Carer Visa (Subclass 116)

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) allows you to move to Australia to care for a family member with a long-term medical condition who has no reasonable access to care options.

At CIA Lawyers, we specialise in helping you through the application process, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Costs & Details of the Carer Visa (Subclass 116)

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) comes with a base application fee of AUD 2,115. However, it’s good to be aware that extra costs can arise. Health checks, police clearances, and biometrics are additional expenses to consider, so budgeting for these is important.

If you’re including family members in your application, their fees will add up as well. Here’s a quick look at the main costs and processing stages:

Item	Cost (AUD)	Details
Base Application Fee	2,115	Required for initial application
Family Members	Varies	Additional fees per family member
Health Checks, Police Clearances	Varies	Essential checks to meet visa requirements
Biometrics	Varies	Required as part of the application process

The application itself is handled in two stages:

Stage 1 – Eligibility Review: After submission, your application is first reviewed for eligibility.
Stage 2 – Decision Queue: Once you’re deemed eligible, your application is placed in a queue until a final decision is made.

So, while the Carer Visa (Subclass 116) does involve some costs and a few extra steps, it’s all part of securing a path to provide meaningful support to your loved one in Australia.

A little planning goes a long way—once these boxes are ticked, you’ll be well on your way to making a positive impact where it’s truly needed.

Benefits of the Carer Visa (Subclass 116)

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking to move to Australia to care for a loved one. Here’s how this visa can enhance your life:

Permanent Residency: Once granted, this visa allows you to live in Australia permanently, giving you the security and stability to settle long-term.
Work and Study Rights: You’ll have the freedom to work and study in Australia, opening up new opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
Access to Medicare: As a permanent resident, you can enjoy Australia’s world-class public healthcare system, Medicare, ensuring you and your family receive essential health services.
Family Sponsorship: This visa also allows you to sponsor your immediate family members to join you in Australia, helping you reunite with your loved ones.
Travel Flexibility: The Carer Visa lets you travel to and from Australia for up to five years. After this period, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or explore the possibility of applying for Australian citizenship.

With all these benefits, the Carer Visa (Subclass 116) offers a rewarding opportunity to build a new life in Australia while caring for those who matter most.

Eligibility Criteria for the Carer Visa (Subclass 116)

To apply for the Carer Visa (Subclass 116), you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by a family member who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your sponsor must demonstrate that they need your help with ongoing care and that they can’t access suitable care options in Australia.
Health Requirements: You, along with any accompanying family members, will need to meet the health requirements set by the Australian government. This typically involves undergoing medical assessments.
Character Requirements: A police clearance will be required to ensure you don’t have any criminal history. This is a standard requirement for all visa applicants.
Age Consideration for Children: If you’re under 18, the application must be in your best interest, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
No Outstanding Debts: You must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government. If there are any, these must be cleared before applying.

If you meet all of these requirements, you can proceed with submitting your application along with the necessary documentation. Make sure all your information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Carer Visa (Subclass 116)

Applying for a Carer Visa (Subclass 116) can feel overwhelming. At CIA Lawyers, we specialise in guiding families through the complexities of visa applications, ensuring that everything is done correctly and efficiently. Here’s how we can assist you:

Personalised Consultation: Every situation is unique. Our team will assess your circumstances to ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria and provide tailored advice for a successful application.
Accurate Documentation: The visa process requires various documents, from health assessments to proof of family relationships. We will help you gather, review, and submit all the necessary paperwork, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Clear Guidance Throughout the Process: Our team will keep you informed at every stage, explaining what’s needed and what to expect. We’ll guide you step by step, so you can stay on top of the process without any confusion.
Resolving Complications: If your application encounters any issues or delays, CIA Lawyers is here to help. We’ll work to resolve complications efficiently, ensuring that your application moves forward as smoothly as possible.

With CIA Lawyers on your side, you can rest easy knowing that experienced professionals are handling your Carer Visa application, allowing you to focus on providing the care and support your loved one needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the requirements for a Carer Visa 116 in Australia?

A: To be eligible for the Carer Visa 116, you must be sponsored by a relative in Australia, meet health and character requirements, and be willing to provide ongoing care to a family member with a long-term medical condition. You must also be outside Australia when applying.

Q: How much is a Carer Visa 116 in Australia?

A: The application fee for the Carer Visa 116 is approximately AUD 2,115. Additional costs may apply for health checks, police clearances, and biometrics.

Q: How many hours can a carer work in Australia?

A: Carer visa holders are allowed to work in Australia, but the work should not interfere with their primary responsibility of providing care. While there’s no specific limit, the primary focus must be on caring for the relative.

Q: Can a Carer Visa 116 get permanent residency in Australia?

A: Yes, the Carer Visa 116 is a permanent visa, which allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. After a period, you may also become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.