Carer visa (subclass 116)

Overview

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) allows individuals to move to or stay in Australia as permanent residents to provide long-term care for a relative who has a medical condition and cannot reasonably access care in Australia.

  • Stay: Permanently
  • Cost: From AUD 2,115
  • Processing Times: Subject to demand; use the visa processing time guide tool for recent estimations. Processing times may vary based on application completeness and verification duration.

Benefits of this Visa

With this visa, you can:

  • Move to or remain in Australia as a permanent resident
  • Work and study in Australia
  • Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
  • Sponsor eligible relatives to join you in Australia
  • Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years
  • Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  1. Be outside Australia both when you apply and when the decision is made.
  2. Be sponsored by your relative or their partner for the first two years.
  3. Provide care for a relative or their family member who has a medical condition and limited care options.

Travel Conditions

  • Travel for 5 Years: You can travel in and out of Australia multiple times within the first 5 years.
  • Resident Return Visa: After 5 years, apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you wish to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Including Family Members

You can include eligible family members in your application. Each family member must meet specific health and character requirements.

Costs

  • The application fee starts at AUD 2,115 for the main applicant, with additional fees for family members.
  • Payment is in two instalments: the first at application, the second upon request.
  • In certain cases, the second instalment may be reduced to alleviate financial hardship.

Health and Character Requirements

You, and any accompanying family members, must meet health and character standards.

Sponsorship Requirement

You must have an approved sponsor who is an eligible relative.

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Other Requirements

  • You must provide substantial ongoing care to the relative with the medical condition.
  • If 18 or older, sign an Australian Values Statement, confirming your commitment to the Australian way of life.
  • Ensure any debts to the Australian Government are settled.

Obligations

  • You must enter Australia by the date specified in your grant letter.
  • You and your family members must adhere to visa conditions and Australian laws.

Additional Information

  • Visa Label: Linked digitally to your passport, no physical label is provided.
  • Best Interests of the Child: The visa may not be granted if it is against the best interests of an applicant under 18.

For guidance or assistance with your visa application, consult an authorized migration agent.

How Widen Migration Experts Can Help You with the Carer Visa (Subclass 116)

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) is a permanent visa for individuals who wish to come to Australia to care for a relative with a serious medical condition. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We assess whether you meet the visa requirements, including proving your need to care for a family member.
  • Visa Documentation: We guide you in preparing and submitting the required supporting documents.
  • Application Assistance: From submission to approval, we ensure your application is processed efficiently.
  • Expert Advice: Our migration experts will provide comprehensive advice throughout the entire process.