Completing your health check assessment for the 820/801 Australian Partner Visa
One of the many requirements for the 820/801 Partner Visa is to meet minimum Australian health standards, as assessed by an official health check or health assessment. This is conducted at a Home Affairs-approved medical clinic and involves a series of tests (the exact nature of which are based on personal factors, such as your country of origin and your medical history) that will determine whether you are fit to become a permanent resident of Australia.
Everyone submitting a Partner Visa application will need to complete a health check— but considering that the global processing time for Parter Visas is around 2 years and the health examination results are only valid for 1 year, most people wait to submit their health assessment until it’s been requested by their Case Officer OR until several months have passed since they first submitted (personally, I completed my health check 6 months after submitting my application). Either way, here’s everything you need to know about the health requirements in Australia, organising an offical health examination, and what to expect during your assessment.
Read my whole series on applying for the 820/801 Australian Partner Visa for more information about preparing your evidence, lodging your application, and the next steps. If you’re just beginning, start with this post to get an overview (and to read about our story). And, as always, please remember that I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process.
What's in this travel guide
About the health requirements in Australia
Because Australia has such a high standard of health (and of public healthcare), there are some minimum health requirements that you’ll need to meet in order to have your Partner Visa approved. The purpose of these health requirements is to limit the spread of communicable disease within Australia (particularly tuberculosis) and to reduce the financial burden on Medicare.
This is not to say that you’ll be immediately turned away if you have any health conditions at all, but serious diseases might affect the outcome of your visa. See the offical Home Affairs site or the last section of this post for more information about what happens if you fail to meet the health requirements.
How to organise your health examination
The easiest way to organise your health examination is through your submitted Partner Visa:
- After logging in to your Immi Account, you should see your submitted Partner Visa application on the “My Applications” homepage.
- Click View Details just below your application.
- This will take you to a page that says “Application Home” and shows the application history for your visa (e.g. the date you submitted, etc). On the lefthand menu, click Health Assessment. Under “Examinations required”, click the link that says Organise health examinations.
- Within the eMedical system, you’ll be asked a series of questions about your health. These include questions about your medical history, whether you’ve been exposed to any communicable diseases, whether you’re taking any medications, etc.
- Once all of your information is complete, you’ll be able to print off an eMedical referral letter. This is a PDF that includes your HAP ID number, personal details, outlines all the medical examinations you’re required to undergo, and has a copy of your responses to the health questionnaire. Using this information, you can now book a visa medical appointment with BUPA Medical Visa Services.
- On the BUPA Medical Visa Services homepage, click Make an appointment. Select the type of booking (e.g. individual or family) and then enter your postcode to find an authorised medical centre near you. Select whichever location you’d prefer from the list and click Next.
- Based on the information in your eMedical referral letter, select all of the examinations that you are required to complete.
- On the “Applicant details” page, fill out your information as stated on the eMedical referral letter. For instance, my referral letter specified my “client visa details” as “BS 801 Spouse (Permanent)”, so I selected 801 – Partner from the dropdown list rather than 820 – Partner (Provisional). Also, if you’re struggling to find your HAP ID number, it’s right under the barcode in the upper right hand corner of your eMedical referral letter (see where it says HAP in the photo below?). Follow instructions to complete your booking (you’ll make the actual appointment in the next step).
- Within a few hours, BUPA will email you a Visa Medical Appointment Booking with information about how to finalise the appointment. Typically this involves ringing the medical centre and providing them with details from your eMedical referral letter. They will also let you know how much the assessment costs (for reference, mine was $380). Finally, you’ll receive an email from the medical centre confirming your exact appointment time and details!
What to expect at your health examination
What to bring to your appointment
- Your printed eMedical referral letter (they are really picky about this being printed and not just a PDF on your phone)
- Your passport (not a scan, but your actual passport)
- Cash or credit card to pay for your appointment
- Any relevant medical documents, like specialist reports about your health conditions
My experience with the health examinations
Different applicants might be required to complete different health examinations based on their specific medical history and country of citizenship, but just for your reference, I completed the Medical Examination (501), Chest X-ray Examination (502), and HIV test (707). Here’s what my health assessment experience was like:
I arrived to the clinic early and probably spent a total of 2.5hrs there, although very little of this was actually with a doctor or a technician (yes, expect lots of waiting). After showing my passport and eMedical referral letter to the receptionist, she took my photo, asked me to complete some paperwork, and then processed my payment ($380 for my specific examinations).
First, I went into an exam room with a nurse and had my height, weight, and blood pressure taken; my hearing and vision checked (you’re allowed to wear contacts or glasses); some blood drawn; and then peed into a cup while the nurse stood right outside the bathroom cubicle.
