The Carer visa allows people who need to care for an Australian relative with a medical condition to migrate to or remain in Australia. The person requiring care must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must also be either a relative of the applicant, or a member of that relative's family unit.

The Applicant’s Australian relative

  • must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • must usually reside in Australia
  • must be their partner, child, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew (or step-equivalent)
  • must be at least 18 years old
  • must be willing to sponsor the application. It should be noted that the application may also be sponsored by a relative's spouse or de facto partner, if that person lives with the Australian relative, is 18 years or older and is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen.

Criteria to apply:

  • The applicant must have a relative in Australia who meets the requirements referred to above, and who requires their care (or whose close family member requires your care);
  • The applicant must be willing and able to provide substantial and continuing care required by their Australian relative (or your relative's close family member)
  • The applicant must fully understand what kind of care or assistance their relative needs;
  • The applicant must meet health and character requirements (family members must also meet these requirements, if included in the application).

Medical Condition

The Applicant’s Australian relative OR a member of that relative's close family MUST have a medical condition that:

  • Causes physical, intellectual or sensory impairment of their ability to attend to the practical aspects of daily life;
  • Requires care of a type that cannot reasonably be provided by any other relative or obtained from welfare, hospital, nursing or community services in Australia;
  • Is likely to require assistance for at least two years;
  • Has been assessed and verified by Bupa Medical Visa Services.

For information on your eligibility for carer visas, please contact us for a free assessment.