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Health undertakings for migrants & refugees arriving in NSW

Permanent visa applicants, and some temporary visitors, must undergo health checks overseas before receiving their visa1. Applicants for a permanent visa have a medical examination, a chest x-ray if 11 years of age or older, and an HIV test if 15 years of age or older.

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.

In some instances, a visa is granted but there is a requirement for a health issue to be followed up after arrival in Australia. The person signs a form called a Health Undertaking (or 815 Form), which instructs them to call the Health Undertaking Service after arrival.

The most common condition needing follow-up is old (inactive) or treated TB, or some other abnormality found on the person's chest x-ray. Usually this follow-up is routine, involving one or two visits to the nearest Chest Clinic. There is no charge for this.

For certain other conditions detected overseas (e.g. hepatitis B), information and advice will be sent to the person in a letter from NSW Health. This advice will usually suggest initial follow-up by a General Practitioner (local doctor).

People arriving on a Health Undertaking should have a copy of their 815 Form. The process is:

  • The person, or someone on their behalf, must telephone the Health Undertaking Service on 1800 811 334 (a free call) within 4 weeks of arrival (or in some cases within one week - check the form), and quote their Access Number (located at top right of their 815 form).
  • Other details needed: Entrant's name; date of arrival; whether staying permanently; address; phone number. If voicemail is reached, full details including Access Number can be left on the message machine, and the Service will register the Health Undertaking.
  • Another method of registration is by email: Peter.Davis@immi.gov.au . Full details including Access Number and contact address of the entrant must be included.
  • The client will receive a letter confirming the contact, and stating that they must notify any change of address.
  • For people on a TB-related Undertaking, the Health Undertaking Service will send the person's medical documents to NSW TB Services, for distribution to the appropriate clinic.
  • The client will receive a Chest Clinic appointment by mail. This may take several weeks. Appointment dates will depend on clinic waiting lists.
  • Those with a Health Undertaking for another condition (e.g. hepatitis B) will receive 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. Compliance is a requirement of their visa.

Whenever a person on a Health Undertaking changes their address, they must notify the Health Undertaking Service (1800 811 334) or the clinic at which they have an appointment.

List of chest clinics in NSW.

For information or advice about non-TB related Health Undertakings (e.g. for hepatitis B) call Sydney South West Public Health Unit on 9515 9420.

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