeevan Kumar prepares our health waiver submissions. A well-prepared submission typically covers:
- Specialist medical reports — from the treating specialist, addressing the current status of the condition, treatment history, treatment needs going forward, and prognosis
- Independent cost estimate — an assessment of the likely cost of treatment in Australia that the decision-maker can weigh against the cost threshold
- Private health insurance — evidence of current cover, or a written commitment to obtain it before arrival, with details of the policy and what it covers
- Welfare impact statement — addressing the circumstances of the applicant and family, particularly the interests of any Australian citizen children whose wellbeing is directly affected by the visa decision
- Community contribution evidence — the applicant's skills, employment history, and what they bring to Australia if the visa is granted
Public Health Conditions — TB
Tuberculosis (TB) is assessed differently from most conditions. A visa cannot be granted until TB clearance is obtained. Where TB is detected during the medical examination, the applicant is referred for treatment and a clearance certificate before the application proceeds.