Carer visa (subclass 116)
The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) offers a unique opportunity for individuals to stay in Australia indefinitely and extend their support to family members with long-term medical conditions. This visa comes with various benefits, including the ability to work and study in Australia, access to Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare), sponsorship of relatives, and the option to apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) is designed for those who want to provide care to a family member with a long-term medical condition, particularly when other care options in Australia are limited. This visa permits travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years, and it establishes permanent residence. To continue traveling after the initial 5-year period, applicants can apply for a Resident Return (RRV) or consider Australian citizenship.
The cost of the Carer Visa (Subclass 116) is AUD 2,055, and additional charges apply for family members included in the application.
The visa may have certain conditions, such as Condition 8502 (restricting entry before a specified date) and Condition 8515 (prohibiting marriage or de facto relationships before entry).
Please note that new Carer visa applications may take a minimum of 7 years to process based on current planning levels, although processing times can vary.
For Applicants:
Be a carer: Applicants must be willing and able to provide substantial care and support to their sponsoring relative or their family member with a long-term medical condition.
Have a sponsor: Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible relative or their partner, with the sponsorship approved.
No prior visa cancellations or refusals: The immigration history of the applicant will be considered; prior visa cancellations or application refusals may affect eligibility.
For Sponsors:
Be suitable to sponsor: Sponsors must be relatives or partners of the visa applicant living with them. They must provide housing and financial assistance for 2 years after visa grant and support family members granted the visa. Sponsors must be settled and resident in Australia, aged 18 or older, and be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Sponsors who are spouses or de facto partners of the applicant’s relative must live with them.
Be assessed as requiring care: A family member living with the sponsor or the sponsor themselves must be assessed as having a long-term medical condition requiring help with daily life for at least 2 years.
Unable to access care in Australia: The family member or sponsor must be unable to reasonably access necessary care in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you must be outside Australia when applying and when the decision is made.
The processing time can take at least 7 years, but it may vary.
Yes, you can include dependent family members in your application.
This means assisting with daily needs, medical conditions, and overall well-being of your family member.
Provide evidence, including medical assessments, reports, and information on care services.
While the applicant doesn’t need a medical assessment, a family member living with the sponsor might.
Yes, you can work and study without restrictions.
No, this visa is for providing care to your Australian relative or their family member in need.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship after a specific period.
Your immigration history will be considered, and prior issues may affect eligibility, but exceptions exist in certain cases. Refer to “Limitations on applications in Australia” for more information and consult an immigration professional for specific advice.
Currently, there are no frequently asked questions available for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114).