Electronic Health Assessments for Online Visa Applicants

A new electronic system has been developed to help in assessing the health status of online visa applicants to Australia, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, said today.

A world first, the new system allows applicants to record their medical information online as they are applying for their visa.

‘The system reflects the Government’s determination to ensure the application of the latest technology to improve dealings with agencies,’ the Minister said.

‘The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs is constantly striving to improve service to clients through new technology,’ the Minister said.

‘Applicants are required to visit an approved radiology clinic for a digital chest x-ray and photo to verify their identity. These images are then linked electronically to their visa application.

‘An approved doctor conducts a physical health assessment and reviews the radiology results. This data is transmitted electronically to Australia and if there are no problems the visa application can proceed. The images are held in a database and will be accessed for any future applications.

‘The new system, which is faster and more efficient than before, will eventually be made available globally, starting with online applicants from early this year,’ Senator Vanstone said.

‘If an applicant can arrange for the necessary appointments on the same day, the application and health assessment process can be completed in as little as 24 hours,’ she said.

The system began piloting in Singapore in November 2003 with online student visa applicants.

‘The trial proved highly successful, with nearly 90 per cent of applicants opting for the new system over the slower, paper based method.

For more information on online visa application, visit the DIMIA website at www.immi.gov.au 14 January 2005

- Media release from the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs