- +44 7424234034
- admin@giecglobal.uk
- First Central 200, 6th floor, Suite Number 6.034 2 Lakeside Dr, London NW10 7FQ
Carer Visa Australia
Australia Immigration Consultant in UK
What Is a Carer Visa?
Are you planning to move to Australia to take care of a family member, elderly relative or someone with a long-term illness? Australia offers a few visa options for those who want to provide care and support to loved ones. Whether you’re looking into a carer visa, care work visa or health and care work visa then this guide will help you understand the process step-by-step.
A carer visa allows you to live in Australia so you can take care of a relative who has a long-term medical condition or disability and has no other reasonable care options in the country.
There are two main types of carer visas:
- Subclass 116 – If you are outside Australia when applying.
- Subclass 836 – If you are already inside Australia.
- This visa is a permanent visa which means you can live, work and access healthcare services in Australia. You may also apply for citizenship in the future if eligible.
Types of Care-Related Visas in Australia
There are different visa options for those wanting to work or support family members in care-related roles.
1. Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and 836)
- This Stream is for those who want to take care to a family member.
- Applicants requires sponsorship from the relative in Australia.
- The medical condition must be verified by an approved medical officer.
- You will get permanent residency if visa gets approved.
2. Health Care Visa (Skilled Stream)
- This one is for professional carers and healthcare workers.
- Applicants must have a valid job offer in Australia.
- Common among aged care and disability care professionals.
3. Aged Carer Visa Australia
- A specialised stream for those caring for older relatives.
- This Stream may fall under the Subclass 116 or employer-sponsored pathways.
4. Senior Carer Visa Australia
- This stream is designed for those with senior-level experience in aged care or disability services.
- Often linked to caregiver Australia immigration programs under skilled migration.
Types of Carer Visas in Australia
Carer Visa
Subclass: 116
Apply From: Outside Australia
For: Relatives of Australians needing long-term personal care
Features: Permanent visa, sponsorship needed, long processing time
Carer Visa
Subclass: 836
Apply From: Inside Australia
For: Relatives already in Australia needing care
Features: Permanent visa, must hold a valid visa during application
Health and Care Work Visa
Subclass: Skilled Stream
Apply From: Inside or Outside Australia
For: Skilled care workers (aged care, disability, etc.)
Features: Employer-sponsored, can lead to permanent residency
Aged Carer Visa
Subclass: Varies
Apply From: Depends on stream
For: Carers for elderly family members
Features: May fall under 116 or skilled stream, focused on elder care
Senior Carer Visa
Subclass: Varies
Apply From: Depends on stream
For: Senior carers or team leaders in care sector
Features: Usually via skilled migration, requires experience
Caregiver Visa Australia
Subclass: Varies
Apply From: Depends on case
For: People providing care to relatives in need
Features: Could fall under 116, 836, or care work streams
Why You should contact GIEC Global UK
The carer visa process may appear simple but its not and lodging the visa application yourself can be risky, even a small mistake can lead to visa rejection.The visa process is a long-term and detailed procedure that requires proper documentation and accuracy.Any missing information, incorrect form or misunderstanding of eligibility criteria can cause unnecessary delays or even a refusal.
If you’re ready to build your future in Australia, consult MARA Registered agent for expert advice. Giec Global UK is proud to have its own MARA registered migration agent, offering you direct access to professional and reliable immigration advice. Unlike many other agencies, we do not rely on third-party consultants, because we don’t pay high outsourcing fees, the cost savings are passed directly on to you.
contact us
WHY CHOOSE GIEC GLOBAL UK?
At GIEC Global UK, we are committed to making your immigration journey smooth, transparent, and successful.
✅ Experienced Canada, Australia & UK Immigration & Study Experts.
✅ 99% Success Rate Across Visa Categories
✅ Personalized Guidance & Transparent Process
✅ Registered MARA & RCIC Agents
✅ Global Presence with Local Expertise
✅ Free Assessment & Document Review
✅ Free Consultation
What qualifications do I need to be a Caregiver in Australia?
You don’t need a university degree but you must meet some specific caregiver qualification that are recognised by employers and training authorities. Most caregiver roles fall under aged care, disability support or home and community care. Caregiver roles usually include aged care worker, disability support worker or home care assistant. Employers and visa authorities focus more on relevant qualifications, hands-on experience and English ability rather than academic background. Due to shortages in the carer sector, skilled and professional caregiver are high in demand. This improve your visa approval, especially if you meet skill, language and work experience requirements.
Qualifications needed to be a caregiver in Australia
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability, or Home & Community Care)
This is the most common and widely accepted caregiver qualification in Australia. It covers personal care, safety, communication, and practical support skills.Certificate IV in Ageing Support or Disability Support (optional but beneficial)
This is not mandatory for entry-level roles but improves job prospects, senior responsibilities, and salary.Practical training or work placement
Most caregiver courses include mandatory on-the-job training, which Australian employers strongly value.Basic English language skills
Good communication is essential. For migration or sponsored roles, English tests like IELTS or PTE may be required depending on the visa type.Police clearance and background checks
A National Police Check is mandatory. Some employers may also request an overseas police clearance.First Aid and CPR certification
Many aged care and disability employers require valid First Aid and CPR training before employment.Working With Children Check (for disability or family care roles)
Required if your caregiver role involves working with children or vulnerable individuals.Skills assessment (for migration pathways)
If you are applying for an Australian caregiver visa or permanent residency, a positive skills assessment may be required based on your occupation.
How to Apply for a Carer Visa (Subclass 116)
If you’re outside Australia, you’ll apply for Subclass 116.
Step 1: Get Sponsorship
The first step is to get sponsorship; your relative in Australia must agree to sponsor your visa and complete the sponsorship form.
Step 2: Medical Assessment
Your relative must undergo a medical assessment through an approved government provider.
Step 3: Gather Documents
You need to collect all correct and required documents, including proof of relationship, medical records, identity papers and background checks.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit the visa application and pay the fee (AUD 2,055* approx.). The application must be sent by post – there’s no online submission for Subclass 116.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Unfortunately, this visa has long processing times, it might take several years – because it’s low-priority.
Who Can Apply for a carer visa australia requirements?
To apply for a carer visa Australia, both the applicant and the person needing care have to fulfill certain requirements.
Applicant Requirement:
- Applicant have to be 18 years or older.
- Applicant must be a relative.
- Applicant willing and able to provide substantial ongoing care.
- Applicant must meet health and character checks.
- Applicants must be sponsored by the relative in Australia (carer sponsorship Australia is required).
Sponsor Requirements:
- The sponsor must be a permanent resident, Australian citizen.
- The sponsor must have a permanent or long-term medical condition.
- The sponsor needs full-time care that can’t be provided by other Australian residents or services.
Why Choose a Carer Visa Over Other Visas?
While other visas may offer quicker processing, the carer visa stands out because it provides permanent residency. Here’s why many choose it:
- It’s the most direct route if you’re moving to care for family.
- You don’t need to find an employer.
- You can live in Australia permanently, with access to Medicare, work rights and social benefits.
- You’re supporting a loved one who truly needs you.
Contact Us
contact us
get in touch with australia immigration consultants
phone number
Office Telephone : +44 (742) 4234034
our address
First Central 200, 6th floor, Suite Number 6.034 2 Lakeside Dr, London NW10 7FQ
email address
admin@giecglobal.uk
frequently asked questions
You can learn more from our asked questions
Yes! Once your carer visa is granted, you can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
It can take several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you. The subclass 116 visa is subject to annual quotas.
If the care is no longer needed before the visa is granted, your application might be withdrawn. If you already have the visa, it remains valid.
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application.
No—if your current ETA is still valid (valid up to 12 months), the app may mark you ineligible for a new one.
Simply check your ETA validity in the app or via VEVO—then reapply when the current one expires.
Users have reported app issues—especially uploading passport photos. Workarounds include:
Reinstalling the app
Switching between Wi‑Fi/data and trying different devices
Waiting for app updates (a recent bug fix was reported ~3 months ago)
Professional Accreditation
Note: Contact the nearest GIEC Global branch by searching “Australia immigration agent near me” for the most recent and updated information.