After more waiting, I saw the doctor who asked a bunch of questions about my medical history; examined my ears, eyes, and nose; listened to my heart and lungs; poked and prodded my abdomen to feel if there was any swelling or abnormalities with my organs; had me walk around the room, touch my toes, and do a few other stretches; and finally felt my joints and tested my reflexes. All up, I only spent about 10 minutes with the doctor and it was a very smooth process.
The last stage of my assessment was a chest x-ray, so I had strip off from the waist up and wear a little gown into the x-ray room. After making me sign a statement saying that I’m not pregnant, the technician positioned me against the wall and took the picture. A doctor quickly came into the room to confirm the x-ray looked good and then I was free to get dressed again. Even though the form says not to wear any jewellery, the radiologist said it was fine for me to leave in my small earrings and nose piercing, so don’t stress.
What next?
Irrespective of which medical centre you’ve attended for your health examinations, the doctor sends your results and their professional recommendation directly to Home Affairs. This happened within 3 days for me, so it’s a pretty quick process as long as everything comes back clear. You’ll know this has happened when the “Health Assessment” page in your Immi Account says Health clearance provided – no action required.
There are a few different outcomes if your results don’t come back completely clear:
- If you need to re-do any of your health examinations due to inconclusive results, the medical centre will contact you before submitting your results to Home Affairs.
- If your health examination results require further consideration, they might be sent to a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth, who will review all of the information and provide further recommendations to Home Affairs. This might require you to submit additional information or attend additional health examinations. After this process, the Medical Officer will either conclude that:
- you meet the health requirements
- you will meet the health requirements if you sign a health undertaking
- you don’t meet the health requirements, which means your visa will be refused unless a health waiver is available
I hope this information has been helpful and I wish you so much luck on your Australian Partner Visa journey! Feel free to ask any questions below and I will do my very best to answer them.
* I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process.
If you found this post helpful and want to contribute to some of the costs associated with running the blog, I would be infinitely grateful!
You can use the PayPal button below to donate whatever you feel this information is worth. If you aren’t able, don’t worry— I will always keep my posts free and accessible for everyone!
UPDATE: A MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who’s commented to let me know that you found these posts helpful— I can’t tell you how much it means to me to read your success stories! I worked incredibly hard to compile all of this information (while getting my PhD & teaching), but it’s genuinely been worth it to make even a small difference for my fellow immigrants.
More importantly, though, THANK YOU to everyone who has shared their own experience or answered questions for other readers in the comments below! We are building a wonderful & supportive community of Partner Visa applicants here, and every comment and question is a resource for others.
If you felt like these posts helped with your application, I’d encourage you to come back after your visa is granted (or even after various milestones) and let us all know what happened— it might mean the world to someone else struggling with this process! Best wishes to you all xx bb
The Comments
Heey
Hello, I’m applying for a 309 provisional visa but on my HAP ID, it’s written BC100 permanent. Is that an error? What’s the best thing to do? Thanks in advance
Dhiraj
I did pre medical for Australian Study visa and in IMMI account its showing (ready for further assignment- no action required). Can I apply my visa now?
Chloe
Hi Brooke
Thanks a lot for all the help I found on this website (I printed everything and went through it step by step).
One question about the Health Assessment though: the document I received after I paid for the partner visa shows “received” for 820 and “not active” for bridging visa A. It also showed – at that time – “active” for the work visa because that’s the one switched from (expired the week I paid for the partner one).
My application being “received” only, does it mean it won’t be studied until I do the health assessment ?
Also, I have received an interim Medicare card (blue) probably because my status was “not active” for the bridging.
People activate the bridging only when they need to work, right ?
Thanks a lot in advance for your time and for all the efforts you made on this great website
Chloe (from France – but in Australia)
brooke brisbine
ChloeHi Chloe, so so sorry I just saw your comment, I’ve gotten woefully behind on responding! I imagine you may have even had your visa granted by now, but in case anyone else is reading, the BVA would theoretically activate when/if your work visa expires prior to the 820 being granted.
Wishing you all the best in Aus,
xx bb
Piso
This is the most helpful and to the point information. God bless you author.
brooke brisbine
PisoThank you for the thoughtful comment, Piso, so glad you found this information helpful!
xx bb
Elle
Hi Brooke!
This post is super helpful! Thank you. I have one question regarding the health assessment.
I completed a health assessment for my prospective marriage visa application. I was granted my temporary partner visa without taking another health assessment.
Will they make me take another health assessment before granting my permanent partner visa? Or do they just make you do the one health assessment for the whole process?
Thank you in advance!
