Visa Requirement: What does it mean by Health Undertaking?

What is Health Undertaking?

A health undertaking is an agreement you make with the Australian Government to meet health requirements, particularly to manage significant health conditions with an onshore health provider. 

Who is Compulsory to Sign a Health Undertaking? 

You may be required to sign a health undertaking if you:  

• Have a Significant Health Condition: 

  • Completed health examinations outside Australia. 

  • Applied for a protection visa. 

• Are at Increased Risk of Developing Active Tuberculosis: 

  • Have previously been treated for tuberculosis. 

  • Have an abnormal chest X-ray from your health examinations. 

• Have Other Significant Health Conditions: 

  • Inactive tuberculosis.

  • HIV. 

  • Hepatitis B or C. 

  • Leprosy. 

If you do not sign a health undertaking when requested, your visa will not be granted. 

How to Sign a Health Undertaking? 

1. Notification: Your visa processing officer will inform you if you need to sign a health undertaking. 

2. Form Completion: You must complete and sign the health undertaking form. 

What are Your Next Steps After Signing a Health Undertaking?  

By signing a health undertaking, you agree to: 

• Contact Bupa Medical Visa Services (BUPA) within 28 days of arriving in Australia. 

• Attend Appointments: You may need to attend an appointment at a state or territory health clinic in Australia, as advised by BUPA. 

• Complete Further Investigations or Treatments: Follow any additional requirements for investigations or courses of treatment. 

Remember to Keep a Copy: Retain a copy of your signed health undertaking form; it contains vital information for completing the health undertaking process.

For Pregnancy Health Undertakings for Protection Visa Applicants 

If you are a protection visa applicant and choose not to complete a chest X-ray while pregnant, you must sign a pregnancy health undertaking. This agreement allows you to undergo a chest X-ray after giving birth. 

• Arrange for the Chest X-ray: You have to contact BUPA to schedule the chest X-ray within 28 days of receiving your Request for Information letter. 

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help 

If you are unable to meet the health requirements, your visa may be refused or cancelled. Speak to one of our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law with our team of immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux to assist you with a possible health waiver. The team specialises in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com. 

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language. 

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.