Tuberculosis health undertakings for migrants and refugees arriving in NSW

People who want to migrate to Australia permanently or stay temporarily must satisfy the immigration health requirement specified in Australian migration regulations.

In general, permanent visa applicants (and some temporary visitors) of all ages are required to undergo a medical examination. In addition, people aged 11 years and over are required to complete a chest X-ray to determine if there is any evidence of active TB disease and some children aged between two and ten years of age from higher risk countries are required to complete tuberculosis screening by having a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test.

A person must be free from active tuberculosis (TB) to meet the health requirement for a visa. Anyone found to have active TB requires treatment before a visa can be granted.

People found to have evidence of latent TB infection may still be granted a visa, however, they may be asked to sign a Health Undertaking (using the Form 815 - Health Undertaking ). By signing a Health Undertaking the person agrees to contact the migration medical services (currently BUPA Medical Visa Services) within 28 days of arrival in Australia, and to attend medical appointments for follow-up as directed.

• The preferred method of contact is by email to: hus@bupamvs.com.au
• People can also phone BUPA Medical Visa Services on 1300 794 919 (a free call).
• When contacting BUPA Medical Visa Services, the following details should be provided: full name, HAP ID (located at the top right corner of the 815 form), date of birth, date of arrival, current address, phone number, email contact and if an interpreter will be required at medical appointments.
• If the person has any plans to depart Australia in the next six months, notify BUPA Medical Visa Services of the date of departure.

For people living in NSW, BUPA Medical Visa Services sends the person's contact details and documentation to the NSW Health TB Service who arrange for medical appointments at a local Chest Clinic if required. There is no charge for this. The person will be sent a Chest Clinic appointment by mail. This may take several weeks as appointment dates will depend on Chest Clinic waiting lists.

People with a Health Undertaking for another condition (e.g. hepatitis B) will receive separate information by mail. They should take these documents to a local doctor of their choice.

This system is an important public health program, aimed at protecting the health of migrants and refugees, and the rest of the community.

Further information

For further information on health requirements for migration see the Australian Department of Home Affairs Health Requirement factsheet .

See Accessing your local TB service for the contact details of particular clinics.

For information or advice about Health Undertakings for other medical conditions (e.g. for hepatitis B), call Sydney South West Public Health Unit on (02) 8778 0855.