Elle
brooke
ElleHi Elle,
My temporary and permanent visas were issued simultaneously, so I can’t answer this with 100% confidence, but I *believe* that your original health assessment stands and there will be no need to complete a second. Best of luck!
xx bb
Pat
Hi Brooke,
Your blog is a huge help for me and my hubby. I always refer back to your blog since we started preparing the evidence a couple of months back. I’m in a tight spot as I wasn’t able to plan this really well. I have lodged my partner visa yesterday, and tomorrow I’m renewing my passport. I haven’t booked my medical as yet. Will this be an issue? Thank you!
brooke brisbine
PatHi Pat, happy I could help!
I waited 6 months before doing my medical. I’m not saying that’s recommended (since people seem to be getting visas granted much quicker lately), but you don’t have to stress about getting it immediately. It’s only valid for 12 months, also, so there’s always the gamble that your application will exceed that time (which mine would have, if I’d done it sooner than 6 months out). At your discretion!
Alex
Hey! Thank you so much for posting – this is super helpful. I just applied for an offshore partnership visa from the US. Several days after lodging, I was asked for a medical examination. Do you know if this means the Visa is close to being approved/processed? I heard that it can take up to 1 year before they even ask for this! I also hear processing times are now super short.
Thanks!
brooke brisbine
AlexHi Alex,
That seems to be pretty typical these days! Any news on your application?
-Brooke
Melissa
AlexHi Alex,
I am looking at applying for offshore partner visa in a couple weeks. I am trying to figure out the rules for traveling to Australia, length of stays, etc once I apply. Husband and I married in Australia 2010, have three children and have been living in Canada since June 2012 (where I am from and he is now a citizen as well). I am trying to find some clear info on the rules once I submit my application. Our hope was to buy in Australia and spend some solid time there asap. My husband is Australian and my three children all have their Australian citizenship. ( I got Aussie permanent residency back in 2009 but it expired when we moved to Canada!)
Any insight or tips on websites that can tell me the rules would be awesome! This page is the closest I have found to straight forward, easy to understand info!
brooke brisbine
MelissaHi Melissa,
So glad you found these posts helpful! If you’re looking at re-applying for an offshore partner visa, you can still follow all of the information provided on my site, which is relevant for on- and off-shore applications (start with this overview: https://brookebeyond.com/australian-permanent-residency-through-820-801-partner-visa).
However, I think you might actually be able to get a Resident Return Visa if you already help valid PR? I don’t know the specifics as I haven’t been in the situation myself, but it’s certainly worth looking into! https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/resident-return-visa-155-157
Hope one of those helps 🙂
xx bb
john
just been asked to submit new health check and police check after waiting two years for partner visa ,no one told me it expired after twelve months ,,,just blown another $500,,your blog very good thanks
Anonymous
johnHi John
My situation is similar to yours, I have wait for a long time so they asked an updated police check from both me and my partner. And a updated health check from me. I have done all and submitted in immiaccount like within 1 week. Anxiously waiting now as four weeks passed again after the request. May I ask how long u wait to get temporary or permanent visa after being requested updated health and police check ? Thanks so much
Ben
Hi Brooke,
I started following your partner visa updates a couple of years back now when trying to find a way to get permanent residency in Australia. Needless to say, like most people my options were very limited. No state sponsorship would work, I had two options, partner visa or 189 points-tested. I got my EOI into the system in late 2019 and due to the pandemic and them only inviting people with medical backgrounds, I forgot about my EOI. My partner and I were gearing up to start our application after we were married in early January, and days before starting the partner visa process (which I know from your posts and those like yours is lengthy, and can put pressure on the relationship) I got my invitation to apply for the 189 PT PR visa. I am one of the lucky ones as otherwise I would’ve had to wait for 820 and then 801. Could take anywhere between 2-4 years I’d estimate these days.
Anyway, long story short, I remembered you posting this about the visa medical, and I was stressed for months about this as my medical history is complicated. What I had in the past I got better from and now have no issues. I knew that deep down, but I was still worried given how difficult this process is and how it makes you feel. Today I got my “Health clearance provided – no action required” and I just wanted to say thank you. I haven’t got my visa yet, but that was the last of my documents/requirements to be completed. Now it’s a waiting game and I’m on my way and everything is in. Thank you so much for your posts. Would be interested to hear how you get on applying for Australian Citizenship if that is something you are considering in the future. Thank you for your posts again. They helped clarify a complicated and sometimes relatively opaque process.
Cheers.
brooke brisbine
BenThanks so much for the lovely comment, Ben, and for sharing your experience with everyone!
Anna
Hi Brooke,
First THANK YOU! I don’t know how I could have submitted this application without you! What a beast!
I’m freaking out a bit because we submitted (offshore) two weeks ago and today we received an s56 Request for More Information asking for my partner’s health and character checks (but not my character checks as sponsor!). It says we have 28 days to get them.
