"Carer Visa" - Does it exist? Where do I start?

[Sammie]

Hi all,

Sorry for posting this in the "General" topic space, I wasn't sure where I should post this thread. If this is the wrong place, Mods, please feel free to move me to a more relevant location!!

My family would like my Aunty (Mums paternal sister) to come to the UK as a Carer on a "Carers Visa" (if such a thing exists)...

Let me explain the circumstances. My Sister passed away just over a year ago leaving behind two small children, aged 5 and 3. We have all been helping to raise my nieces but other family members and I have full-time jobs so in the day, (between 9-5) my Mum is on her own with the kids apart from when they are at school and nursery. My Mum is diabetic, has arthritis and since the death of her daughter, is suffering from depression. The Dr has advised that in her current medical condition, she should not be looking after two small children. We (brothers and Sisters) have tried to cut back our working hours, but since 3 out of the four of us are self-employed and work long hours, this hasn't helped alleviate the situation much. Now, my Aunty is a fully qualified Medical nurse and specialist cardiothoracic nurse, not to mention a fully qualified mid-wife. So medically, she is 'fairly' qualified to look after my Mum and my nieces. (By the way, my Aunt is 30 years old). She would like to come to the UK to help look after my Mum and help my Mum look after my nieces. My Aunt does not have any intention to stay here permanently. She already has a full-time job in a top hospital in Islamabad (Pakistan) and she is currently doing her Psychology Masters in Islamabad. She has savings in Pakistan, plus a family of her own to return too.

My Aunt has asked me to look into a Carers Visa and find out how she can apply for one. So I am hoping that someone here can help me/point me into the right direction.

I would sponsor her. I have a full-time job, suitable accommodation (no-overcrowding) and a "reasonable" amount of savings. Can I just add that I know I can apply for her to come as a visitor, but that would be for 6 months at a time only and we would like something more long-term?

Thanks for your help in advance!!

Sammie...

[vinny]

CHAPTER 17 SECTION 2 – CARERS