Carer Visa
Carer Visa – A Pathway to Care for Your Loved Ones in Australia
Carer Visa – Your Opportunity to Settle in Australia While Supporting a Family Member
“The Carer Visa allows eligible individuals to travel to or remain in Australia to provide ongoing care for an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has a serious medical condition or disability. Learn more about the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and associated costs. Free consultation available!”
This visa represents a humanitarian initiative by the Australian Government, designed for families with special care needs who cannot access adequate care services locally.
What is a Carer Visa in Australia?
The Carer Visa (subclasses 116 and 836) is a permanent visa that allows a family member to come to or stay in Australia to provide substantial and continuing care for a relative who has a long-term medical condition, severe disability, or illness and has no reasonable access to other care options in Australia.
There are two main visa subclasses:
- Subclass 116: For applicants applying from outside Australia
- Subclass 836: For applicants applying from within Australia on a valid visa
Eligibility requirements
For the carer (Visa applicant):
- Must be in the correct location at the time of application and grant (outside Australia for subclass 116; inside Australia for subclass 836).
- Must have a sponsor who is a close relative and has been residing in Australia for at least 2 years.
- Must genuinely intend to provide personal care and support to the relative.
- There must be no suitable care services available in Australia for the person requiring care.
- Must meet health and character requirements and not have had a visa refused previously.
- Must sign the Australian Values Statement and agree to abide by Australian laws.
For the person requiring care:
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must undergo a medical assessment by Bupa Medical Visa Services, as directed by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Must have a serious and long-term medical condition requiring daily care and support.
What are the benefits of a Carer Visa?
Once granted, the Carer Visa provides permanent residency and a range of valuable benefits, including:
- The right to live permanently in Australia with your family member.
- Unlimited work and study rights (full-time or part-time).
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- The ability to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
- Travel in and out of Australia freely for 5 years; renewable through a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
- Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
Required documents for the Carer Visa application
From the Visa applicant (Carer):
- Passport, birth certificate, passport-sized photo (4×6 cm), police clearance certificate, and health examination records.
- Documents proving your relationship with the sponsor.
- Signed Australian Values Statement.
- Evidence of your ability to provide care (if available).
From the sponsor (Person requiring care):
- Passport or documents proving Australian citizenship/permanent residency.
- Proof of relationship with the visa applicant.
- Official medical assessment report issued by Bupa, as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Forms to Submit:
- Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia
- Form 919 – Nomination of a carer
- Form 47A – Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over (if applicable)
Visa application fees
Government lodgement fee: Starting from AUD 2,115
Please note: The Carer Visa is subject to annual caps, meaning there is a limited number of places available each year. As a result, processing times may extend to several years, depending on application volume and government priorities.
>> Need Help with Your Application?
Contact NextGem’s experienced migration team for a professional assessment of your eligibility and a tailored strategy for your Carer Visa application. We offer accurate, efficient, and lawful support throughout the process.