We can’t work out if this is an automatic email as these are the only items missing from our application (everything else is finished and uploaded) or if this is something we really need to do (and fast!). We are also not one of those applications that’s 100% easy yes. We’ve only been living together de facto for exactly 12 months (on day of submission) and we don’t have kids.
In my cover letter we outlined that we haven’t done them yet as:
– the waiting time is 18 months and the expiry 12 months
– covid currently prevents us from even attempting to fly to Aus
Now we have the added bonus of being in UK lockdown. I’m not sure we are allowed to go get a health check as you can’t leave the house unless it’s for an essential reason.
Any wisdom of yours would be so so appreciated. To be honest the health fee is £300 and after the visa we really can’t afford to do it twice if it expires 🙁
brooke brisbine
AnnaHi Anna,
So incredibly sorry for the too-late reply, but if you wanted to share about your experience, perhaps it would help other people in the same situation!
Ed
I just wanted to say, thank you so much Brooke for posting details of your partner visa process! It has been so helpful and I am so appreciative of your detailed record.
brooke brisbine
EdThanks so much for the comment, Ed, I’m happy to hear these posts were helpful!
Dhan
Hi Brooke! thank you so much for the helpful post! I was just wondering, I had to do a medical exam for my student visa renewal which included the 501 and 502 procedures last October but I applied for the partner visa 820 visa this January. Do I still have to take all the 501 and 502, or can I just do the HIV one?
brooke brisbine
DhanHi Dhan,
As the medical check is only valid for 12 months, you may have to do some of the tests a second time– but Home Affairs should be able to answer this more definitively if you give them a call!
-Brooke
Gail
Hi Brooke,
Thank you for sharing your journey on getting your visa!
I did my health check a few months ago and all came back clear, however I’ve been uploading all my evidence to my immi account and have noticed a box for health check with references to a few forms that should have been taken to the appointments and filled out by the physicians? When I called to make my appointment I was given a checklist of things to bring to the appointment however this was not listed. I even phoned the docs the other day and they said they never require forms to be filled out? Did you see this on your immi page? I’m worried that I didn’t get them filled out and that it will effect my visa (I’m a worrier! haha)
brooke brisbine
GailHi Gail,
I wouldn’t worry too much about that as long as the health check tab on your Immi account is showing that the check has been received and no further action is required!
-Brooke
Ciara
21 months since my hubby applied for partner visa and he was asked to do the medicals. He did them all good, now I was wondering how long until a decision is made and visa is granted?
brooke brisbine
CiaraHi Ciara,
Unfortunately, there’s really no way to predict when his visa will be granted, it varies so much between applicants! Given that it’s been 21 months, though, I’d certainly assume it will be soon.
Crossing my fingers for you guys!
-Brooke
Dinz
brooke brisbineHi Brooke
I have applied for a partner visa last january. I did my health examination test as requested. But until now immi account says Health clearance provided- no action required. All health examinations required for the specified visa subclass have been finalised. Processing of this person’s visa application can now continue. This will not occur until a case officer investigates the case in line with published processing times for the visa thats has been applied for. Do not contact the department about health examinations in the meantime. What does that mean? Bit stressed with this and dont know what to do. Also I got married last month but i havent submit yet my marriage certificate.
brooke brisbine
DinzHi Dinz,
This just means that your health clearance has been completed and attached to your application. If there were any issues, they would have specifically contacted you, so this is a GOOD sign! Don’t stress 🙂
-Brooke
Totoro
Hi Brooke, thanks for all these informations you shared with readers. They are really helpful.
Just a question here though, did you went for medical assesment twice?
i applied for partnet visa 820 then i got instructions to get my medical assesment done.
Granted 820 temporary visa Jan 2020.
received notification about aplying for 801. So i had just put in new application for 801 , supplying evidence and completing the forms.
brooke brisbine
TotoroHi Totoro,
I only had my health check completed once. I got my 820 and 801 simultaneously, so I don’t personally know about the 801 application process, but I don’t believe you need to repeat the health check.
Other readers, please feel free to correct me or add extra information to this answer!
-Brooke
Anonymous
That’s really very helpful for me thank u very much
Anonymous
Would u like to suggest me anything as m still kind of tensed about my health assessment even though it’s showing like health clearance provided no action required but stil it’s been 3 month I have applied my visa and no co assigned yet.do u think wen co will assigned then he will tell me about my health assessment or imimi accounts showing that is all gud
brooke brisbine
AnonymousTo clarify, that message means your health assessment was all clear and there’s nothing more you need to do (for the health check)– absolutely no need to stress!! You won’t hear anything more about it, so don’t wait for a CO to contact you.
I also wouldn’t expect a CO to contact you within 3 months of submitting your visa, that is VERY early days still. Based on my experience, it’s possible that a CO will never contact you and your visa will be approved 1-2 years from now with no real warning. I had no idea a CO had even been assigned to my case. It’s not unusual to have no communication from Home Affairs until the day your visa is granted.
