Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and 836)
Carer visas (subclasses 116 and 836) allow individuals to remain in Australia permanently. This visa is for people who want to provide care or support to a relative in Australia who is unable to get the care they need from other sources such as family, welfare, hospitals, nurses, or community services. To qualify, relatives in Australia must have a long-term medical condition that prevents them from carrying out daily activities or need assistance to care for a family member with a medical condition.
- Have a chronic medical condition and are unable to carry out daily activities OR
- Practical help is needed to care for a family member who is suffering from an illness
The subclass 116 applicant must be outside Australia when the application is submitted and the visa is granted. This is also true for any family member listed as a dependent on the visa application.
To qualify for subclass 836, applicants must be in Australia at the time the application is submitted and the visa is issued. This is also true for any family member listed as a dependent on the visa application.
It is only necessary to apply for this visa if your relative cannot get the care or support they need from Australian hospitals, welfare agencies, nursing homes, or other family members.
Advantages of the Carer Visa
As a carer visa holder (116 or 836) you can:
- Stay in Australia forever and ever
- If you meet the criteria, apply for Australian citizenship
- Generally travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the date your visa was issued
Eligibility Requirements
For Visa Applicants:
- You live in Australia to care for a relative with a long-term medical condition or to help a relative who needs practical assistance to care for a member of their family with a medical condition.
- Your relative may not be able to get the care they need from another relative in Australia, nursing, hospital or welfare communities.
- You must be genuinely willing and able to care for or support relatives in Australia.
- The visa application must meet the health and behavioural requirements of you and all dependent family members.
- You may be supported by a relative (who needs care and support) or their spouse.
- If you are applying for this visa to help care for a family member, the relative will live in the same household as the family member who needs care
For Relatives:
- You must be Australian.
- You must be an equal spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, cousin, uncle, sister, brother, or cousin of the visa applicant.
- You must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen (in case your family member needs care or support).
For Sponsors:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You reside in Australia as an Australian, Australian permanent resident, or qualified New Zealand citizen.
- You must be a relative of the applicant in need of care (for themselves or a family member) or a spouse or de facto partner living in the same household as the relative
How to Sponsor Someone on a Carer Visa?
If you want to help someone get a carer visa, you must:
- Complete Form 40 Sponsorship for immigration to Australia
- Give the completed form to the applicant so that he/she can attach it to his/her visa application
Responsibilities as a Sponsor
Once your relative has obtained this visa, you will need to:
- Help
- The place where they live
- Support
Criteria for Medical Condition
A relative in need of care (for themselves or a family member) must have a medical condition that meets the following criteria.
- The medical condition is either chronic or permanent
- Relative care or support is needed for at least 2 years
- The medical condition has been assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services
Family Members in the Visa Application
You or your spouse’s child or stepchild
- Health and behavioral requirements
- The applicant must be with all colleagues and family members
Health and Character Requirements
The applicant must be with all colleagues and family members
- A medical examination within 12 months of submitting the visa application to fulfil health requirements
- Police certificates from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years (after age 16) to fulfil character requirements
Signs the Australian Values Statement
You must sign up to Australian Values (if you are over 18) to ensure you respect the Australian way of life and abide by all laws and regulations.
Debts to the Australian Government
You must not owe the Australian Government any outstanding debt before your visa is granted
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general understanding only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you consult with our registered migration professionals to get the best ideas such as how to schedule an inspection of Mupa Medical Visa Services or complete the application forms.