The Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa allows holders to stay in Australia for a short period to undergo medical treatment.
Read our general information and document checklists in relation to this visa below. Contact us directly for specific advice.
Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa
Overseas nationals wishing to travel to or stay in Australia for a short period to receive medical treatment can consider the Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa (MTV).
For further information, see our MTV FAQs section or contact us directly.
Target Market
- are outside of Australia, and propose to travel to Australia to undergo medical treatment for their condition; or
- are already in Australia but are unable to depart because of a new or ongoing medical condition which needs further treatment.
Duration
Visa applicant requirements
- seeks to visit (or remain in) Australia for a short period of time to obtain medical treatment
- not have a medical condition that could be a threat to Australia’s public health
- be a genuine temporary entrant, unless 50 years of age or older and was refused a permanent visa on health grounds
- have access to adequate funds to be able to support their stay
- be able to demonstrate that appropriate arrangements have been made to cover the cost of medical treatments in advance
- satisfies health and character requirements
Eligibility
Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa
Overseas nationals wishing to travel to or stay in Australia for a short period to receive medical treatment can consider the Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa (MTV). General eligibility requirements are set out on this page, and you should contact us or an immigration lawyer prior to making any decisions.
General eligibility
There are 4 main reasons for stay in Australia on an MTV:
- to undertake medical treatment (including consultations);
- to donate an organ;
- to accompany a person who is undergoing medical treatment or donating an organ; or
- to be medically evacuated for treatment in Queensland (only applicable to citizens of PNG’s Western Province).
An MTV may also be an appropriate visa option for someone who has been refused a permanent visa on health grounds, but are currently unfit to depart Australia.
The medical treatment can be:
- minor or major;
- life-saving or cosmetic;
- consultation or surgery;
- available in the home-country, or not.
What constitutes ‘medical treatment’ is very broad, but does not include alternative health services such as homeopathy. Intending to give birth in Australia to a surrogate child is also explicitly excluded.
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is considered medical treatment.
Arrangements for treatment must be finalised
It is generally expected that the applicant provides:
- Details of the medical professionals or facilities in Australia which will perform the treatment;
- Written confirmation from the medical professionals or facilities, including details of the nature of the treatment, estimated duration, costs, and scheduled dates.
No disadvantage to Australians
The proposed medical treatment in Australia must not be likely to result in a disadvantage to Australians who need that same treatment. This requirement may be scrutinised if the proposed treatment is in short supply according to Australia’s Department of Health. Presently, this includes:
- Organ transplants, including bone marrow transplants (unless the donor is travelling with the recipient/patient from overseas); and
- Dialysis.
Financial capacity
MTV applicants are expected to be able to pay for any medical services that they utilise in Australia, unless arrangements have been made for a person, organisation or a state/territory to do so on their behalf. Payment arrangements must be finalised before a decision is made on the visa.
Because the MTV carries no work rights, the applicant must also demonstrate they have adequate funds to support themselves while in Australia.
Must be a genuine visitor
Decision-makers must be satisfied that the applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily, and for the purpose for which their visa is granted. In other words, the decision-maker must be satisfied that the applicant’s genuine objective is to travel to Australia for the relevant treatment, and leave Australia at the completion of their treatment.
Must not be a risk to public health
Despite the purpose of the visa, an MTV cannot be approved if the applicant’s condition is a threat to public health, or a danger to the Australian community. For example, tuberculosis.
Documents
Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa
The required documents depend on your particular circumstances including (but not limited to) your family members, your health and character, and your identity. Your Hannan Tew advisor will provide you with a link to the Hannan Tew portal which will set out the specific documents required.
Identity
- Biographical pages of your current passports or travel documents
- Full quality passport sized photograph of yourself
Medical treatment documents
- Letters or reports from your treating doctor or facility
- Form 1507 (in certain circumstances)
Financial documents
- Proof you can pay for your treatment
- Proof you can support yourself and anyone who will be accompanying you
Character
- Police clearances may be requested
Process
Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa
Hannan Tew will advise and guide you on the entire process from assessing eligibility to lodgement. We use an online document / information collection tool so that all your files and information are stored in one single location. You can use the Hannan Tew Portal to track the status of your matter and have a complete overview of documents required.
Before you apply
Before you apply, you should:
- assess and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria (including in relation to health and character)
- decide whether to retain an Immigration Lawyer (such as Hannan Tew Lawyers) or Registered Migration Agent to help you fill out forms or provide you with advice in relation to your eligibility and desired outcome.
Gather your documents
The first step is preparing all the documentation required for the application to ensure that the Department of Home Affairs (Department) has all the information available to correctly assess your eligibility for the Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) (MTV) (see documents tab).
All documents relevant to your MTV are uploaded online (scanned or photographed). Ensure all non-English documentation are translated into English.
Apply for the visa
The Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa application is completed and submitted online via ImmiAccount, a portal managed by the Department. You will need to:
- Log-in or create an ImmiAccount on the Department’s website
- Complete the visa application form
- Attach relevant documents
- Pay the visa application charges and lodge the application.
After the application
The Department will send an acknowledgement letter (via email and/or the ImmiAccount portal messaging system) once your application has been submitted and received.