Does that make sense? Hopefully it allays some of your concerns!
-Brooke
Gunjan
M very tensed for mine
Anonymous
How it could be possible I mean if u have been already submitted all necessary documents related to your visa
brooke brisbine
AnonymousThat’s right, I had submitted all the evidence and health/police checks, so my application was completely ready to be approved.
Anonymous
That’s really unbelievable anyway congratulations 🎊🎉
brooke brisbine
AnonymousThank you very much! Yes, it was pretty surprising. I didn’t get a single email from a CO, so I had no indication it was coming!
Anonymous
Hi Brooke
What’s going on with your visa process any information regarding your case officer if co been assigned to u or not yet
brooke brisbine
AnonymousMy visa was approved a few weeks ago (YAY!) without any contact from a CO!
Aly A
Were you granted a Bridging Visa as soon as you lodged the Partner Visa application? Or did you have to wait until your health examination was sent to Home Affairs?
My husband is coming to Australia next month but his ETA expires 3 weeks after he lands. We are stressing that we will not have enough time for us to lodge the application and be granted a Bridging Visa. We don’t want him to be sent back to the USA.
brooke brisbine
Aly AHi Aly,
Don’t stress, the Bridging Visa is issued as soon as you submit the application and your payment is processed (within 1-3 days, depending on method). No need for all his health/police checks to be complete or all your evidence to be uploaded!
I’m not sure how this works with tourist visas, but typically the BVA is ISSUED immediately upon payment processing but it won’t actually come into effect until the existing visa expires. Could be different with an ETA, but it doesn’t actually matter– it will definitely be ISSUED regardless and it will cover him when the ETA expires!
Hope that helps 🙂
-Brooke
Kristofer Van Wagner
I like that this post shared that a health assessment is important when applying for a visa. It makes sense for the applicant to have their health assessed as it impacts their application. I will definitely keep this tip in mind should I know anyone who can benefit from it.
Mashaim Zafar
Hy I had submitted spouse visa online about six months ago. I had bupa medical examination a few days after that. And after few days of that it is showing
FurtherMedical examination is required.
“A Medical Officer has determined that additional health information is required to determine whether this person meets the health requirement for the visa subclass specified. Further information will be provided by the department or the department’s migration medical service provider, Bupa Medical Visa Services. Do not contact the department about health examinations in the meantime”.
Since that time only this thing is showing in my immiaccount.
Please help should I do something if yes what should I do. Kindly guide me.
brooke brisbine
Mashaim ZafarHi Mashaim,
Unfortunately, I don’t know exactly what that means, but it sounds like BUPA will contact you with more information. So you don’t need to do anything yet!
-Brooke
Gunjan
Ohhh…like really it’s been very late so after the health examination what I should next to do regarding my application
Thanx
brooke brisbine
GunjanHi Gunjan, have you read this post: https://brookebeyond.com/australian-permanent-residency-through-820-801-partner-visa
This will walk you through every step 🙂
-Brooke
Gunjan
Thank u so much dear!!
I think u got the same statement from the immigration so did they asked anything else again regarding your health assessment and also can u just tell me like how much time it will take to allotment of case officer
Thanx
brooke brisbine
GunjanHi Gunjan,
It is different for everyone, but I applied 18 months ago and STILL have not been assigned a CO.
I hope your application will be quicker than mine!
-Brooke
Gunjan
Hi Brooke
This is Gunjan.im here just to ask like my husband is citizen of Australia and applied the spouse visa I went the same process like what u mentioned in yours even for medical assessments also says same like HEALTH CLEARANCE POVIDED -NO ACTION REQUIRED
it’s quite understood but I just want to clear my doubt like is everything alright with my health report.
Thanks
brooke brisbine
GunjanHi Gunjan,
Just to clarify again, “No action required” means you don’t need to submit anything else, they’ve received your health check. The clinic would have contacted you if anything was wrong, so you can assume that means your health check was completely clean!
-Brooke
Gunjan
Hi i have applied my spouse visa and on d same day immi asked me for health examination.i did my health examination after 3 days it showing like Health Assessment” page in Immi Account says Health clearance provided – no action required.what does it mean by. I mean if everything is alright in my medical reports
Thanks
brooke brisbine
GunjanHi Gunjan,
That’s exactly what mine looked like, too. “No action required” just means you don’t need to submit anything else, they’ve received your health check. The clinic would have contacted you if anything was wrong, so you can assume that means you passed.
-Brooke
Emily
Hi Brooke,
I submitted my 801 about a year ago and have received no contact so far, no surprise there. I’m also American and looking to get my health examination out of the way. When I go to book it obviously has the list of examinations required for each person and states to select the ones given on the referral. My referral however gives no such list and just has my personal information and HAP number. Really want to get the medical out of the way so just wondering where I can find the list and what requirements you needed as someone also from the states!
Cheers,
Emily
brooke brisbine
EmilyHi Emily,
On the second page of the referral, does it not list the required tests at the top? I just took a screenshot of mine and added it to this post (below the section on my experience, if you want to have a look). I can’t say it will be the same for you, but considering we are both American, it’s likely! I did the 501 Medical Exam, 502 Chest X-Ray, and 707 HIV test.
-Brooke
Andrew
Hey Brooke!
Very well written article you have done here and it has helped a lot with any questions I might have concerning the medical part. My fiancé and I want to apply for a partner visa whenever covid 19 clears up, I am American and she’s Australian, so obviously not currently in Australia to be apply to in person for it. But anyways I had a couple questions regarding the process for the partner visa and a little bit for the medical exam as well! So honestly what are the main steps do I need to take for starting the process? I know people have to wait a certain amount of time before the actual partner visa is accept, would I be able to stay in Australia while waiting for the process or do they grant a temporary visa until you are accepted? And now for the medical exam, what exams are they looking at? I know it’s TB and HIV and I know I don’t have that so I’m in the clear but what else do they need? Sorry I’m completely new to thus and I don’t know how to proceed really and sort of lost at the moment.
Looking forward to the reply and how your doing well during these times!
Sincerely
Andrew
brooke brisbine
AndrewHi Andrew, thank you very much for the kind words!
Have you seen this post? https://brookebeyond.com/australian-permanent-residency-through-820-801-partner-visa This describes the entire process for an onshore application. If you’re in Australia when you apply for the 820/801, you’ll be granted a Bridging Visa when your current visa expires so that you can stay with your partner while Home Affairs processes your application. The BVA usually allows you to work and study in Australia, although you’ll have to apply for the BVB if you want to travel outside Australia for any period of time while your application is processing. Approximately 2 years later, your 820 Temporary Partner Visa will be granted. Then, depending on the length of your relationship, you’ll either submit more evidence and wait a further 24 months for the grant of your 801 Permanent Partner Visa or you may be eligible to have your 820 and 801 granted simultaneously (the “long-term” exception requires a minimum of 3 years married or de facto).
If you are applying offshore (from America) you HAVE to be out of Australia when the visa is granted–that means you can get tourist visas to come visit, but not for the entire duration. The benefit is that an offshore application does appear (from readers posting on this site) to be granted a bit quicker, but if your partner is in Australia without you, it can feel even longer…
The medical exam is looking at a number of things, including TB and HIV. As you would have read in this post, it’s a fairly routine examination and you’ll have to disclose previous health information to the doctor. I did this in Australia, so if you are applying offshore, there may be a slightly different procedure, I’m not totally sure.
Does that answer a few of your questions? Best of luck to you guys!
-Brooke
Mona
AndrewHi Brooke, thank you so much first of all to post this. It is very informative and helpful for all of us applying for partner visa.
I have a question, and maybe you can advice me on this base on your experience and knowledge.
Me and my partner applied 801/820, on December 2019.
I’m on bridging now. And I haven’t heard anything from them till now. Following others posts on FB group.
Do you think it is good if I get medical and police check and submit it, along with other proof like more photo and bank statement.
Although there is no request?
Would love to be granted soon too esp in this current covid situation where finding work is really hard.
At least I will eligible for some course or other job benefit.
Thank you.
brooke brisbine
MonaHi Mona,
Apologies for the delayed response, I’ve been travelling and not on my computer as much as usual! Hopefully you found a solution, but just in case (and for the benefit of anyone else reading this), I personally think it’s a good idea to do your health check and police check before being asked, especially since a year has gone by on your application and the chance of it being granted in the next 12 months is pretty likely.
Best of luck to you!
-Brooke
Bijay Tamang
Hi Brooke
So happy to talk to u again
I am just wondering when u book for your medical text with bupa after u apply for 820, what visa sub class do we select?
Is it 801 Partner or 820 Partner (Provisional)
The referral letter for medical says BS 801 – Spouse (permanent).
Looking forward to listen from you guys which of this have u selected.
Thanks Brooke
Bijay
Perth
brooke brisbine
Bijay TamangHello again Bijay, hope you’re well!
Since my referral letter said “BS 801 Spouse (Permanent)”, I selected the 801 option when booking my health check and that seemed to be correct.
Brooke
Antonette
Hello Brooke good day! Thanks for the post..
It’s been a year now since Iapplied for my 820/801 Partner Visa so I decided to book for my health assessment without being contacted by a CO. However, on my referral letter to BUPA says BS 801- Spouse (Permanent), I am still on stage 1.
I tried to find on the internet sample referral letterfor 820 and I found one saying 820 Partner (Provisional)
So I am confused.😕
brooke brisbine
AntonetteHi Antonette,
I just looked back at my referral letter and it also said “BS 801- Spouse (Permanent)” when I went to get my health check. I think this must be because the 820/801 are part of the same application process, so I wouldn’t worry about that!
-Brooke
Antonette
brooke brisbineThanks very much Brooke.
M
Hey Brooke,
The HAP ID and referral letter is available to my fiance on immi. However I haven’t received an email from CO requesting it – so is it expected that it gets done or shall we wait for that email/correspondence. Would you happen to know?
brooke brisbine
MHi M,
I received a notification through IMMI to get my health checks done about 3 days after submitting the application. I ended up waiting 6 months to do it, thinking surely my visa would be granted in the next year while the checks were still valid (18 months after I first submitted)– but my visa has still not been approved, so I’ll have to redo the checks. I’m pretty annoyed about it!
I can’t tell you what to do, and everyone’s app is processed at a different speed, but I’d be a little worried about doing it right away unless the CO specifically requested it. If you aren’t worried about the $500, just go ahead and do it now, maybe your app will get pushed through quickly.. I wish I could provide a better answer here, but unfortunately this is such an unknown for all of us 🙁
Best of luck with everything!
-Brooke
Eleni Agoudi
Hey , I have a question. I applied for my visa 820/801 December last year (2019). I got the email of what health examinations I need to do. But I don’t know when to do them. They say the expire after 12 months. Can you help ?
brooke brisbine
Eleni AgoudiHi Eleni,
It’s totally up to you when you want to do these health checks, and there’s actually a lot of debate around it. Some people do them right away so their application is more complete– however, the obvious risk is that they will expire before your visa is granted. I waited 6 months to do mine, thinking surely my visa would be granted within 18 months of submission. Alas, that has not happened and I expect I’ll have to redo them, which really stinks! Given that you applied December 2019, I personally would be a little hesitant to do the health checks so soon, but it’s COMPLETELY up to you!
Hope that helps!
-Brooke
Taxman
I got this web site from my friend who told me about this
website and now this time I am browsing this site and reading very informative articles or reviews here.
Cecilia
hi i just got my result of all my medical for partner visa if it says Health Clearance Provided-No Action required does it means i dont have problem with my result?i am really worried of my result…Thanks
brooke brisbine
CeciliaHi Cecilia, that just means you don’t need to do anything else, your results have been received.
If anything was wrong with the check, the doctor would have contacted you directly, so don’t worry.
-Brooke
Michael Filmer-Smith
Hey Brooke,
Thanks for the information regarding the health assessment.
My partner is absolutely horrified of doing blood tests so I’m wondering (based off the immi website and some research) What you mean by “some blood drawn”? Was this just a prick in the finger or a full on needle?
Regards,
Michael
brooke brisbine
Michael Filmer-SmithHi Michael,
I’m sorry to say that it is definitely a needle, they can’t really “draw blood” from a finger prick and there is necessary testing, specifically for HIV, as part of the screening.
-Brooke
Bob
Thank you very much Brooke, will do.
Bob
Thanks very much Brooke, will do that.
Bob
Hi Brooke,
Thanks for getting back and explaining it. It makes sense now.
Btw how important it to upload the personal statements, and whether both of us need to do one?
Thanks.
brooke brisbine
BobHi Bob, happy to help.
As for the personal statement, they are extremely important. However, you only HAVE TO write a statement about your relationship that fits in the relevant text box on the online application. This has a 2000 character limit, so most applicants find that it’s not enough space to write about their relationship and commitment to each other, so they choose to upload a longer statement. Writing a longer statement might not be important to you, in which case you can just fill in the boxes on the application and be done. You both need to speak to the 5 aspects of the relationship, as you’ll see the same boxes on the online sponsorship application.
-Brooke
Bob
Hello Brooke,
When I did form 40SP, it says to fill form 47SP too.
That’s why thought of checking
?
Thanks…
brooke brisbine
BobHi Bob,
I’m pretty sure the form you’re talking about is the paper version of the actual visa application you would have completed online, so you don’t need to complete it unless you’re applying through the mail. In fact, I think the 40SP is the paper version of the online sponsorship application, but because it’s still listed in IMMI as a recommended document, most people complete it just to be on the safe side.
Hope that makes sense!
-Brooke
Bob
Thank you Brooke, really appreciate it.
Just one more question, do we need to fill form 47SP too?
Thanks Brooke.
brooke brisbine
BobHi Bob,
Form 47SP did not appear as an upload option in my IMMI account, so I didn’t fill this out. Is it a recommended document on your IMMI account?
Bob
Hello Brooke,
Do we need to wait till BVA becomes active to apply for Medicare, or can we apply for it straight after we have applied and paid for the visa, any advise on this would be great.
Thank you.
brooke brisbine
BobHi Bob,
No, you don’t need an active BVA to apply for Medicare! You just need proof that the application was submitted and proof of a current visa, which could be the visa your partner was already on or the BVA, whichever is active. Here’s more information from one of my posts:
As soon as you receive a confirmation of visa submission from IMMI (sent to your email the same day that payment goes through), bring the attached documents (evidence that the application was received), evidence of your current visa (or Bridging Visa), a completed Medicare enrolment form, and your passport to a Medicare service centre (use this search to find one near you). They will issue you a paper Medicare card on the spot and your plastic card will come in the mail a few weeks later!
Read more under Step 7: https://brookebeyond.com/australian-permanent-residency-through-820-801-partner-visa#STEP_10_Waiting_and_maybe_getting_a_BVB
-Brooke
Garry
Hi,
Guess there is a different time period for different country if I am not wrong or could it be other reason?
Garry
brooke brisbine
GarryHi Garry, it could be any number of reasons and it’s hard to know, but if they’ve requested it, hopefully that means the application is going to be reviewed in the next year.
-Brooke
Anon
Our CO requested the health exam about a month after the initial app. My husband did it back in Oct (after lodging in Aug). Haven’t heard a thing since…anyway have any experience after the CO asked for the health exam, how long before the decision? Ours still says Initial Assessment!!
brooke brisbine
AnonI’m surprised the CO requested it so soon, but that must be a good sign, as they are only valid 12 months! It’s been 14 months since my initial application and I’ve yet to hear one word from a CO about anything, so I can’t comment personally, but best of luck with everything 🙂
-Brooke
Tim
AnonHey anon. Curious how long it took in the end. We had our Co request it in March after we applied in december. We submitted the health exam in March and its now September and haven’t heard anything.
Jane
AnonDid you get any response and if so after how long? They asked for my health exam 10 months ago and nothing since
Garry
Hey Brooke,
Thankyou so much for your reply. I am glad I have came across this blog. Overall this blog of yours is really helpful. I am going to get my medical done by next week. It’s already been 6 months since I have submitted the application. Let’s hope I won’t have to do it again. Thankyou so much for your help!
Kind Regards
G
brooke brisbine
GarryBest of luck with everything, Garry!
Garry
Hi there, it’s great reading this blog. Just wanted to confirm if it’s ok to get your health examination done after few months of application lodged date? At home affairs website it says either you do it before you lodge application or you do it afterwords once the case officer asks for it! I have also applied for a partner visa, it has been 6 months already. As per what you wrote so can I still do my health examination done or shall I wait for the case officer to correspond? Was just confused about it but I am glad i came across this place.its actually quite helpful. It’s really helpful but pls just confirm once again if it’s ok to do it while your application is already lodged and under process? Thankyou so much.
Kind regards
G
brooke brisbine
GarryHi Garry,
Totally up to you whether you want to wait for the CO to request or you want to get it done now. Obviously the risk of doing it now is that it could expire before your visa is granted– I did my health exam around 6 months, thinking my visa would surely be granted after another year, but that’s not been the case and I’m going to end up re-doing it, which royally stinks.
Hope that helps!
-Brooke
Anonymous
Hi iwant an advice
Cos were planing to apply visa subclass 820/801 do you need medical when you were applaying or after apply ? Or when ur visa approved thankyou
brooke brisbine
AnonymousAs explained in the post, you can do the medical right away, wait until some time has passed (to reduce risk of expiration), or wait for the CO to request it. Up to you!
-Brooke
Marion
Thank you so much for this blog. It helped me a lot 😍
I did my health examination but they told me to do it again ( S56 request). Do you think I need to pay 446$ again ? 😔
brooke brisbine
MarionHi Marion,
So glad to hear the blog helped you! Sadly, I suspect you’ll have to pay the fee again 🙁
-Brooke
Melanie
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I am beyond grateful I found your blog! I read a few of your articles now and it helps soooo much having the screenshots and all the details. Everything feels a bit less unknown! I can’t thank you enough!
brooke brisbine
MelanieHi Melanie,
You are so welcome and thank YOU for this amazing comment! I love hearing that these posts were able to help you with your visa application. The process was really confusing to me too, it took more than a year for me to completely get my head around it and submit– I wanted to try and save other people some time 🙂
Best of luck with everything,
-Brooke
Anonymous
brooke brisbineHi Brooke, please how many months did you waited before your visa was approve after medical examination
brooke
AnonymousHi there,
I personally waited about 6 months to get my medical exam and by the time my visa was granted approximately 19 months after I first applied, my health check had technically expired. Hope that helps!
xx bb