This visa is for you if you are a parent of a child or stepchild who, at the time the visa application is lodged, is ‘settled’ and either an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. This means your child must have been lawfully resident in Australia for a reasonable period, normally two years, although a shorter period can be considered for Australian citizen children if there are compelling and compassionate circumstances.
Benefits of the Carer Visa
- Permanent Residency: Provides permanent residency in Australia, granting access to work, study, and public healthcare (Medicare).
- Family Reunion: Allows carers to reunite with relatives in Australia and provide essential care and support.
- Sponsorship by a Settled Relative: Applicants must be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Include Family Members: You can include eligible dependent family members in your visa application.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
- Family Stability: Reunite with loved ones while providing much-needed care.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Subclass 116 (Offshore Application)
- Purpose: For individuals applying from outside Australia.
- Requirements:
- The applicant must have a relative or household member in Australia requiring care.
- The applicant must be outside Australia at the time of application and decision.
2. Subclass 836 (Onshore Application)
- Purpose: For individuals already in Australia on a valid visa.
- Requirements:
- The applicant must hold a valid visa when applying.
- The applicant must be onshore at the time of application and decision.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
To sponsor a carer, the Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen must:
- Be a relative or a member of the same household.
- Have a medical condition assessed as requiring ongoing care for at least two years by an Australian medical practitioner.
- Be unable to reasonably access care through other means in Australia (e.g., government or community services).
Additional Eligibility for Sponsors
The sponsor must:
- Be ‘settled’ in Australia, which generally means living lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years.
- Demonstrate compelling and compassionate circumstances if the child or relative has been a resident for less than 2 years (e.g., newly naturalized Australian citizens).
Balance of Family Test
Applicants must meet the balance-of-family test, which ensures that more immediate family members reside in Australia than in any other country.
Health and Character Requirements
- The applicant and family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
- Police clearances and health checks will be required.
Assurance of Support (AoS)
An Assurance of Support is mandatory. This financial bond guarantees the applicant does not rely on Australian welfare and may need to be provided by the sponsor.
Processing Times
- Subclass 116: Can take years due to high demand and limited allocations.
- Subclass 836: Similar processing times as Subclass 116 but prioritized if urgent and compelling circumstances exist.
Application Process
- Eligibility Assessment: Ensure you meet the visa requirements, including sponsorship and medical needs.
- Obtain Medical Assessment: The person requiring care must undergo a medical assessment from Bupa Medical Visa Services.
- Prepare Documents: Include identity documents, sponsorship forms, medical reports, and financial assurances.
- Submit Application: Lodge the application online (Subclass 836) or by mail (Subclass 116).
- Wait for Decision: Processing can take several years; ensure compliance with visa conditions in the meantime.
Contact us today to start your Carer Visa journey!