Sponsorship Process

The sponsorship process for the Carer Visa (Subclass 116) involves several steps:

1. Eligibility: To sponsor a relative for the Carer Visa, you must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must also be the visa applicant's relative or the relative's spouse or de facto partner who lives with them.
2. Assessing Care Needs: You or a family member who lives with you must be assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services as having a long-term or permanent medical condition that requires ongoing care for at least two years.
3. Reasonable Access to Care: You or a family member who lives with you must be unable to reasonably access the care needed in Australia from another relative or Australian welfare, hospital, or community nursing service.
4. Organize a Bupa Medical Certificate: You or your family member who needs care must obtain or be in the process of obtaining a medical certificate from Bupa Medical Visa Services. This certificate should confirm the medical condition and the need for care.
5. Gather Documents: As a sponsor, you will need to provide various documents to support your sponsorship application. These may include identity documents, financial records, and evidence of your relationship with the visa applicant.
6. Apply for Sponsorship: Complete Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia and submit it along with all the required documents to the visa applicant.

Application Process

The application process for the Carer Visa (Subclass 116) is as follows:

1. Check Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including being a relative or spouse/de facto partner of the visa applicant and living with them.
2. Gather Documents: As the visa applicant, provide accurate and complete information, along with supporting documents. These may include identity documents, Bupa Medical Certificate, proof of relationship with the sponsor, and any other relevant documents.
3. Apply on Paper: The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) application must be submitted on paper. Pay the application fee using the online portal payment function in ImmiAccount and include evidence of payment with your application.
4. Submit Application: Send the completed application form, along with all the required documents, to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. Ensure that you provide certified copies of the documents and keep a copy of the application for your records.
5. Provide Further Information: If requested, provide any additional information or documents as requested by the Department of Home Affairs. This may include health examinations or biometrics.
6. Pay the Second Instalment: If required, pay the second instalment of the visa application fee as instructed by the Department of Home Affairs.
7. Visa Outcome: You will be notified in writing of the decision on your visa application. If the visa is granted, you will receive information on the visa grant number, start date, conditions, and travel facility.

Obligations and Responsibilities

As a sponsor for the Carer Visa (Subclass 116), you have specific obligations and responsibilities:

• Provide support, accommodation, and financial assistance to the visa holder and any family members granted the visa for two years after the visa is granted.
• Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the cancellation of the visa.

Conclusion

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116) offers individuals the opportunity to provide care for someone with a long-term medical condition in Australia. By following the sponsorship and application process outlined in this article, you can navigate through the process successfully. Remember to gather all the required documents, provide accurate information, and fulfill your obligations as a sponsor to ensure a smooth visa application process.