Can Hearing Loss, Deafness, or Blindness Affect a Visa Application?
For many people with sensory impairments such as hearing loss, deafness, or blindness, the idea of applying for an Australian visa comes with worry on whether they meet the health requirement. It is a common misconception that having a disability means a visa refusal. While it may be true, the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) does not assess on the disability itself, but rather the potential cost to the Australian community.
How does the Health Test work?
Almost every applicant for an Australian visa must undergo a medical examination. The results are reviewed by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC). The MOC does not look at whether you are a productive member of society. Instead, they look at two legal factors:
They will check whether your condition has imposed a significant cost on the Australian community for health and community services.
Additionally, they will check if your presence makes it harder for Australian citizens to access services that are in short supply.
Related: Can a Visa be Refused After Medical Checks are Completed?
The Significant Cost Threshold for Health Requirement
The Department uses a specific amount to decide if a condition is too expensive. As of 2026, the significant cost threshold for the health requirement is AUD 86,000.
If the MOC estimates that, based on a hypothetical individual with a condition similar to yours, the support needs exceed the significant cost threshold over a 10-year period, they may find that you do not meet the health requirement.
Related: Can a Visa be Refused After Medical Checks are Completed?
Why Sensory Impairments May Lead to Failure of the Visa Health Requirement
For individuals who are deaf or blind, the cost is rarely about life-saving surgery or expensive medication. Instead, it is usually about community services.
If a child requires a specialised school or additional classroom support staff, the MOC calculates those costs.
Because NDIS provides significant support for Australians with disabilities, the MOC often includes potential NDIS costs in their estimate, even if you do not plan to use them.
Services designed to help people with disabilities enter the workforce are also factored into the cost calculation.
Related: How does Immigration Assess Health Costs for Australian Visa Applications?
PIC4005 vs PIC4007: The Waiver Factor
The most important part is to understand the differences between PIC4005 and PIC4007.
PIC 4005 (no waiver): For visas such as the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa or the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa, if your estimated health costs exceed $86,000, the visa is automatically refused.
PIC 4007 (health waiver available): For visas like the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) (TRT stream), Skilled Work Regional (491) visa, or Partner Visas, you can apply for a health waiver.
A health waiver allows the Department to grant the visa anyway if you can show compelling and compassionate circumstances. We highly suggest that you engage an immigration specialist to assist in preparing a legal submission to address the health concerns with the department.
Related: Which Visa Subclasses Have a Health Waiver Option?
Related:
Don't Lie to Your Immigration Lawyer! Why Honesty is Your Best Defence
How do I Overcome Health Requirements if I Have a Child with Health Issues?
Can You Appeal a Visa Refusal Due to Fail to Meet Health Requirement?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, a heart issue, or autism, understanding that hearing loss or blindness is not a barrier to an Australian visa, provided you have a clear and strong legal strategy. At Agape Henry Crux, we specialise in complex health cases and have assisted many clients to secure their future in Australia. Consider speaking with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, Jason Ling or Angela De Silva, as they are experts in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with us to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards and in the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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