The Medical Treatment (Subclass 602) visa allows holders to stay in Australia for a short period to undergo medical treatment.

There are 4 main reasons for stay in Australia on an MTV:

1. to undertake medical treatment (including consultations);
2. to donate an organ;
3. to accompany a person who is undergoing medical treatment or donating an organ; or
4. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Before you apply, you should:

1. assess and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria (including in relation to health and character)
2. 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.
   

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.

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.

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.

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.