Medical treatment visa

I need to visit Australia for medical treatment. What visa do I require?

If you wish to travel to Australia for:

• medical treatment or consultations that you have made arrangements for (including organ transplant or organ donation), and not for the purposes of surrogate motherhood; or

• accompanying someone who is seeking medical treatment as required;

you will need to obtain a Medical Treatment (Visitor) visa.

You are expected to apply for a visa that covers the full period of your intended stay in Australia. Medical Treatment visas are generally valid for the period of treatment only. It is not intended to cover any long period of convalescence once you are deemed fit to travel.

You may apply for a Medical Treatment (Visitor) visa if you:

• intend to travel to, and remain in, Australia as a genuine visitor;

• are able to demonstrate that all necessary arrangements have been made for the payment of the costs of the medical treatment and other expenses of your stay in Australia and that you will not be a financial burden in Australia;

• arrangements for the payment of expenses of any person accompanying you;

• are visiting for an organ transplant, and the donor is travelling with you, arrangements have been made for the donor's expenses;

• are visiting for an organ transplant, and the donor is not travelling with you, all arrangements have been made;

• you do not have a condition which could be threat to public health in Australia;

• are able to demonstrate that no Australian citizen or permanent resident will be disadvantaged by your treatment or consultation;

• you are of good health and character;

• you have no debts to the Commonwealth;

• understand that you will not work in Australia, and

• will leave Australia when (or before) your visa expires.

How do I apply for a Medical Treatment (Visitor) visa?

The Temporary Residence booklet 1172 Visiting Australia for Medical Treatment contains information on applying for a medical treatment visa. It includes the application forms, lists the basic requirements that must be met and provides a checklist of supporting documents. The booklet is designed so that you can understand the process of applying for a medical treatment visa, and complete the application form with minimal, if any, help.

You are able to obtain this booklet:

• online (PDF File)

• in Australia: by telephoning the general inquiry number 131 881;

• overseas: contacting your nearest Australian diplomatic office

When you lodge your application you must ensure that your application is complete:

• application form is signed and every question is answered, in English;

• application charge has been paid. See: Immigration Costs - Information; and

• supporting documents are attached. If you do not have all the necessary documents, a decision may be made on the information you have provided. It is in your interest to support your application with as much information as possible at the time you apply.

Completed applications can be lodged at the nearest Australian overseas diplomatic office, either in person, by a representative or sent by mail. If an application is by sent mail, you need to include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the secure return of your passport

See also:

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