Exploring Australia's Family and Care Visa Options
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Australia’s Aged Dependent and Carer Visas, tailored for those wishing to join or provide care for family members in Australia. We understand the importance of family, and our guide is designed to help you navigate the visa process with ease and confidence. Covering the Aged Dependent Relative, Carer, and Remaining Relative visas, our guide focuses on reuniting families and ensuring the well-being of members needing care. Each visa type responds to unique situations, whether rejoining family or caring for relatives with medical conditions, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to family unity and compassionate care.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114)
The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114) enables older individuals outside Australia, dependent on their family for financial support, to live permanently with them in Australia. This visa underscores family unity, providing these individuals with the opportunity for a secure and supported future in their relative’s care.
Who it’s for: Older individuals outside Australia dependent on a relative for financial support.
Stay: Offers permanent residency in Australia.
Key Features:
- Enables older individuals to reside permanently in Australia.
- Opportunity to sponsor relatives for Australian visas.
- Possibility to apply for Australian citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must apply from outside Australia.
- Requires sponsorship by an Australian relative or their partner.
Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838)
The Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 838) is for older individuals already in Australia who rely on their family for financial support. It offers a pathway to permanent residency, allowing them to continue their life in Australia with family support.
Who it’s for: Older individuals in Australia dependent on a relative for financial support.
Stay: Grants permanent residency in Australia.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency for older, financially dependent persons.
- Ability to sponsor eligible relatives.
- Path to Australian citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be inside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when applying and receiving the decision.
- Requires an Australian relative or their partner’s sponsorship.
Carer Visa (Subclass 116)
The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) is designed for individuals committed to caring for a family member in Australia with a long-term medical condition. This visa is essential for those where local care options are insufficient, offering a way for caregivers to legally reside and support their family members.
Who it’s for: Individuals outside Australia planning to care for a relative with a long-term medical condition.
Stay: Offers permanent residency in Australia.
Key Features:
- Permanent resident status for the caregiver.
- Right to work and study in Australia.
- Travel privileges to and from Australia for five years.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must apply from outside Australia.
- Requires sponsorship by the Australian relative or their partner.
- Need to be the primary carer for an Australian relative lacking local care options.
Carer Visa (Subclass 836)
The Carer Visa (Subclass 836) allows individuals already in Australia to provide essential care to relatives or family members with significant medical needs. This visa supports the health and welfare of Australian community members who cannot access adequate local care, granting caregivers permanent residency.
Who it’s for: Individuals in Australia wishing to provide care for a relative with a long-term medical condition.
Stay: Grants permanent residency in Australia.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency for in-country caregivers.
- Right to work and study in Australia.
- Includes five-year travel privileges.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must apply from within Australia.
- Need Australian relative or their partner’s sponsorship.
- Must be the primary carer for an Australian relative without local care options.
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115)
The Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115) offers a crucial pathway for individuals outside Australia with no close relatives other than those living in Australia. This visa facilitates family reunification, allowing applicants to join their only close relatives and settle permanently in Australia.
Who it’s for: Individuals outside Australia with only close relatives in Australia.
Stay: Opportunity for permanent residency in Australia.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency for applicants.
- Right to work and study in Australia.
- Medicare enrollment eligibility.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must apply from outside Australia.
- Should have only close relatives in Australia.
- Requires sponsorship by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Aged Dependent and Carer Visas
What are the key differences between the Aged Dependent Relative Visa Subclass 114 and 838? “Subclass 114 is for applicants outside Australia, while Subclass 838 requires applicants to be in Australia during the application process.”
Can holders of the Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836) work and study in Australia? “Yes, holders of both Carer Visa subclasses can work and study in Australia.”
Are there any recent changes affecting New Zealand citizens with regards to these visas? “From 1 July 2023, there are changes to Australian citizenship eligibility for New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category visa (subclass 444).”
How long can I stay in Australia with a Carer Visa? “The Carer Visa grants permanent residency in Australia.”
Can I enroll in Medicare under the Remaining Relative Visa? “Yes, holders of the Remaining Relative Visa can enroll in Medicare.”
What is the processing time for these family and care visas? “These vary from one application to another. For an indication of processing times it is recommended to visit The Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide tool.”
Uniting Families and Providing Essential Care
Australia’s Aged Dependent and Carer Visas, play a crucial role in the fabric of Australian society. These visas are crafted with compassion, focusing on uniting families and providing care for those in need. Offering opportunities for permanent residency, work, study, and healthcare access, underlining Australia’s dedication to supporting family bonds and individual needs.
Each visa subclass addresses specific scenarios, ensuring that there’s a suitable pathway for every family situation, from reuniting with loved ones to caring for relatives with medical conditions. These options not only facilitate family reunions but also contribute to Australia’s diverse and cohesive community.
Ready to take the next step? Our visa Specialist is here to assist you through every stage, from understanding the nuances of different visa categories to filing a successful application. Begin your journey toward reuniting with your family or caring for a loved one in Australia.