Australia Carer Visas Subclass 116 And Subclass 836 – Complete Guide

A permanent family visa known as a “carer visa” may be obtained to provide personal or medical care for a relative. There are two subclasses of caregiver visas:

• Subclass 116 and
• Subclass 836

You must have a qualified Australian sponsor who genuinely needs your assistance to obtain a carer visa.

Eligibility Criteria of Australia Carer Visas Subclass 116 And Subclass 836:

Individuals who meet any of the following criteria are eligible to apply for a carer visa:

• You are receiving assistance from a family member who is either related to you or a member of that family and requires care.
• You are competent in providing the necessary care for your relative.
• You possess a valid visa, except for a transit visa, which is a prerequisite for subclass 836.
• You possess a valid visa and submitted your subclass 836 application within the specified time frame (applicable exclusively to 836 visa applications).

Check Also: Australia Resident Return Visas 2024 – Visit Here

Sponsor Eligibility for a Carer Visa

To qualify for a carer visa, you must have an appropriate sponsor who is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen. Furthermore, you are required to be a close relative or affiliate of the sponsor:

• A parent or step-parent.
• A grandparent (or step-equivalent).
• A grandchild (or step-equivalent).
• An aunt or uncle (or step-equivalent).
• A niece or nephew (or step-equivalent).
• A sibling or step-sibling.
• A child.

Housing and financial assistance must be made available by your sponsor for a minimum of the initial two years of your sojourn in Australia, along with any additional family members who may apply with you. If your relative is providing sponsorship, they are required to reside with the companion.

Bupa Medical Exam for a Carer Visa

To be eligible for a carer visa, you must provide evidence that your sponsor truly requires medical assistance and care. Bupa Medical Services will examine your relative to determine whether your sponsor:

• Long-term patient status, or
• One who is afflicted with a medical condition that hinders the performance of routine activities such as bathing, cooking, housekeeping, and shopping, or
• Experiencing a chronic illness.

Your sponsor must apply to the official Bupa website to obtain this medical examination and a certificate from the medical service.

Checklist for a Carer Visa:

The following documents are required to register for a caregiver visa:

• Visa application for a caregiver. When applying for a caregiver visa, you must include the completed visa form along with the required documentation.
• Visa-related images. You and any additional family members applying with you are required to submit four photographs to the department’s specifications.
• A valid passport is required to qualify for a caregiver visa. You may also be required to present a copy of your identification card and, if applicable, other supporting documentation attesting to your identity and name change.
• Sponsorial Records. Additionally, you might be required to furnish documentation that establishes your familial connection with your sponsor, the identification of your sponsor, or their financial records.
• Sponsorship Application. Your sponsor must complete and provide you with this form for you to include it with your visa application.
• Medical certificate from Bupa. Your sponsor is required to furnish you with a medical certificate attesting to their caregiving responsibilities. If the examination has not yet taken place, you are required to provide evidence that the assessment procedure has been coordinated.
• Provide evidence of your excellent character. In addition to police certificates and other supporting documentation, you must submit Forms 80 and 1221 to demonstrate your excellent character.
• Documents intended for the companion. Provide a copy of your partner’s passport and identification documents, character documents, marriage certificate, or evidence of a registered relationship.
• Official documentation for dependents aged 18 and above. If you are applying with dependents over the age of 18, you must provide proof that they are mentally and physically incapable of earning an income and are therefore dependent on you. Additionally, you are required to provide them with character and identification documents.
• Documents for dependents under 18. Provide identification documents, proof of relationship, and character documents (if applicable) for dependents under the age of 18.
• Assist forms. If you receive assistance with your application, please present either Form 956a or

Application Process for a Carer Visa

Follow these steps when applying for a carer visa:

• Get your documents in order.
• Apply for the visa.
• Anticipate the first period of evaluation.
• The second installment fee must be paid.

Prepare Your Documents

Before applying for a carer visa, you must gather and prepare all the necessary documents in the form of a paper application. Consequently, your photographs and certificates must be authenticated by an eligible individual.

It is not mandatory to submit certified or duplicate police certificates; the original versions may be submitted. Additionally, applicants are advised to retain a copy of their application materials.

Apply for the Visa

You are not permitted to register in person or online for a caregiver visa; instead, you must apply for a courier or postal service. The complete address for mailing the application to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth is included on the visa application form.

You must submit the initial application charge installment at this juncture for your visa application to be processed. Although your application for this visa is submitted on paper, the payment must be made through ImmiAccount. If you have not yet created an account, proceed to locate the payment option to remit the required fee.

Wait During the First Assessment Period

Your visa application will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs following submission. This procedure consists of two assessment periods; once the initial assessment is finished, your application will be placed in a queue and you will be required to wait until a spot becomes available.

Pay the Second Instalment Fee

After the Department has reevaluated your application following the conclusion of the waiting period, you will be required to make the second installment payment. It is important to note that satisfaction with the visa requirements does not occur until the complete fee has been remitted.

Carer Visa Cost

An AUD3,890 carer visa is required. However, you are only required to pay AUD 1,825 when you submit your application; the remaining charge must be paid when the Department re-evaluates your application.

In certain circumstances, the second installment charge may be waived; this is possible if the Minister of Home Affairs determines that doing so would place an undue financial burden on you or your sponsor.

Carer Visa Processing Time

It could take up to 4.5 years for a caregiver visa to advance to the final evaluation phase. As of October 11, 2017, the Department of Home Affairs is currently reviewing carer visas with a backlog date of that date.

Should I Apply for a Carer Visa 836 or a Visa 116?

Depending on the circumstances. Those who were previously in Australia with an eligible visa are required to apply for a subclass 836 carer visa. You are ineligible to file for subclass 836 while outside the country; instead, you should apply for subclass 116.

Can I Apply Online for a Carer Visa?

No, carer visa applications are exclusively accepted on paper. Nevertheless, visa fees must be paid electronically.

How Long Can I Stay with a Carer Visa?

Subclasses 883 and 116 of the carer visa constitute a permanent resident visa. This means that you are permitted to work, study, and remain in Australia indefinitely. After five years, you are required to reapply for a resident return visa to continue traveling unrestrictedly.

Frequently Asked Questions: