Carers Visa in Australia

The Carers Visa in Australia permits an individual to live in Australia for the sole purpose of providing continuous and significant care for a family member suffering from a medical condition. It is for people who have family members that need care and clearly do not have an adequate alternative. Applicants must satisfy health, character, and income criteria to qualify. The visa facilitates permanent residency which allows caregivers of people with disabilities or severe health issues to reside in Australia legally and provide the support needed to their family members.

Types of Carer Visas in Australia

Australia has special visas for people who have to look after a family member who has a health problem for an extended duration. The primary Australia Carer Visas are:

• Carer Visa (Subclass 116)
• Carer Visa (Subclass 836)

Both visas require that the applicants be sponsored by the relative for whom they are going to provide care and meet the necessary health, character, and financial checks.

Carer Visa Subclass 836 (Onshore)

The subclass 836 carer visa is a permanent visa intended for people who are in Australia and need to provide significant and continued care for a relative who has severe and long-term medical conditions. This visa permits the applicant to live in Australia while giving detailed care and also work and study in Australia.

Key Requirements:

• The applicant must be physically present in Australia during both the application and decision phases.
• The individual needing care must be a citizen of Australia, a permanent resident, or a qualifying New Zealand citizen.
• It must be verified through a medical examination that there is a requirement for long-term care.
• The applicant must have a family member sponsorship for a minimum of two years.

Advantages:

• Gives the opportunity to achieve permanent residency in Australia.
• Provides the right to access social security and healthcare services.
• Leads to Australian citizenship after fulfilling the residency criteria.

This visa allows the individual to remain living in Australia while offering caring support to their family members.

Carer Visa Subclass 116 (Offshore)

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) is a permanent visa issued to individuals residing outside Australia who wish to care for a relative with a serious long-term medical condition requiring hands-on care. This visa is designed for those who wish to immigrate to Australia to help a family member who does not have reasonable access to care services.

Key Requirements:

• The applicant must be located outside Australia for both the decision and application stages.
• The family member receiving care must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
• Before care support is claimed, a medical assessment needs to verify that the relative has a medical condition which is likely to be long-term and is in need of extensive support.
• The applicant must be sponsored by their relative for at least two years.

Benefits

• Permits permanent residency in Australia.
• Gives permission to live, work, and study in Australia.
• Grants access to Medicare and social security services.
• Help gain Australian citizenship after the requisite period of residency has been fulfilled.

The Carer Visa Subclass 116 ensures that individuals can migrate to Australia and provide essential care for their loved ones in need.

Step-by-Step Application Process for a Carer Visa in Australia

• Confirm you have the visa, verify you have a relative in Australia who needs care for an extended period of time.
• Get a sponsor, your relative has to sponsor you and fulfill their sponsorship obligations.
• Collect necessary documents including identify documents, medical assessment records, proof of sponsorship and bank statements.
• Apply online on the Department of Home Affairs website or made a paper application.
• Attend medical exams and gain police clearance certificates.
• Be sure to pay the visa fees as it is necessary to process your application.
• Supplementary information might be requested which may increase processing times.
• Approved applicants will attain permanent residency which allows them to live and care for people in Australia.

This step guarantees the application for a Carer Visa Australia is processed smoothly.

Documents Checklist for a Carer Visa

In order to apply for a Carer Visa in Australia, you will need to submit these documents:

• Identity Documents: Your passport, birth certificate, and National Identification card.
• Sponsor Documents: Your relative’s proof of citizenship as an Australian or permanent resident or eligible citizen of New Zealand.
• Medical Assessment: A report medically proving that a relative requires care that is long term.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents such as birth/marriage certificates that prove the relationship with the person requiring care.
• Character Documents: Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived within for the last ten years for twelve months or more.
• Financial Evidence: Other employment documents, bank statements, or details of sponsorship that prove financial support.
• Visa Application Form: Any form deemed necessary by The Department of Home Affairs which must be filled out and submitted.
• Health & insurance documents: Proof of any health insurance and health examinations done.

To aid your visa application, consider hiring an immigration consultant in Australia who will guarantee the correct and timely submission of documents to improve chances of getting an approval.

Sponsorship in Aged Care

Aged care sponsorship Australia allows employers to recruit foreign labor under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement to resolve skill gaps. Such sponsorship provides opportunities for employment and allows eligible workers to gain permanent residency in Australia.

• Addressing Skill Shortages: There is a lack of adequately trained personnel, nurses, and direct caregivers in the aged care sector.
• Employer Sponsorship: Australian employers are free to recruit foreign personnel for elderly care jobs.
• Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement: Gives eligible foreigners quick access to the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) Labour Agreement stream and Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).
• Permanent Residency: Some sponsorship options such as Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) are available for permanent residency (PR) for skilled nominated workers.

Aged care sponsorship enables employers to deal with workforce shortages and simultaneously affords skilled migrants the privilege of residing permanently in Australia.

Processing Times for Carer Visas in Australia

Carer Visas processing times in Australia vary based on application volume and individual circumstances:

• Carer Visa (Subclass 836 – Onshore): Typically takes up to four and a half years to reach the final assessment stage.
• Carer Visa (Subclass 116 – Offshore): Generally takes upto 7 years, depending on application backlog and assessment requirements.

Processing times can change based on policy updates and case complexities. Ensuring a complete and accurate application can help avoid delays.

Carer Visa Cost

The cost to apply for a Carer Visa (Subclass 116 or 836) in Australia is AUD 1,825 for the principal applicant. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application. Fees may vary based on individual circumstances and are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs.

Benefits of Holding a Carer Visa in Australia

• Permanent Residency – Live in Australia indefinitely with access to social benefits.
• Work & Study Rights – Work and study in Australia without restrictions.
• Medicare Access – Enjoy Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Family Sponsorship – Sponsor eligible relatives for Australian visas.
• Pathway to Citizenship – Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
• Travel Flexibility – Travel in and out of Australia as a permanent resident.

Holding a Carer Visa in Australia provides long-term stability and opportunities for a better quality of life.

FAQ’s

Is there a sponsorship requirement for a Carer Visa?

Yes, the applicant must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Do I need a medical assessment for a Carer Visa?

Yes, a medical assessment is required to confirm the need for care.

Who is eligible for a Carer Visa?

Applicants must be willing and able to provide ongoing care to a relative who has a medical condition preventing them from performing daily activities.