Subclass 602
The Subclass 602 visa is the primary regulatory pathway for individuals requiring medical treatment, organ donation, or support roles within Australia.
The 602 Medical Treatment Visa
The Subclass 602 is a temporary visa for people to have medical treatment or consultations in Australia. It is also for individuals donating an organ, supporting someone receiving treatment, or for those who are medically unfit to depart Australia.
Key Factors:
- Finalised Arrangements: You must have written confirmation from an Australian medical practitioner or facility agreeing to the treatment, including estimated costs and duration.
- No Disadvantage to Australians: The treatment must not result in an Australian citizen or permanent resident being disadvantaged in accessing the same medical services (specifically for services in short supply, like organ transplants).
- Financial Capacity: You must demonstrate that you have finalised arrangements to cover all costs of treatment and stay, ensuring you do not become a charge on the Australian public.
- Public Health (TB): Applicants must be free from active tuberculosis. Standard health public interest criteria are modified for this subclass to prioritise public health safety over cost-to-community assessments.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Most categories (excluding "Unfit to Depart") require evidence of an intention to stay temporarily for the specified medical purpose.
Medical Treatment & Consultation
What it is for: Seeking medical treatment or consultations (excluding surrogacy).
What it allows: Receiving care in a public or private Australian facility.
Key Requirements:
- Provide the name and address of the treating doctor and facility.
- Written confirmation of treatment dates, nature, and estimated costs.
- Proof that the treatment is not for surrogate motherhood.
Length: Based on the estimated duration of treatment (up to 12 months).
Work Rights: No work allowed.
Organ Donor
What it is for: Individuals traveling to Australia to donate an organ for transplant.
What it allows: Under going surgery and post-operative care related to donation.
Key Requirements:
- Evidence of compatibility between the donor and recipient.
- Confirmation from the Australian facility that donation arrangements are finalised.
- The recipient must also be an MTV applicant or meet 602 criteria.
Length: Duration of surgery and recovery.
Work Rights: No work allowed.
Support Person
What it is for: Accompanying a 602 visa holder to provide emotional or practical support.
What it allows: Providing assistance such as translation, literacy support, or arranging transport/accommodation.
Key Requirements:
- The person requiring treatment must have been granted (or be eligible for) an MTV.
- Evidence of relationship or necessity (can be a friend or professional carer).
- Must satisfy GTE requirements to ensure they are not using the role to circumvent other visa categories.
Length: Matches the stay of the patient.
Work Rights: No work allowed.
Unfit to Depart
What it is for: Onshore applicants (50+ years old) who failed a permanent visa on health grounds and are medically unable to leave.
What it allows: Remaining in Australia due to a permanent or deteriorating condition.
Key Requirements:
- In Australia and aged 50 or older.
- Refused a permanent visa on health grounds (PIC 4005/4007).
- Written statement from a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) confirming they are "unfit to depart."
Length: Extended stay based on medical assessment.
Work Rights: No work allowed.
Maintaining compliance
- No Work: Mandatory for all offshore grants. Unauthorised work can lead to visa cancellation.
- Departure Requirement: Except for the "Unfit to Depart" category, you are expected to leave Australia once treatment isc oncluded or the visa expires.
The 602 Application Process
Treatment Confirmation
Obtain a formal letter from the Australian hospital or doctor outlining the procedure, cost, and duration.
Financial Verification
Compile bank statements or letters of financial support to cover the full treatment cost and living expenses.
Lodgement
Submit the digital application via ImmiAccount. Note: Recipient and donor applications must be linked and processed together.
Medical Screening
Complete the required health examinations, focusing on tuberculosis clearance.
Visa Notification
The decision on the visa is made by the Department.
For 602 Visa Applicants
The Subclass 602 is not a health waiver for permanent residency. It is a strictly temporary solution for medical necessity.
At Immilex, we assess the financial arrangements for your treatment, as the Department will refuse any application where they believe the medical costs will result in an unpaid debt to the Australian healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The support-person pathway is linked to the person needing treatment, and the primary treatment application is generally processed first or together where possible.
Generally, no. Work rights are strictly restricted. However, work may be allowed in exceptional circumstances if the visa is granted under the financial hardship pathway.
If you are applying from offshore for a consultation or treatment, the Visa Application Charge (VAC) is typically AUD390. If you are in Australia and apply under the Financial Hardship category, a refund of the VAC may be available.
A formal "sponsor" (like in a 482 visa) is not required, but you must have a "Support Person" or a verified treating medical practitioner.
You generally cannot seek a 602 visa for the purpose of study. However, incidental study maybe allowed if it does not interfere with your treatment plan.