Carer Visa
Australia
Last updated: December 19, 2025
Permanent
$2,175.00
7-8 year
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you move to Australia permanently to take care of a family member who has a serious, long-term medical condition. You must be sponsored by that family member, and they must live in Australia. The person you care for must not be able to get help from hospitals, nursing homes, or other family members. This visa is different because you can get government support payments right away. Other permanent residents usually have to wait 1-4 years. You get permanent residency, not a temporary visa.
Key Benefits
- Work any job in Australia without restrictions
- Study at any school or university
- Use Australia's free public healthcare (Medicare)
- Sponsor other family members to move to Australia
- Get Carer Payment money from the government immediately
- Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship after you meet requirements
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must live outside Australia when applying
- Must be able and willing to provide ongoing care
- Must have no criminal record or have addressed it
- Must have no money owed to Australian government
- Must pass medical exam
- Family member must be Australian citizen permanent resident or qualified New Zealand citizen
- Family member must have medical condition lasting at least 2 years
- Family member must have no access to care from family members in Australia
- Family member must have no access to hospitals nursing homes or community services
Financial Requirement
Your sponsor (the family member you're caring for) must prove they can pay for your living costs for 2 years. They need to show money in the bank, a job, or other assets. No exact minimum amount is required.
Documents
- PassportAll pages
- Birth certificateOfficial copy
- Police certificatesFrom every country lived in for over 1 year if age 16 or older
- Medical examFrom approved doctor
- Character formSigned by you
- Australian Values StatementSigned by you must be 18 or older
- Family member proof of residenceProof they live in Australia
- Family member medical assessmentFrom approved doctor proving condition lasts 2 years or more
- Evidence of unavailable careProof no help from hospitals nursing homes or family
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.