To apply for a Carer visa, you must be willing and able to give substantial, continuing assistance to an Australian relative (or a member of their family unit) who has a medical condition that is causing physical, intellectual or sensory impairment of their ability to attend to the practical aspects of daily life.

The need for assistance must be likely to continue for at least two years.

You must be sponsored by the relative in Australia, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Definition of relative

The definition of 'relative' for carer visa purposes is :

• a close relative; or
• a grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, or a step-equivalent.

Visa requirements

• Type of assistance - The type of assistance you would provide must be a type which cannot reasonably be obtained from any other relative or from welfare, hospital, nursing or community services in Australia.
• Medical assessment of the person needing care - Your relative or the member of their family unit who needs your care must undertake a medical assessment by Health Services Australia (HSA). The relative must make an appointment with HSA and inform them that the examination is in relation to a Carer visa. HSA will then send a letter to the relative. This letter will acknowledge that the medical assessment has commenced. This letter must be lodged with the Carer application. The application cannot be accepted unless the letter from HSA is attached.

For more information see :

• Migrating as a carer relative FAQ

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