Major Visa Update: No Health Checks Required for Children Born in Australia

​Special consideration for children born and ordinarily resident in Australia that do not meet the health requirement under Public Interest Criteria 4005 and 4007 have come into effect on 16 October 2024.

Background on Public Interest Criteria (PIC)

The Public Interest Criteria (PIC) are a set of rules the Department of Home Affairs applies to visa applications to ensure that migrants meet certain health, character, and public interest requirements. Previously, these criteria included strict health checks for all applicants, including children, to prevent any excessive burden on Australia’s healthcare system or community services.

The Amendment (Effective 16 October 2024) for children born and living in Australia

The latest change to the PIC specifically affects children under 18 who:

• Were born in Australia; and
• Ordinarily reside in Australia (meaning Australia is their usual home).

Under the old rules, these children had to pass a health check to prove they didn’t have any condition or disease that could result in “significant costs” to Australia’s healthcare or community services.

From 16 October 2024, this requirement has been removed. Children who meet the above conditions will no longer need to prove they are free from such health conditions.

Why This Change Matters for migrants in Australia

This is a significant shift in the migration policy for several reasons:

• Eases the Process for Families: Families applying for visas for their children born in Australia will face fewer hurdles. This could especially benefit families whose children may have been at risk of not meeting previous health requirements.
• Reduced Costs for Applicants: Health assessments can be expensive and time-consuming. By removing this requirement, families can save both money and effort.
• Less Stress for Migrant Families: The previous rules may have caused concern for families with children who had medical conditions. This change relieves that worry and simplifies the visa process.

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Who Does This Affect?

This amendment applies to children under 18 who:

• Are seeking to be added to a parent’s visa application.
• Are already on temporary visas but are transitioning to a permanent visa.
• May have been born in Australia to parents holding temporary visas but are now applying for permanent residency.

It’s important to note that this rule only applies to children born in Australia. Children born outside Australia or those migrating with their parents from other countries may still need to meet the health requirements.

Impact on the Healthcare System

The reason the Australian government originally had these health checks in place was to prevent overwhelming the country’s healthcare system. By making this exemption for children born and residing in Australia, the government likely recognizes that these children are already part of the community and using healthcare services. As a result, it makes sense to simplify their visa process.

What Migrant Families Need to Know

If you have a child born in Australia and are applying for a visa or permanent residency, you no longer need to:

• Provide proof that your child does not have a condition that could cause significant healthcare costs.

However, it’s always important to confirm the specific requirements of your visa subclass, as some other conditions may still apply.

Final Thoughts

This change is part of a broader effort by the Australian government to streamline migration processes, especially for children who are already living in the country. It reflects a more family-friendly approach to migration, reducing barriers for young applicants who have grown up in Australia.

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The information provided is a general guide and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; there are many regulations that may apply depending on each individual’s circumstances alongside changes in the industry. It is the user’s responsibility to verify the currency of information. Those seeking advice should engage a MARA registered migration agent.