Australia Carer Visa: Subclass 836 & 116 Guide

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Key Takeaways:

The Australia Carer Visa allows individuals to care for relatives needing medical or physical assistance in Australia permanently.
Applicants need a sponsor, usually a relative, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The application requires specific documents, a medical exam, and fees, with a lengthy processing time of up to 4.5 years.

Australia Carer Visa: Subclass 836 & 116 Guide

What is an Australia Carer Visa?

An Australia Carer Visa is a permanent family visa available to individuals who intend to take care of a relative needing medical or physical assistance in Australia. There are two subclasses for this visa, namely Subclass 836 and Subclass 116. This article will detail the eligibility criteria, sponsor requirements, the application process, and other essential information to help you understand how to navigate this visa category.

Who is Eligible for an Australia Carer Visa?

To be eligible for an Australia Carer Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be sponsored by a relative or a family member of your relative who needs care.
You must be capable of providing adequate care for your relative.
For Subclass 836, you must hold a substantive visa, excluding a transit visa 771.
For Subclass 836, you must have had a valid visa and made an application within a permissible timeframe.

Who Can Sponsor You for a Carer Visa?

Your sponsor plays a crucial role in your visa application. To qualify for this visa, your sponsor must be:

An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen.
Capable of financially supporting you and providing accommodation for you (and any other family members applying with you) for at least the first two years you reside in Australia.

Moreover, your sponsor must be your near relative or a close family member, such as:

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

If your sponsor’s partner is providing sponsorship on behalf of your relative, your relative must be living with that partner.

What is the Bupa Medical Exam for a Carer Visa?

Applicants need to prove that their sponsor genuinely requires medical care. This proof comes from a medical exam conducted by Bupa Medical Services. The exam assesses whether your sponsor:

Is a long-term patient.
Has difficulty in completing daily tasks due to a medical condition, such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, or shopping.
Suffers from a chronic disease.

Your sponsor needs to apply for this medical examination through Bupa’s official website to obtain a certificate that demonstrates their need for medical care.

Checklist for Applying for a Carer Visa

Here are the documents you need when applying for a carer visa:

Carer Visa Application Form: Complete the form and include it with the other required documents.
Visa Photographs: Provide four photographs per applicant, adhering to the Department’s guidelines.
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is up-to-date. You may also need to submit a copy of your ID card and proof of any name changes, if applicable.
Sponsor Documents: Provide documents proving your relationship with your sponsor, their identity, and their financial capability.
Sponsorship Form: This form, filled out by your sponsor, must be included in your application.
Bupa Medical Certificate: Include the medical certificate showing that you are needed as a carer. If the examination hasn’t been conducted, submit proof that the assessment is arranged.
Evidence of Good Character: Submit police certificates and forms 80 and 1221.
Documents for Your Partner: Include your partner’s passport, identity documents, character documents, and marriage certificate or proof of a registered relationship.
Documents for Dependents Over 18: Include identity documents, evidence of dependence, and character documents.
Documents for Dependents Under 18: Include identity documents and evidence of your relationship with them.
Help Forms: If someone assisted you with your application, include form 956a.

How to Apply for a Carer Visa?

Follow these steps to apply for a carer visa:

Prepare Your Documents: Gather and certify all required documents. Police certificates don’t need to be certified, but keep a copy for your records.
Apply for the Visa: Send your application documents via courier or post to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. You’ll find the address in your visa application form. During this stage, pay the first installment of the application fee online through ImmiAccount.
Wait During the First Assessment Period: Once the Department of Home Affairs receives your application, it will undergo initial assessment. Your application will then be placed in a queue until a spot becomes available for further processing.
Pay the Second Installment Fee: After the waiting period, a second assessment occurs. You need to pay the second installment fee to finalize the application. The visa isn’t complete until this fee is paid fully.

How Much Does a Carer Visa Cost?

The total cost for a carer visa is AUD 3,890. Initially, you need to pay AUD 1,825 when submitting your application. The remaining amount is due during the second assessment period. In certain cases, if paying this fee causes financial hardship, the Minister for Home Affairs may waive it.

How Long is the Processing Time for a Carer Visa?

The processing time for an Australia Carer Visa can extend up to four and a half years. As of now, applications with queue dates up to October 11, 2017, are being reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Which Carer Visa Subclass Should You Apply For?

The subclass you should apply for depends on your current location and visa status:

Subclass 836: If you are in Australia on an eligible visa, this is the appropriate subclass for you.
Subclass 116: If you are outside Australia, you must apply for this subclass.

Can You Apply Online for an Australia Carer Visa?

No, carer visa applications must be submitted via paper, through courier or post. However, the visa payment must be made online through ImmiAccount.

How Long Can You Stay with an Australia Carer Visa?

The carer visa, whether Subclass 883 or Subclass 116, grants permanent residency. This allows you to reside in Australia indefinitely, work, and study. After five years, you must apply for a resident return visa for continuing travel purposes.

For additional and authoritative information on immigration to Australia, you can visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs official website.

In summary, the Australia Carer Visa, available under Subclass 836 and Subclass 116, is designed for individuals who wish to provide care for relatives needing medical or physical assistance in Australia. With correct preparation and understanding of the process, applicants can successfully navigate the complexities and secure a visa that helps them support their loved ones.

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Glossary/Definitions

Australia Carer Visa: A permanent family visa designed for individuals who plan to take care of a relative in Australia who requires medical or physical assistance. The visa is divided into two subclasses – Subclass 836 for those already in Australia and Subclass 116 for those outside Australia.
Bupa Medical Exam: A medical examination conducted by Bupa Medical Services to evaluate the medical condition of the sponsor, determining their need for long-term care. This exam is a requirement for the Carer Visa application.
Sponsor: An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who agrees to financially support and provide accommodation for the Carer Visa applicant for the first two years in Australia. The sponsor must have a close familial relationship with the visa applicant or the person needing care.
Subclass 836: A category of the Australia Carer Visa for applicants who are currently residing in Australia on an eligible visa and wish to stay to care for a relative needing medical or physical assistance.
Subclass 116: A category of the Australia Carer Visa for applicants who are outside Australia and intend to travel to Australia to provide care for a relative needing medical or physical assistance.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The Australia Carer Visa (Subclass 836 & 116) lets you care for a needy relative in Australia. Eligibility criteria include sponsorship by an Australian citizen or resident, medical assessment by Bupa, and essential documentation. The total visa cost is AUD 3,890. Processing can take up to 4.5 years. Permanent residency is granted.
— By VisaVerge.com