Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602)

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Medical Treatment Visa

why choose the 602 visa?

What you get	Key points
Purpose	Travel to Australia for medical treatment, organ donation or to support an organ donor/patient
Stay	Temporary (exact length set case-by-case, aligned to your treatment plan)
Cost	Free if you apply outside Australia; AUD 380 if you apply in Australia (free for foreign-government representatives)
Processing	Use Home Affairs’ visa processing time guide for current averages
Work rights	No work permitted except in very limited circumstances
Study	Up to 3 months (longer only if an exemption applies)
Entries	Single or multiple, decided on your circumstances

What you can – and cannot – do

Permitted

Attend medical appointments, treatment or consultations
Donate an organ (or receive one)
Study for up to three months
Travel in and out of Australia if granted a multiple-entry visa

Not permitted

Work (unless Home Affairs grants limited permission)
Extend your stay on the same visa—if you need more time, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires

Eligibility checklist

Genuine temporary entrant
– Show you intend to leave Australia when treatment is finished (unless you are the special onshore applicant aged 50 +, refused on health grounds and unfit to depart).
Financial capacity
– Evidence you can pay for travel, treatment, living costs and any accompanying support person.
Pre-arranged treatment plan
– Written confirmation from the treating hospital/clinic, including payment arrangements.
Health & character
– Meet standard Australian health and character requirements.
No public health threat
– You must not suffer from a condition that endangers the community.
No conflicting visa status
– You cannot hold (or have last held) a Temporary Work (International Relations) 403 visa in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream while onshore.
Debts to the Australian Government repaid or formally arranged.

Length of stay & extensions

Home Affairs grants enough time for your treatment plan plus travel. Because the 602 is not extendable, apply for a new 602 before your current visa expires if additional treatment is required. Consider including updated medical evidence and an extended treatment schedule.

Costs & other expenses

Visa application charge:
- Outside Australia – Free
- Inside Australia – AUD 380 (free if you are officially representing a foreign government)
Other possible costs: health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, translation or document certification fees.
Medical bills: You are personally liable for all treatment costs in Australia.
- Tip: Arrange adequate health insurance or ensure your home government/hospital will cover expenses.

Support persons: getting their visa approved

Support people apply for the same subclass 602. Home Affairs will decide the patient’s visa first, then the support person’s. Include evidence of the patient’s treatment plan and why support is required (e.g., care during recovery, organ-donor match).

Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

How long does a 602 visa take to process?

Use the online visa processing time guide. Times vary but are generally faster for cases with complete medical evidence and pre-paid treatment.

Can I switch from a Visitor visa (subclass 600) to a 602 while in Australia?

Yes—provided you lodge the 602 application before your Visitor visa expires and you are not subject to a ‘No Further Stay’ condition.

Do I need private health insurance if the hospital has already accepted payment?

It is still recommended. Insurance covers unforeseen complications not included in the treatment quote.

Can my child accompany me during treatment?

Yes, children can apply as support persons on separate 602 applications (unless still included on your passport).

What happens if my treatment is delayed and my visa is expiring?

You must apply for a new 602 (or another suitable visa) before your current visa ends—extensions are not possible.