The standard processing times for the MTV as at May 2025, is as follows:
- 50% of applications: 9 days
- 90% of applications: 4 months
No updates on the application will be provided during the standard processing time. If more information is required, this will be requested via email. You can read more about what to expect after your visa is lodged at our blog.
Be sure to advise the Department if there are any mistakes on your application, or if your personal circumstances change after you have applied.
Visa outcome
The Department will advise you of the outcome of your MTV application in writing.
If your visa application is successful, you will be provided a PDF grant letter, which advises of:
- your visa grant number
- the date your visa starts and ends
- applicable visa conditions.
This visa is electronically linked to your passport, so you would not need a visa label or to attend any Embassy/Consulates. Retain an electronic copy of this grant letter for when you arrive, and whilst you live in Australia.
If you are refused a visa, you will be advised in writing:
- the reason(s) for the unsuccessful application and
- whether you have a right to review the decision
It is vital that you read and understand the refusal notification clearly to understand the timeframe and means of appeal. You can find more information about the appeal process at our Visa Refusals and Review page.
Medical Treatment Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medical Treatment (subclass 602) visa in Australia?
A temporary visa allowing the holder to travel to, or stay in, Australia for the purposes of obtaining medical treatment (including consultation) with an Australian-based medical professional or facility. It is also appropriate for people wishing to travel to Australia to donate an organ, or for citizens of the Western Province of Papua New Guinea seeking urgent treatment in Queensland.
Who is eligible for the Medical Treatment visa?
MTVs are available to all passport holders who satisfy the above requirements.
What is the processing time for a Medical Treatment subclass 602 visa?
Processing times for this visa can vary greatly. Currently, as at May 2025, the Department estimates a processing time of 9 days up to 4 months.
Can I commence treatment before my Medical Treatment visa is approved?
Once the visa is approved and you have arrived in Australia, you can commence the medical treatment. If you are already in Australia, then you can commence treatment before the MTV is approved.
How much does the MTV cost?
You can refer to our pricing guide for an estimate of fixed fee professional fees. You will also need to pay government fees for this visa application.
Feel free to explore our cost calculator, or contact a member of our team directly for a full breakdown of fees.
Can I work on an MTV?
No. MTVs always have Condition 8101 “No Work” condition imposed. This is because the visa is considered a type of visitor visa, the purpose of which is to obtain medical treatment.
Can I study on an MTV?
The conditions imposed on an MTV allow the holder to study for up-to 3 months, with a handful of exceptions.
How long can I stay on a Medical Treatment subclass 602 visa?
The duration of the visa will depend on the duration of the proposed treatment. However in most cases, the MTV is not appropriate for those wishing to stay in Australia for a period beyond 1 year. This is because MTVs are considered a type of visitor visa, and have conditions imposed to reflect this.
Can I add my family into the application?
Yes, family can accompany the person needing medical treatment, such as a partner and/or dependent children. They can be included in the application as a “migrating member of the family unit”.
Is health insurance a requirement for the MTV?
For the grant of an MTV, there is no explicit requirement for the applicant to have arranged private health insurance. However, there is a strict requirement that payment arrangements for the proposed medical treatment are finalised.
Once the visa is granted, there is no condition obliging the MTV holder to hold private health insurance either.
What conditions may be imposed on a Medical Treatment (subclass 602) visa once granted?
The only conditions that can be imposed on an MTV are:
- 8201: Not engage in more than 3 months of study (noting that there are some exemptions to this);
- 8101: No work; and
- 8503: No further stay.
The conditions imposed depend on the specific circumstances of the visa applicant. Some of these conditions are mandatory and others are to the discretion of the case officer. It is therefore important to read your visa grant notification carefully to note the conditions that have been imposed specifically to you.
Will the visa allow for multiple entries to Australia?
MTVs can be granted with either a single entry, or with multiple entries. It is at the discretion of a decision-maker to consider which is appropriate.
What happens if my circumstances change after my arrival?
Decision-makers have the discretion to impose a Condition 8503 “No further stay” on an MTV. This would prevent the holder from validly submitting a further visa application from within Australia, unless the condition is waived.
If Condition 8503 is not imposed on the MTV and the holder’s circumstances change such that they are eligible for a different visa, they may be able to apply.
What happens if my treatment is extended?
If the treatment presented as part of your initial MTV changes or is extended, such that you need to stay in Australia longer, you may be able to apply for a further MTV to extend your stay. If Condition 8503 (“No further stay”) is imposed on your visa, you would first need to waive this before you re-apply.
Disclaimer
The information contained here is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or give rise to an attorney-client relationship between you and our firm. The information: (i) must be regarded as a practical guide for general information and not a process guide for determining the specific immigration requirements of the countries covered, (ii) should not be a substitute for a more indepth analysis of applicable facts and circumstances conducted by competent professionals, and (iii) does not represent an opinion from Hannan Tew or any of its agents with regard to the laws of any of the jurisdictions concerned. The information does not guarantee the outcome or approval of any particular immigration application.
What can we do for you?
With extensive experience assisting applicants applying for visas from all corners of the world, our staff are well placed to assist with all issues in relation to Australian visas for medical treatments including visa applications and general advisory.