Apply for Subclass 116 Carer Visa
Carer Visa (subclass 115) (offshore) is a permanent visa that allows the recipient of the visa to reside in Australia permanently. In order to be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be a relative of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen, who requires care or has a member of the family unit that requires care.
This is an offshore visa and requires the applicant to be outside of Australia while lodgement and grant is processed. The recipient of this visa, ultimately, will be eligible for Australian citizenship and will be able to work and study in Australia. They are also entitled to Medicare (public health care system), sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia and to travel indefinitely for a 5-year term.
Sponsorship Obligation for the Carer Visa
Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, above the age of 18, can sponsor their relative to travel to Australia and to live with them for the foreseeable future.
Under subclass 116, the sponsor should agree to provide support, financial and housing help for the applicant and any member of the family unit who apply with them for the first 2 years in Australia. The sponsor must also be in need of a carer themselves or for a member of the family unit and this need must be attested with a certificate issued by ‘Bupa Medical Visa Services’. The sponsor must also be in a position to give explanation as to why the required care cannot be obtained from Australian relatives, welfare, hospital, nursing or community services.
Before the application is decided, sponsors are given a leeway to withdraw their application at any point in time and this request must be made in writing to the Parent, Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. Once a decision has been made the Sponsor will not be able to withdraw their Sponsorship. In instances where a sponsor has failed to comply with sponsorship obligations, the Department might cancel the visa.
Eligibility requirements for the Carer Visa Subclass 116
To be eligible for the Carer visa:
Must be a carer - The applicant must be fully aware of the care that is required and the sponsor’s medical condition.
The applicant should also fully understand and be willing to provide ongoing substantial care.
Have a a designated sponsor
have assurance of support
satisfy health requirements
satisfy character requirements
repay any remaining debts, that is owed by the applicant or any family member, to the Australian Government