Immigration Law | Carer Visa Application

Carer visas are categorised into two different subclasses, the subclass 116 and subclass 836. The only factor that sets these visas apart from each other is whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia during the Carer visa application process. Eligibility for the subclass 116 visa requires that the applicant must be outside Australia during the application process and when the visa is granted. On the other hand, the subclass 836 visa requires the applicant to submit the application inside and remain in Australia until the visa is granted.

Both subclasses of the Carer visa require that the applicant have a sponsor. The sponsor must be the person who needs the applicant’s care or their partner. The applicant must also be related to the sponsor—who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand Citizen and who is settled in Australia—to be eligible for the Carer visa application. A partner, child, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or step-equivalent of the sponsor is regarded as a relative.

Since 116 and 836 are Permanent Resident visas, visa holders are given the opportunity to live, work and study in Australia in an indefinite period of time. They are also allowed to travel unlimitedly for five years from the date of visa grant and apply for citizenship—when eligible with the help of an immigration agent in Sydney.

In order to be eligible to apply for a Carer visa, applicants must provide sufficient proof that their relative or member of their family unit, with a long-term medical condition, requires their care.

Both a medical examination and a police check from all countries visited and lived in for 12 months or more are required for the applicants in order to meet the health and character requirements of the Carer visa application.

A signed Australian Values Statement, which confirms the applicant’s adherence to the laws of Australia and respect to the Australian way of life, will also be required from the applicant. A registered immigration agent can assist you in fulfilling this mandatory document.

Additionally, any outstanding debts to the Australia government must be repaid, or the applicant prior to the visa grant should negotiate a schedule for repayment.