In 2026, the short answer is yes, but with two major conditions. While the results of your 485 medical examination can technically be reused for a Permanent Residency (PR) application (like Subclass 189, 190, or 186), you must account for validity periods and additional testing requirements.
The “cleanest” pathway to PR in 2026 requires strategic timing to avoid paying for the same medical twice.
1. The 12-Month Validity Rule
In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs maintains a strict 12-month validity on health assessments.
- The Scenario: If you did your medical for your 485 visa on January 1, 2026, and you lodge your PR application on June 1, 2026, the results are still valid.
- The Risk: If your PR visa is not granted before January 1, 2027 (the 12-month mark), the Case Officer will likely ask you to redo the entire medical, as results must be valid at the time of the visa decision.
2. PR Requires “Extra” Tests
The medical for a Graduate Visa (485) is often less intensive than a Permanent Residency medical. Even if your 485 results are still within 12 months, the Department will usually ask for additional PR-specific tests that aren’t always required for the 485:
- HIV Test: Almost always required for PR, but often skipped for 485 applicants (depending on the country of origin).
- eGFR/Creatinine (Kidney Function): A standard requirement for PR applicants in 2026 to assess potential long-term healthcare costs.
- The Solution: When you apply for PR, you quote your previous HAP ID. The system will “pull” your old 485 results (X-ray and physical) and generate a new referral letter for only the missing blood tests.
3. How to Reuse Your HAP ID in 2026
Do not generate a new “My Health Declaration” if you have a valid 485 medical. Instead:
- Lodge the PR Application: When filling out your 189/190/186 form, there is a question asking if you have undergone a health examination in the last 12 months.
- Provide the HAP ID: Enter the HAP ID from your 485 medical.
- Wait for the Link: The system will attempt to sync. If more tests are needed, your ImmiAccount will update to “Action Required” with a new referral letter specifically for the PR-grade tests.
4. 2026 Strategy: To Redo or Not?
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
| 485 Medical is < 6 months old | Reuse it. Quote the HAP ID and just do the “top-up” tests if requested. |
| 485 Medical is > 9 months old | Redo it. By the time your PR is processed, the old medical will likely expire, causing a “Re-medical” delay. |
| Significant Health Change | Redo it. If you have developed a new condition, you must declare it, which usually requires a fresh assessment. |
5. Summary: 2026 Checklist
- Check the Date: Is your 485 medical less than 12 months old?
- Find Your HAP ID: Locate your old eMedical Information Sheet.
- Anticipate Bloods: Be prepared for an “HIV and Kidney” test request even if your 485 exam was “Clear.”
- Processing Times: In 2026, PR processing can take 6–12 months. If your medical is near expiry, it’s safer to start fresh to avoid a Section 56 delay.
