Why Health and Character Tests are Necessary

The government of the country you wish to immigrate to wants to know, how best you’ll serve and benefit the country. So, what should you know and how can you prepare?

The Health and Character Tests

If you fail the health or character test, your entire application will be rejected.

Fortunately, the requirements can be waived under the  Family Visa Stream (Spouse or Child Visa)
The family Sponsored skilled applications also have the right of appeal against a refusal. Interestingly enough, an independent Application has some recourse against an adverse decision.

Every visa category has a different health and character requirement.

Take the following into consideration: A chest x-ray is required for adult applications in order to obtain a work permit. This only applies is the applicant/you are planning to work in school or hospitals. A police clearance is not mandatory. A discretionary request is mandatory.

The Character Test The test is long and detailed. Applicants are required to provide individual circumstances to their registered migration consultant. This is needed to obtain complete and accurate advice on visa chances.

Your Criminal Offences

In regards to character testing, the Australian Government for example will consider the nature of any offence that the applicant may have. The government will assess any time served as well as how long ago the offence was committed and how many offences are listed and recorded. The country in which the offense occurred will also be taken into consideration as many contrived carry very strict punishments. Some offences are viewed as minor.

Issues that cause problems

Violent offences, drug charges, long periods of imprisonment and serious white collar crime.

The Health Test is as detailed as the Character Test (not to mention your  citizenship test. For example, the most prevalent disease or illnesses that will be checked for are tuberculosis, any contagious or expensive to treat illnesses that could place some strain on the public health system. It’s generally about the well being and sustainability of the country. So you may be thinking, what if I offer to pay for all my medical tests or bills through the private system? Surely, this will work in my favour? There’s no guarantee that it will. Take into account that once you're a permanent resident you cannot contract out of your public health rights.

Unfavourable Diseases

Cancer, Renal Failure, HIV, certain types of Diabetes, Down syndrome, autism and paraplegia can cause some concern.

It will stand you in good stead to seek professional advice. This area of the Immigration Process can become complicated and intricate. If you think that you don’t stand a chance of passing the test, a professional may just prove you wrong.

Preparing for the Test

Everyone’s situation is different. The answers below are general as to give great scope. However, the questions and answers aren’t concrete and should not be taken too seriously. It’ll merely give you an idea as to what you can or may expect.

Health Test and Character Questions – What to Expect

If you have concerns about your medical conditions, it may be a good idea to have a pre-migration assessment done. In fact, there are doctors who specialise in this. Ask your immigration Consultant for advice. You may have a predisposition to certain illnesses. Perhaps, your family line or heredity could be to blame. Who knows? Do a bit of investigation into the diseases or illnesses that are most prevalent in your family line.

Your medical exam will consist of the following; a chest x-ray, blood tests and full medical/body check.

An Immigration Consultant can find a unique solution for your scenario.

The Health Test – Points to Ponder

Scenario:
Applicant is wheelchair-bound wanting to migrate to Australia
Applicants that are wheelchair-bound, wanting to migrate to Australia can gain approval when applying for a spousal visa.

Scenario:
Applicant is diagnosed with cancer. However, the applicant is in remission. Note that the applicant will have to be clear of the disease for five years after remission.

Character Test Know how’s – Point to Ponder

Scenario:
Applicant spent 6 months in jail. Applicant was charged with shoplifting. It’s a first offense and occurred 10 years ago whilst the applicant was an adolescent.

The length of the time spent in jail was not long. This works in the applicants favour. If the applicant spent 10 or 15 years in jail, there may be some cause for concern. The applicant should gather some excellent character references from people of influence in your community.

Scenario: Applicant has incurred speeding fines.
A speeding fine is not considered a criminal offence. Speeding fines are considered misdemeanours. Usually this won’t be an issue.

Your tests are important. Do the best you can to abide by the requirements. However, the best way to prepare is to contact an Immigration Consultant  or complete a free online assessment. The consultant has dealt with various scenarios and will more than likely have a solution for whatever you concerns may be. Give your agent a call and prepare for success!

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