When it comes to the family reunion, Australia is one of the most kind countries. While many visa categories focus on skilled migration or partner sponsorship, specific routes are available for those who want to take care of family members or live with their only remaining relatives in Australia. There are two such options Careful Visa (Subclass 116/836) and the remaining relative visa (Subclass 115/835).
This visa is designed to allow family members to live in Australia either to provide care or stay close to their only family ties. In this article, we will look at the carer visa australia and the remaining relative visa deeply – including eligibility, application process, cost and deadline.
What is a careful visa?
carer visa australia is for individuals who want to migrate to Australia to provide enough and continuous care to a relative with a long -term or permanent medical condition.
Two types of careful visas:
- Subclass 116 (offshore application) – If the applicant is outside Australia while applying
- Subclass 836 (onshore application) – If the applicant is already in Australia on another valid visa
Who Can Apply for a Carer Visa in Australia?
You can apply if:
- You have a relative in Australia who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- That relative has a serious long-term medical condition and needs your physical and personal support
- No other family member or care service in Australia can provide that care
- You are willing and able to give care for that condition long-term
- You are sponsored by your relative or their partner
Key Features of the Carer Visa
- Permanent residency in, Australia
- Access to Medicare, education, and work rights
- The ability to sponsor family members in the future
- Option to apply for Australian citizenship after eligibility period
Required Documents for Carer Visa:
- Medical assessment report of the relative from Bupa Medical Services
- Evidence of your relationship to the person needing care
- Proof that no alternative care option is available
- Identity documents, police checks, character certificates
- Sponsorship documents from your relative
- Health and character assessments
Processing Time and Cost:
- The processing time for Carer Visas can be long (up to 5–7 years) due to high demand and low quotas
- Visa application charge starts from AUD 3,890+, depending on the number of applicants
- You may also need to pay for health checks and police certificates
What is a Remaining Relative Visa?
The Remaining Relative Visa is for people whose only close family members live permanently in Australia. It allows you to move permanently to Australia and stay close to your family.
Two Types of Remaining Relative Visas:
- Subclass 115 (Offshore Application) – Apply from outside Australia
- Subclass 835 (Onshore Application) – Apply while already staying in Australia on a valid visa
Who can apply for the remaining relative visa?
If you are eligible:
- You have any close family members (parents, brothers, children, children) live anywhere outside Australia.
- All your close relatives live legitimate and permanently in Australia
- You are sponsored by a character Australian relative (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen)
- You meet health and character requirements
- You do not have any partner or dependent living outside Australia
Major features of the remaining relative visa:
- Permanent residence in Australia
- Public Health Services (Medicare), access to education and employment
- The path of citizenship after meeting the residence requirements
- Later the ability to sponsor the eligible members of the family
Documents required for the remaining relative visa:
- Evidence of relationship with sponsor relative
- You have no close relatives outside Australia
- Sponsorship form and declaration
- Identity documents, police withdrawal and health check -up
- The evidence is that your sponsor is fixed in Australia and is able to support you.
Processing time and cost:
- This visa is also in high demand and is subject to long processing time – usually more than 10 years
- The cost for primary applicants starts almost AUD 4,990, as well as additional fees for secondary applicants
- Medical checks and police verification are additional expenses
Important Things to Keep, in Mind
- Both visas are subject to capping and queueing, which causes extended processing times
- Your sponsor must submit Form 40 and agree to provide financial support for your first 2 years in Australia
- You must not owe any debts to the Australian government
- Once granted, both visas allow full work, study, and travel rights
Alternatives If You’re Not Eligible
- If you don’t meet the criteria for a Carer or Remaining Relative visa, consider:
- Visitor visa (short-term stays)
- Parent visa (if children are in Australia and meet balance-of-family test)
- Skilled Migration visa (if you have a valid occupation and qualifications)
Partner visa (if married or in de facto relationship with an Australian)
final thoughts
Apply for remaining relative visas 115, which provide an opportunity for individuals to change a life who want to permanently join and support their family in Australia. While the processing time is long and the requirements are strict, the reward is important – the chance to live in Australia with your loved ones.
If you are determined, have patience, and fulfill the eligibility criteria, these visas provide a way for a better life and future for the future manufactured on family support and care. Make sure your application is complete, your documents are correct, and your sponsor is ready to assist – and you can soon call Australia your home.