1. The “12-Month” Expiry Rule
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) digital system is programmed to automatically flag any health result older than 12 months as “Expired.”
- The Policy: The Department does not offer “extensions” on health clearances, even if the delay is caused by their own slow processing or a complex MOC (Medical Officer of the Commonwealth) referral.
- The Cost: You must pay the full fee again (currently ~$371–$410 at Bupa centres) for a new examination and any required pathology.
2. 2026 Processing Timelines vs. Expiry Risk
In 2026, 90% of 485 visas are processed within 5 to 6 months. To avoid paying twice, use this strategy:
| If your previous medical is… | Your 2026 Strategy |
| 0–6 Months Old | Reuse it. It will likely remain valid until your visa is granted. |
| 7–9 Months Old | High Risk. If your case hits a snag (like a Form 80 request), your medical may expire just weeks before the grant. |
| 10+ Months Old | Redo it now. It is cheaper and faster to provide a fresh medical upfront than to wait for an RFI (Request for Information) that pauses your case. |
3. How to Avoid the “Double Payment” Trap
- Don’t Rush the “Upfront” Medical: Many students use “My Health Declarations” to do a medical before lodging. In 2026, this is risky. If your 485 lodgement is delayed by a few months, you’ve wasted a quarter of your medical’s “shelf life” before the clock even starts on your visa.
- Wait for the HAP ID: For 485 visas, the safest move in 2026 is to generate your HAP ID immediately after lodgement. This ensures your 12-month validity window covers the entire 6-month processing period.
- Monitor “Request for Information” (RFI): If a Case Officer asks for a new medical, you usually have 28 days to comply. Respond immediately; every day you wait increases the chance that other documents (like your English test) might also expire.
4. What if the Delay is Due to an MOC Referral?
If your first medical was “flagged” for a health condition, it is sent to the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC).
- The Irony: The MOC review itself can take 3–5 months.
- The Double-Pay Risk: If the MOC review takes so long that your original 12-month clearance expires, you may be asked to do a second exam to prove your condition hasn’t worsened. In this rare case, you must pay again
