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.

Carer Visa Types - Australia

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

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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

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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

Can I work on a carer visa?

Yes! Once your carer visa is granted, you can work and study in Australia without restrictions.

How long does the carer visa take to process?

It can take several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you. The subclass 116 visa is subject to annual quotas.

What happens if the person I’m caring for recovers?

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.

Can I include my family members?

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application.

Can I reapply immediately after leaving Australia or while ETA still active?

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.

Why is the ETA app sometimes buggy, and how do I fix it?

Users have reported app issues—especially uploading passport photos. Workarounds include: