On 18 November 2017 new visa condition 8602 was introduced as well as changes to the health insurance requirements for subclass 457 visas, as explained below.
New Condition 8602
New Condition 8602 has been introduced which requires the visa holder not to have any outstanding public health debts while in Australia. Public health debts are those reported the Department of Immigration and Border Protection by any Commonwealth, State or Territory health authority but do not include health costs which are covered by health insurance or Medicare, or are for treatment for certain community health risks (eg tuberculosis).
Breach of condition 8602 may result in visa cancellation. Accordingly, visa holders who accrue a public health debt should arrange to repay any this debt with the relevant provider as soon as possible to avoid their visa being cancelled.
Visa Condition 8602 will be discretionary for some visas and mandatory for several visas including (but not limited to):
- Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment)
- Subclass 400 (Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist))
- Subclass 407 (Training)
- Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) (certain streams only)
- Subclass 417 (Working Holiday)
- Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled))
- Subclass 461 (New Zealand Citizen Family)
- Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday)
- Subclass 476 (Skilled – Recognised Graduate)
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
- Subclass 489 (Skilled – Regional)
- Subclass 500 (Student)
- Subclass 600 (Visitor)
- Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
- Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
- Subclass 676 (Tourist)
Health Insurance Requirements for Subclass 457 visas
Subclass 457 visa applicants no longer need to provide evidence, or a letter from their insurer confirming their health insurance arrangements when applying for a visa – they simply need to indicate they have made adequate arrangements on the online form.
However Condition 8501, “maintain health insurance” itself has not been changed – that is, 457 visa holders must still maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia.
Need Assistance?
Contact our firm at info@hartmanlawyers.com.au for more information regarding the most appropriate Australian visa strategy for your circumstances.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.