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Changes to Health Matrix, Health PAM and Medical Treatment Visa PAM Released 9 November 2009

An amended Health Matrix for assessing the health of temporary visa applicants and a revised version of the health PAM will be released on LEGEND on 9 November 2009.

There will be a change within the ‘special significance’ section of the Form 1163i. The new version of the health matrix will be available in the PAM and the revised Form 1163i Health requirement for temporary entry to Australia on the department’s website.

Changes include:

  • amendment to Medical Treatment Visas (condition 8201) - onshore subclasses 675 and 685 visa applicants will be able to study for more than three months in limited compelling and compassionate circumstances
  • health assessments for new born (up to six months) - providing paediatrician or obstetrician reports for an "on the papers" assessment by HSA, rather than a physical examination
  • 457 applicants - new Health Insurance requirements
  • update on Health Waivers
  • changes to re-use policy – temporary to permanent upgrades of health clearances no longer available.

Transitional arrangement for changes to re-use policy

The new re-use policy applies to all new applications and applications where health assessments have not yet been undertaken. 
See: Changes to Medical ‘Re-Use’ Policy to Prevent Processing Delays

Changes to the Aged Visitor Health Check from 9 November 2009:

  • the age requirement has been raised from persons ‘aged 70 and over’ to persons 'aged 75 and over'
  • the Aged Visitor Health Check must be completed by a panel doctor nominated by the Australian Government.  This means that there will no longer be any provision for a general practitioner to carry out the assessment.


    • Note:     An Aged Visitor Health Check is not required if the applicant is required to undergo a medical examination (Form 26).

Which visa subclasses are affected by the Aged Visitor Health Check changes?

The following visa subclasses are affected:

  • 676 Tourist
  • 679 Professional Development
  • 456 Business (Short Stay)
  • 459 Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay).

Transitional arrangement for Aged Visitor Health Check

The new health matrix will be used to assess the required health examinations for any temporary visa applications lodged on or after 9 November 2009. In addition, the new health matrix will be utilised for on-hand applications where the department has not yet requested the applicant to undergo the requested medicals.

Further assistance

You should contact Health Policy Section with any questions about this, or other changes to the PAM.
See: Agent Enquiry & Feedback