The Carer Visa Australia (Subclass 836 and Subclass 116) is a permanent visa option for eligible people who need to move to Australia to provide substantial and continuing care to an eligible relative or a member of their relative’s family who has a long-term medical condition or disability.
The visa is intended for situations where the person receiving care has no reasonable access to the care they need in Australia.
Subclass 116 is generally for applicants who are outside Australia when they apply and when the Department makes its decision. Subclass 836 is generally for eligible applicants who are already in Australia.
Because Carer Visa applications involve specific medical, family and sponsorship requirements, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria before applying.
At Shanovia, we help applicants understand the requirements, prepare supporting documents and navigate the Carer Visa application process based on their individual circumstances.
Some Important Features of Carer Visa Australia
An approved Carer Visa can provide eligible applicants with several benefits, including:
- Permanent residence: The visa allows eligible applicants to live permanently in Australia.
- Work rights: Permanent residents generally have the right to work in Australia.
- Study opportunities: Permanent residents can generally study in Australia.
- Healthcare access: Eligible permanent residents may be able to enrol in Medicare, subject to the applicable requirements.
- Future citizenship pathway: Eligible permanent residents may later be able to apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the citizenship requirements.
- Family opportunities: Permanent residents may be able to sponsor eligible family members in the future, subject to the requirements of the relevant visa category.
International travel is subject to the visa’s travel facility. After the initial travel facility expires, a permanent resident may need a Resident Return Visa or another appropriate travel authority to return to Australia as a permanent resident.
Types of Carer Visa in Australia
There are two main Carer Visa subclasses:
1. Carer Visa Subclass 116
The Carer Visa Subclass 116 is generally for eligible applicants who are outside Australia when they apply and when the Department makes its decision.
2. Carer Visa Subclass 836
The Carer Visa Subclass 836 is generally for eligible applicants who are already in Australia when they apply and when the Department makes its decision.
The appropriate subclass depends on the applicant’s location and individual circumstances.
Carer Visa Australia Requirements
Applicants must satisfy specific requirements for Subclass 836 or Subclass 116.
You Must Be Willing to Provide Care
The applicant must be willing and able to provide substantial and continuing assistance to an eligible relative or a member of their relative’s family.
The care recipient must have a long-term medical condition or disability that creates the need for the relevant care.
The Care Must Be Required
One of the key requirements is demonstrating that the person who needs care does not have reasonable access to the care they require in Australia.
The Department assesses the care needs and available care arrangements when considering the application.
Sponsorship
The applicant generally needs to be sponsored by an eligible relative who requires the care, or by an eligible relative of that person, depending on the circumstances.
The sponsorship must satisfy the applicable requirements and be approved where required.
Health Requirements
The applicant and relevant family members may need to meet Australia’s health requirements.
Medical examinations or additional health information may be requested by the Department.
Character Requirements
Applicants and relevant family members may need to satisfy Australia’s character requirements.
Family members aged 16 or older may be required to provide police certificates or other character documents.
Debts to the Australian Government
Applicants and certain family members may need to have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or have an acceptable arrangement in place to repay any debt.
Immigration History
The Department may consider the applicant’s previous immigration history when assessing the application.
Applicants should provide accurate information about previous visas, applications and immigration matters.
Australian Values Statement
Applicants may need to sign an Australian Values Statement confirming that they will respect Australian laws and the Australian way of life.
Application Process
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, assess whether you and the person requiring care satisfy the requirements for the relevant Carer Visa subclass.
The applicant’s relationship, location, the care recipient’s medical condition and available care arrangements can all be important.
2. Obtain the Required Medical Evidence
Evidence concerning the care recipient’s medical condition and care requirements is an important part of the application.
The Department may require an assessment from an approved medical practitioner or other relevant authority. Applicants should follow the current Department of Home Affairs instructions regarding the required medical evidence.
3. Gather Supporting Documents
Collect the required identity, relationship, medical, sponsorship and character documents before submitting the application.
