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imperishable(Newbie)Newbie
17 Sept 2025

I am presently on a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa along with my family. We are currently applying for a Permanent Residence (Subclass 186 – Direct Entry) visa.

From my understanding, once I lodge the 186 visa application, I may become eligible to enrol in Medicare. However, I would like to confirm the following:

  1. If I choose not to apply for Medicare enrolment immediately after lodging my 186 visa application, but instead continue to hold an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) policy until my 186 visa is granted, will I remain exempt from the Medicare levy during this period?
  2. Does the obligation to pay the Medicare levy arise from eligibility to enrol in Medicare, or only once I have actually enrolled?

I would appreciate your guidance on how the ATO views this scenario.

716 views
1 replies
716 views
1 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support
22 Sept 2025

Hi @imperishable,


It can get a little confusing. I'll try and help point you in the right direction 😊


You become liable for the Medicare levy from the date you're eligible to enrol in Medicare.


This is from the time you lodge your permanent visa application, not when the visa's granted.


Important to know:

  • you can't claim the Medicare levy exemption for any period after you become eligible to enrol in Medicare.
  • if you weren't eligible for Medicare for all or part of the year, you can claim an exemption for the number of days you weren't eligible.

At the Personalise return section the Medicare levy reduction or exemption will display at prepare return. You just need enter the number of days you qualified for the exemption.

All replies

Most helpful reply

KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support
22 Sept 2025

Hi @imperishable,


It can get a little confusing. I'll try and help point you in the right direction 😊


You become liable for the Medicare levy from the date you're eligible to enrol in Medicare.


This is from the time you lodge your permanent visa application, not when the visa's granted.


Important to know:

  • you can't claim the Medicare levy exemption for any period after you become eligible to enrol in Medicare.
  • if you weren't eligible for Medicare for all or part of the year, you can claim an exemption for the number of days you weren't eligible.

At the Personalise return section the Medicare levy reduction or exemption will display at prepare return. You just need enter the number of days you qualified for the exemption.

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Medicare levy exemption during 186 visa processing stage | ATO Community