Australia medical treatment visa (subclass 602)

The 602 is for patients, organ donors, organ recipients travelling with their donor, and people supporting a patient or donor who holds this visa. It also serves people coming under the arrangement between Papua New Guinea's Western Province and Queensland Health, and people in Australia aged 50 or over who were refused a permanent visa on health grounds alone and are unfit to depart. Medical treatment is not a purpose of the Visitor visa.

You must meet the health and character requirements and have no condition that threatens public health. You need adequate means for your stay, for anyone travelling with you and, where relevant, for the donor. Debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or under a formal arrangement. A temporary stay is expected, except for the 50-plus group above. There is no age limit.

Patients and donors need a letter from the treating doctor in Australia giving the treatment, expected timeframe and estimated cost; Form 1507 is added if you apply in Australia without a substantive visa. Applicants under 18 add a birth certificate and Form 1229 or a consent declaration from a parent who is not travelling. A translator outside Australia need not be accredited but must add name, address, phone and qualifications in English.

In most cases payment is arranged in advance so the treatment costs nothing to an Australian government or public authority. The usual proof is a hospital letter confirming approval of the treatment and payment arrangements; for a public hospital it must come from the finance officer or administration and confirm that no Australian will be disadvantaged in accessing care.

Each applicant lodges a separate application in ImmiAccount unless they share a passport. Health checks, police certificates and biometrics can cost extra, and the charge is not refunded after a refusal. If you applied outside Australia you must be outside when the visa is granted. The visa is linked to your passport electronically, without a label.

Check entries, stay period and conditions in VEVO. A single-entry 602 granted outside Australia ends when you leave. Visitors pay their own healthcare costs, so Home Affairs recommends health insurance. Applicants waiting inside Australia who must travel can ask about a Bridging visa B.

The 602 cannot be extended. If treatment runs past the granted stay, lodge a new visa application from inside Australia before the current one ends.

A relative or friend can come as a support person on their own 602. Home Affairs can process the files together but grants the patient's or donor's visa first.

The refusal letter states whether you can seek review and by when. You can also reapply with stronger medical or payment evidence.