4. Complete the Application
Complete the relevant visa forms and provide accurate information about the applicant, sponsor, care recipient and accompanying family members.
5. Submit the Application
The application method depends on the visa subclass and current Department of Home Affairs instructions.
Applicants should always follow the latest application instructions rather than relying on older paper-application procedures.
6. Complete Health and Character Checks
If requested, the applicant and relevant family members must complete health examinations and provide character documents within the specified timeframe.
7. Respond to Department Requests
The Department may request additional information, documents or evidence during the assessment.
Applicants should respond within the timeframe provided.
8. Wait for the Decision
After assessing the application and completing the relevant checks, the Department will make a decision and notify the applicant.
Carer Visa Australia Processing Time
Carer Visa applications can take a significant amount of time to process.
The availability of places, application volumes and individual circumstances can affect processing times. The Department may also need additional time to assess medical evidence, sponsorship arrangements and other supporting information.
Factors that may contribute to delays include:
- Incorrect or incomplete application information.
- Missing supporting documents.
- Requests for additional information.
- Medical or character checks.
- Verification of documents.
- The Department’s current workload and available visa places.
Applicants should check the latest processing information provided by the Department of Home Affairs rather than relying on a fixed processing period.
Documents Required for Carer Visa Australia
The exact documents required depend on the applicant’s circumstances. Common documents may include:
Identification Documents
These may include:
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificate.
- National identity documents.
- Marriage certificate, where applicable.
- Evidence of any change of name.
Medical Evidence
Applicants need to provide the relevant evidence demonstrating the care recipient’s medical condition and need for substantial and continuing assistance.
The Department will specify the type of medical evidence or assessment required.
Character Documents
Police certificates and other character documents may be required for the applicant and relevant family members.
Sponsorship Documents
Evidence of the sponsor’s identity, Australian citizenship or permanent residence and relationship with the applicant may be required.
Parental Responsibility Documents
Where a child is included in an application, evidence of parental responsibility or consent may be required depending on the circumstances.
Partner and Dependent Documents
If the applicant includes a partner or dependent children, relevant identity, relationship and dependency evidence may need to be provided.
For example, relationship evidence may include:
- Marriage certificate.
- Evidence of a de facto relationship.
- Joint financial documents.
- Joint lease or accommodation evidence.
- Other documents demonstrating the relationship.
Translation of Documents
Documents that are not in English may need to be translated according to the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements.
Applicants should follow the current document and translation instructions applicable to their application.
Why Choose Shanovia for Carer Visa Australia?
A Carer Visa application can involve complex medical, family and immigration requirements. Shanovia provides guidance to help applicants understand the process and prepare their applications carefully.
Professional Guidance
Our team can help you understand the requirements applicable to your Carer Visa application and identify the documents you may need.
Personalised Assistance
Every family situation is different. We consider your individual circumstances when providing guidance regarding eligibility, documentation and the application process.
Document Preparation Support
We help you organise the supporting evidence required for the application and identify missing or inconsistent information before submission.
Application Support
Our team can guide you through the relevant forms, supporting documents and application requirements.
Assistance Throughout the Process
From initial eligibility assessment to responding to Department requests, Shanovia can assist you throughout the visa application journey.
Up-to-Date Immigration Guidance
Australian immigration requirements can change over time. We aim to help applicants understand the requirements applicable at the time of their application.
Conclusion
The Carer Visa Subclasses 836 and 116 can provide eligible applicants with a pathway to permanent residence in Australia so they can provide substantial and continuing care to an eligible relative or a member of their relative’s family.
Because the visa involves specific requirements relating to the care recipient’s medical condition, available care arrangements, sponsorship, health and character, careful preparation is important.
Shanovia can assist you with understanding the Carer Visa requirements, preparing supporting documents and navigating the application process.
If you have a relative in Australia who requires substantial and continuing care and you are considering a Carer Visa, contact Shanovia for professional guidance and support.
