1. The “Auto-Linking” Window

In 2026, if your old medical results were completed within the last 12 months, the Department’s system should automatically pull those results into your 485 application using your Passport Number as the primary key.

• How to Check: Log in to ImmiAccount, open your 485 application, and click “View health assessment.”
• Success: If it says “Health clearances provided – no action required,” the link was successful. You don’t need to do anything further.

2. What to Do if You Have Two HAP IDs

If your 485 application has generated a new HAP ID but you have a valid clearance from an old HAP ID (less than 12 months old), follow these steps to reconcile them:

1. Do Not Book a New Appointment: If you pay Bupa using the new HAP ID, you cannot get a refund later just because you had an old one.
2. Attach the Old Referral Letter: Go to the “Attach Documents” section of your 485 application. Under the category “Health, Evidence of,” upload the eMedical Referral Letter from your previous Student Visa application.
3. Upload a Brief Cover Letter: Create a simple PDF titled “Notification of Previous Health Clearance.” State: “I have previously completed health examinations under HAP ID [Old Number] on [Date]. These results are still valid (less than 12 months old). Please link these results to my current application.”
4. Use the Technical Support Form: If the “Action Required” flag doesn’t disappear after 7 days, use the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form to request a manual link.

3. The “My Health Declarations” Trap

If you used My Health Declarations (MHD) before lodging your 485, you likely created a third HAP ID.

• The Fix: In 2026, the Department prefers you to use the HAP ID generated after lodgement. If you already did the medical using the MHD HAP ID, you must notify your Case Officer via the “Attach Documents” method mentioned above so they can manually “merge” the files in the eMedical system.

4. 2026 Summary: When a Link is NOT Possible

You cannot link an old HAP ID if:

• The Results are >12 Months Old: The system will automatically reject them.
• New Tests are Required: If your 485 requires a test your Student Visa didn’t (e.g., if you are now a healthcare worker needing a Hep B test), you must get a new HAP ID for the additional tests.