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Carer Visa Australia (Subclass 116 & 836): Eligibility, Cost, Requirements & Process
The Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and Subclass 836) allows eligible individuals to live permanently in Australia so they can provide ongoing care and assistance to a relative who has a long-term or permanent medical condition. This visa is designed for families who cannot source adequate care from within Australia and need the support of a close relative.
If you are looking for a permanent visa to Australia based on caring responsibilities, the Carer Visa can be a life-changing pathway.
What Is the Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and 836)?
The Australian Carer Visa is a permanent residence visa that enables an eligible carer to move to or remain in Australia to care for a relative with significant medical needs.
The key difference between the two subclasses is where the applicant is located at the time of application and visa grant:
- Carer Visa (Subclass 116)– Applied for outside Australia (offshore)
- Carer Visa (Subclass 836)– Applied for inside Australia (onshore)
Both visas grant permanent residency upon approval.
Length of Stay on a Carer Visa
Permanent residence
Visa holders can:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study without restrictions
- Access Medicare
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Apply for Australian citizenship (when eligible)
Carer Visa Cost
The base application charge starts from:
- AUD $2,175
Second Instalment
A second instalment of AUD $2,175 per applicant may apply.
This second instalment can be waived if the Minister for Home Affairs is satisfied that paying it would cause severe financial hardship to:
- The visa applicant, or
- The person receiving care
Who Can Apply for a Carer Visa? (Eligibility Criteria)
You may be eligible for a Carer Visa if all of the following apply:
- You can provide substantial and ongoing careto a relative
- The care is required due to a long-term or permanent medical condition
- You and any family members included meet health and character requirements
- The care cannot reasonably be provided by another source in Australia
Who Is Considered a ‘Relative’ for a Carer Visa?
For the purpose of this visa, a relative includes:
- Partner
- Child or stepchild
- Parent or step-parent
- Brother or sister (including step siblings)
- Grandparent or grandchild
- Aunt or uncle
- Niece or nephew
- Step equivalents of the above
This broad definition makes the Carer Visa one of the most family-inclusive Australian visas.
Who Can Sponsor a Carer Visa Applicant?
The sponsor must be the relative (or their partner) who requires care.
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor must be:
- 18 years or older
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Living in Australia
Medical Requirements for the Sponsor
A Carer Visa is only granted if the sponsor (or their partner):
- Has a long-term or permanent medical condition
- Suffers from a physical, intellectual, or sensory impairment
- Requires help with daily living activitiesfor at least two years
Medical Assessment
The sponsor must:
- Have been assessed, or
- Be arranging an assessment
through Bupa Medical Visa Services, which issues a medical certificate confirming:
- The nature of the condition
- The level of care required
- The expected duration of care
Why Other Care Options Must Be Unavailable
A critical requirement of the Carer Visa is proving that the sponsor:
- Cannot obtain adequate carefrom:
- Another relative in Australia, or
- Australian welfare services, hospitals, nursing services, or community care providers
This requirement ensures the visa is granted only when family care is essential and unavoidable.
Accommodation & Financial Support Obligations
The sponsor must formally agree to:
- Provide housingto the carer
- Provide financial support
for the first two years after the visa is granted, covering:
- The applicant
- Any family members included in the application
Onshore vs Offshore Carer Visa: Which One Applies to You?
| Visa Subclass | Where You Apply | Where You Must Be at Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 116 | Outside Australia | Outside Australia |
| Subclass 836 | Inside Australia | Inside Australia |
Choosing the correct subclass is essential to avoid refusal or delays.
Why the Carer Visa Is Complex
The Carer Visa is one of the most evidence-heavy visas in the Australian migration system. Applications are often delayed or refused due to:
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Failure to prove care cannot be sourced in Australia
- Incorrect sponsorship documentation
- Incomplete health or character checks
Professional preparation significantly improves success rates.
Local SEO Insight: Carer Visa Applications in Australia
Carer Visa applications are commonly lodged in major Australian cities including:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
Applicants often search for Carer Visa migration advice near me, highlighting the importance of local expertise and accurate guidance.
Get Expert Guidance from Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services
Applying for a Carer Visa (Subclass 116 or 836) can be complex due to strict medical assessments, sponsorship obligations, and detailed evidence requirements. Even a small mistake—such as insufficient medical documentation or failure to prove that care cannot be sourced in Australia—can lead to long delays or refusal.
This is where professional migration guidance becomes invaluable.
Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services provides tailored advice to families seeking a Carer Visa, ensuring applications are prepared accurately and in line with Australian immigration law.
How Abbasi Migration Can Help
✔ Assess your eligibility for Subclass 116 or 836
✔ Advise on medical and care evidence requirements
✔ Assist with sponsor obligations and documentation
✔ Guide you through onshore or offshore application strategies
✔ Reduce the risk of refusal or unnecessary delays
With a strong understanding of family-based visas and compassionate cases, Abbasi Migration offers clear, ethical, and personalised migration advice.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering a Carer Visa for Australia and want professional guidance you can trust, book a consultation with Abbasi Migration to discuss your situation in confidence.
👨💼 Registered Migration Agent: Touseef Abbasi
📜 MARN: 2518930
FAQs
Is the Carer Visa a permanent visa?
Yes. Both Subclass 116 and 836 grant permanent residency.
Can I include my family in the Carer Visa application?
Yes, eligible family members can be included, subject to health and character checks.
How long does Carer Visa processing take?
Processing times can be lengthy due to medical and care assessments. Timeframes vary case by case.
Can the second visa charge be waived?
Yes, if severe financial hardship can be demonstrated and accepted by the Minister.
Do I need to work as a professional carer?
No. The visa is based on family care, not professional qualifications.
Can I apply inside Australia?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for Subclass 836 and hold a valid visa.
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