Navigation

Carer Visa Australia Introduction
Carer Visa Australia Sponsor
Carer Visa Australia Checklist
Carer Visa Australia Application Process
Carer Visa Australia Cost
Carer Visa Australia Processing Time
Carer Visa Australia Frequently Asked Question
- Carer Visa refusal
- After Carer Visa granted

Carer Visa Australia Introduction

Carer Visa lets individuals to live in Australia permanently and provide care to their relatives, the partner or member of their relatives in Australia who are suffering from a long term or permanent medical conditions.

Pursuant to the information released by the Department, this visa enables you to

Permanently stay in Australia
work and study in Australia
enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
travel to and from Australia for 5 years
apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

There are two subclasses of Carer Visa, the only difference between the two visas is whether you are inside or outside Australia during the Carer Visa Application process.

Carer visa (subclass 836) be in Australia when you apply for this visa and when the Department grant your application

Carer visa (subclass 116) be outside Australia when you apply and when the Department decide your application

Please note that the waiting times could be up to 5 years.

Despite appearing straightforward on the surface, applying for a Carer Visa is a stringent process and requiring caution and thoroughness all the way through. A small mistake can be very costly and delay the visa.

A sponsor is required to obtain this visa. According to the information from the Department:

Check if you are eligible for a Carer visa

Carer Visa Australia Sponsor

A sponsor is required to obtain this visa. According to the information from the Department:

Carer Visa Subclass 116, this person must be:

relative who requires care and assistance or
member of the relative who lives with them

Carer Visa Subclass 836, this person must be:

relative who requires care and assistance,
the spouse or de factor partner of the relative who lives with them

The relative must be your

partner
child
parent
brother
sister
grandparent
grandchild
aunt
uncle
niece or
nephew (or step-equivalent).

The definition of the Spouse is stated in Migration Act1958 (Cth) section 5F:

married to each other
have a mutual commitment to a shared life as a married couple and
genuine and continuing relationship
live together or
do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis.

The definition of the de facto is stated in Migration Act1958 (Cth) section 5CB:

not in a married relationship
have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others; and
the relationship between them is genuine and continuing; and
live together; or
do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis; and
not related by family

The Spouse must be married
In most cases, the sponsor must be an:

Australian citizen
Permanent resident or
Eligible New Zealand citizen and
Over 18 years.

If you are applying for this visa so you can assist your relative care for a member of their family, they must both live in the same house.

Carer Visa Australia Checklist

The applicant must provide the following:

Passport or other travel document
Health requirements
Character requirements
Undertaking signed by the sponsor to affirm you support, accommodation and financial assurance for 2 years after you arrive in Australia
Sign an Australian Values Statement and read the Life in Australia book before you the document and
No outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any outstanding debts to Australian Government

Health requirements

Your relative’s medical condition (or that of a member of their family unit) must be assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services before the Department can decide your visa application.

At the end of assessment, the centre will determine:

a rating or score based on the Impairment Tables provided by the Department of Human Services
the extent of their ability such as eating, dressing, hygiene, mobility, for at least the next two years
the type of assistance required to manage those needs.

Please note that the current minimum threshold rating is 30.

Carer Visa Australia Application Process

Carer Visa Subclass 116 and 836

Step 1: You must complete and apply the visa on paper (Form 470F)

Step 2: You must provide the Department with your Bupa medical certificate and it must be within 3 months

Step 3: The Department will notify you with your visa outcome in writing

Carer Visa Australia Cost

Carer Visas requires significant fees to lodge:

Carer Visa Subclass 116, the applicant is expected to pay the costs in 2 instalments

First instalment = AUD1825 (When the application is lodged)
Second instalment = AUD2065 (Before the visa is granted)

Other costs may apply, such as

the costs of health assessments and
police certificates, or
any other certificates or tests

Carer Visa Subclass 836, this visa costs from AUD1,795.

There is also an additional charge for each family member who applies with you.

You are expected to pay the costs in 2 instalments. Pay the first instalment when you apply. Pay the second instalment when the Department ask you to.

The Department may consider reducing the second instalment to nail by serving a written notice from the applicant demonstrating the charge is likely to cause you or the person being cared for severe financial hardship. However, you cannot ask for a reduction of the second instalment for other family members who are included in your application.

Visa pricing estimator is available online, please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator?visa=116.

Combined visa fee calculator