Are Australian visa health exam results valid for 12 months?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs says migration health examination results are generally valid for 12 months. If you complete an examination before applying and processing is delayed, you may need to complete it again. My Health Declarations (MHD) can be used before submitting only if the intended visa is listed and you have not already lodged an application; the applicant must pay for the examinations.

Checked 1 October 2026.

When can I use My Health Declarations before I lodge?

Check both your visa subclass and whether you have already submitted an application.

Your situation	What to do
Your intended visa subclass appears as an option in the MHD form, and you have not lodged an application	You can use MHD to complete the health examinations before submitting the visa application.
Your intended visa subclass is not listed in MHD	Do not use MHD. You will need to wait until after applying for the visa before having the health examinations.
You have already lodged a visa application	Do not use MHD.

The Department recommends checking its Visa processing times information before deciding whether to use MHD. You will be advised whether health examinations are required for your application.

Why might an early examination need to be repeated?

The usual 12-month validity period does not eliminate the risk created by a processing delay. If you have the examination before applying and the application takes long enough to delay the process, you may need to complete the health examinations again.

This is why timing matters even when your visa subclass is available through MHD. Check the current processing information before deciding to complete the examination early.

Who pays for the health examinations?

The applicant must pay for any health examinations they have. The timing or route used to complete them does not remove that requirement.

What if my circumstances change or the form has technical problems?

• If your circumstances change after you submit the MHD form but before completing the health examinations, tell the panel clinic when you attend your appointment.
• If you experience technical difficulties after following the form guidelines, use the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form to contact the Department.

Can I include family members on the MHD form?

Family members who are migrating with you can be included on your MHD form. Do not include family members who are not migrating with you.

After you apply for the visa, your visa processing officer will tell you whether any non-migrating family members need health examinations.

What if I am moving from a listed provisional visa to a permanent visa?

Further health examinations may still be required in some cases for the following listed visa pathways:

Visa for which you had a permanent health examination	Visa you are now applying for
Contributory Parent (Subclass 173 or 884)	Contributory Parent (Subclass 143 or 864)
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)	Skilled Regional (Subclass 191) (Regional Provisional stream)
Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165 or 188)	Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 888)

At the second stage of the application, your visa processing officer will tell you whether further health examinations are needed.

This is general information. Check any policy documents that apply to you and the Home Affairs page for your visa before relying on this summary.

Sources

• Department of Home Affairs — When to have health examinations

FAQ

How long are Australian visa health examination results valid?

They are generally valid for 12 months. If the examination was completed before applying and processing is delayed, you may need to complete it again.

Can I use My Health Declarations after lodging my application?

No. Do not use MHD if you have already lodged a visa application.

What if my visa subclass is not listed in MHD?

You must wait until after applying for the visa before having the health examinations.

Who pays for the health examinations?

The applicant must pay for them.

Can I include non-migrating family members in my MHD form?

No. Do not include them on the form. After you apply, your visa processing officer will advise whether any non-migrating family members need health examinations.