What is the HAP health examination?
The Health Applicant Portal (HAP) is the Australian Government's online system for managing visa health examinations. Applicants are allocated a HAP ID through their ImmiAccount, which they use to book and manage their health examination with an approved panel physician. The health examination assesses whether the applicant meets Australia's health requirement — one of the standard requirements for most Australian visas. The examination typically includes a chest x-ray (for adults) and a medical examination by the panel physician. Additional tests may be required depending on the applicant's circumstances and country of origin.
Which visas require a health examination?
Most permanent visa applicants are required to undergo a health examination. Many temporary visa applicants are also required. Visa types that commonly require a health examination include: partner visas (subclass 820/801, 309/100), skilled visas (subclass 189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482, 186, 494), student visas (subclass 500) for some countries, parent and family visas, and citizenship applications in some circumstances. Always confirm health examination requirements for your specific visa at homeaffairs.gov.au, as requirements can change.
How to complete the health examination
- Lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount and receive your HAP ID.
- Book a health examination with an approved panel physician — find approved physicians at health.homeaffairs.gov.au.
- Attend your appointment with your passport, HAP ID, and any relevant medical history or vaccination records.
- The panel physician completes the examination and submits results directly to the Department of Home Affairs through the HAP system — you do not need to submit medical results yourself.
- Track your health examination status through your ImmiAccount.
Do I need to bring medical records to the examination?
Yes, where available. The panel physician may ask for details of relevant medical history. If you have existing medical records — such as reports from specialists, hospital discharge summaries, or vaccination records — bring them to your appointment. If these records are in Spanish or another language, the panel physician may request an informal translation. However, if the Department of Home Affairs requests formal medical documentation as part of your visa application, those documents will require NAATI-certified translation.
Vaccination records and translation
If vaccination records are requested as part of your visa health assessment and those records are in Spanish, a NAATI-certified English translation will be required. Countries such as Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, and Ecuador issue vaccination cards and health records in Spanish. If submitted to Australian authorities, these documents must be accompanied by a certified translation.
What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Having a pre-existing medical condition does not automatically disqualify an applicant from receiving an Australian visa. The Department of Home Affairs considers the nature of the condition and whether it would result in significant costs to the Australian health system. If specialist medical reports or letters from treating physicians are required — whether from Australia or from a country — any documents not in English must be accompanied by a NAATI-certified translation.
How long does the health examination take?
Most health examination results are processed within a few days of the appointment, though this can vary. Results are sent directly from the panel physician to the Department of Home Affairs — applicants do not handle the results. The Department of Home Affairs will update the visa application status through ImmiAccount once the health examination has been assessed.