1. The 12-Month Validity Rule
In 2026, the DHA treats health clearances like a “subscription” that expires every year.
- Scenario A (Reuse): You did your medicals in August 2025 for a Student Visa extension and you are applying for your 485 in May 2026. Since it’s within 12 months, the system should link them automatically.
- Scenario B (New Exam): You did your medicals in 2023 when you first arrived in Australia. Even if your Student Visa is still active, those results are too old. You will need a new HAP ID and a new appointment.
2. How to Check if Your Medicals “Linked” Automatically
Once you lodge your 485 application and pay the fee:
- Log in to ImmiAccount.
- Open your 485 application and click “View Details.”
- Check the “Health Assessment” tab.
- If it says “Health clearance provided,” you are finished! Your old medical has been successfully reused.
- If it says “Organise health examinations,” the old one has expired or was not compatible.
3. Compatibility: Is a Student Medical “Enough”?
Not all Student Visa medicals are the same. In 2026, the 485 visa often requires more “rigorous” testing than a standard student visa, especially if you plan to work in certain fields.
| Test Type | Student Visa (Low Risk) | Graduate 485 Visa |
| Medical Exam | Sometimes waived | Always Required |
| Chest X-Ray | Depends on country risk | Always Required |
| HIV Test | Rarely Required | May be Required (if working in healthcare) |
Warning: Even if your student medical is only 6 months old, if it didn’t include a Chest X-Ray (and your country of origin requires one for a 485), you will still have to go to Bupa for the missing parts.
4. 2026 “Decision Ready” Tip
If you are an Indian, Pakistani, or Chinese graduate (countries considered high-risk for TB), the Department is much stricter about the 12-month cutoff. If your medical is 11 months old when you apply, it will likely expire during processing.Recommendation: If your medical is more than 9 months old, it is safer to get a fresh one. It’s better to pay $400 now than to have your visa delayed for 3 months later in the year.
