Looking to Move to Australia to Care for a Family Member?
The Carer Visa (Subclass 116 and Subclass 836) is a permanent visa designed for individuals who wish to relocate to Australia to provide ongoing, substantial care for an Australian relative who has a long-term or permanent medical condition and lacks reasonable access to other care options. Our principal agent, Roy, and his experienced team of MARA-registered professionals provide step-by-step guidance from assessing eligibility and care requirements to managing health and medical documentation.
About the Subclass 116/836 Carer Visa
The Carer Visa allows relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently in order to provide essential, ongoing care to a family member with a serious, long-term medical condition.
The visa is available where the family member is unable to obtain the required care and support from other relatives or from welfare, hospital, nursing, or community services in Australia, and requires practical assistance due to a long-term medical condition that affects their ability to perform daily activities.
There are two subclasses, depending on your location at the time of applying:
- Subclass 116 (Offshore Visa): For applicants outside Australia at the time of application and grant. This also applies to all family members included as dependants in the visa application.
- Subclass 836 (Onshore Visa): For applicants already in Australia (but not in immigration clearance). This also applies to all family members included as dependants in the visa application.
Both subclasses offer permanent residency, giving you the right to live, work, and study in Australia while providing necessary care for your sponsoring relative.
Eligibility for the Subclass 116/836 Carer Visa
Both the carer (applicant) and the sponsor (the person needing care) must meet specific requirements.
Sponsor Requirements
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Must have a long-term or permanent medical condition that requires ongoing substantial care.
- Must obtain a medical assessment from an Australian Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC), confirming that the condition is significant and long-term, and that reasonable alternative care options are not available in Australia.
- Must agree to act as the sponsor and support the carer during their initial settlement period.
Applicant (Carer) Requirements
- Must be willing and able to provide continuous, substantial care and assistance to the sponsor.
- Must understand the nature and extent of the sponsor’s medical condition and care needs.
- Must be eligible to migrate to Australia (meeting health, character, and financial requirements).
- Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government (or have arranged to repay them).
- Must be in or outside Australia depending on the subclass (116 – offshore; 836 – onshore).
- If applying onshore, must hold a valid substantive visa (not a Transit visa).
- You must be sponsored by the relative who requires care and assistance, or by that relative’s partner.
- If you are applying for this visa to provide care, the sponsoring relative and the family member who needs care must be living in the same household.
Benefits of the Subclass 116/836 Carer Visa
With a Carer Visa, you can:
- Live permanently in Australia while caring for your family member.
- Work and study without restrictions.
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Sponsor eligible relatives to migrate to Australia.
- Travel freely to and from Australia for five years (then apply for a Resident Return Visa).
- Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible.
This visa ensures that families can stay united while providing the care and compassion their loved ones deserve.
End-to-End Subclass 116/836 Visa Support
At Easy Aussie Migration, we manage every aspect of your Carer Visa application with diligence and empathy. Our services include:
- Full eligibility assessment for both the sponsor and applicant.
- Coordination of medical assessments through Bupa Medical Visa Services.
- Preparation and submission of sponsorship and visa applications.
- Guidance on care evidence and supporting documentation.
- Communication with the Department of Home Affairs throughout processing.
- Prompt responses to any Department requests or additional information.
Our goal is to simplify your journey and maximise your chances of success while minimising delays.
SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR MIGRATION AGENTS TODAY ABOUT APPLYING FOR A SUBCLASS 116/836 CARER VISA!
Why Choose Easy Aussie Migration for Your Carer Visa
Applying for a Carer Visa can be challenging involving complex medical assessments, strict eligibility requirements, and comprehensive evidence of care arrangements. Here’s why families choose Easy Aussie Migration to guide them through the process:
- Specialists in Carer and Family Visas: We focus exclusively on family reunion and compassionate migration pathways, including carer, parent, and relative visas.
- Personalised Guidance: Every case is managed individually, taking into account your family’s specific medical, emotional, and financial circumstances.
- Medical and Department Expertise: Our agents have extensive experience coordinating with Bupa Medical Visa Services and the Department of Home Affairs to ensure all requirements are properly met.
- Transparent and Supportive Process: We provide complete clarity on documentation, timelines, and expectations, keeping you informed at every stage.
- Registered Professionals: All our migration agents are MARA-registered and fully updated with the latest Australian migration laws and policy changes.
Subclass 116/836 Carer Visa Checklist
A successful Carer Visa application relies on detailed and accurate documentation.
Sponsor Documents
- Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible NZ citizenship.
- Medical assessment confirming the long-term condition and need for care (Bupa report).
- Financial evidence demonstrating ability to support the carer upon arrival.
- Accommodation details showing where the carer will live.
- Statutory declarations outlining care needs and relationship with the carer.
Applicant (Carer) Documents
- Valid passport, birth certificate, and identity evidence.
- Character documents, including police clearances from all countries lived in for over 12 months.
- Health examination results meeting Department requirements.
- Statement of understanding outlining willingness and capacity to provide full-time care.
- Proof of relationship with the sponsor (family link documents).
How to be a sponsor for a Carer Visa?
To sponsor someone for a Carer Visa, you need to:
- Complete Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia
- Provide the completed form to the applicant so they can include it with their visa application
Sponsorship Obligations
Once your relative is granted this visa, you are required to assist them and any accompanying family members by providing necessary:
- Support
- Accommodation
- Assistance
Subclass 116/836 Visa Costs
Government Fees (Current Rates)
- AUD $2,175 payable at lodgement.
- Additional charges apply for secondary applicants (dependents, if any).
- Note: The second instalment is Nil.
Professional Fees:
At Easy Aussie Migration, our professional fees are based on your case’s complexity. We offer:
- Initial consultation and eligibility review.
- Document preparation and application submission.
- Ongoing communication with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Support through decision-making and post-lodgement stages.
We provide fixed-fee packages and flexible payment plans to ensure affordability for families managing care responsibilities.
Book A Consultation
Become a part of the Easy Aussie Migration lawyers family. We would love to assist you with your visa application!
Trusted by Individuals and Families Across Australia
Experienced Team
With years of experience handling a wide range of visa cases, our team understands the complexities of Australian immigration law. We’ve helped thousands of individuals and families start new lives in Australia with our expert advice and reliable support.
Fixed Pricing & Client Trust
No hidden fees. Our transparent, fixed pricing model means you know exactly what you’ll pay with no surprises. Hundreds of clients have placed their trust in us, confident that our fees reflect the true value of our expertise and commitment to their success.
Tailored Visa Solutions
Every client’s journey is unique, so we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We carefully assess your circumstances and craft visa strategies that align with your personal goals and immigration needs. Your success is our priority.
Fast and Efficient Service
Time matters when it comes to immigration. We use smart systems and efficient workflows to process applications quickly and accurately. Our team stays responsive and proactive to keep your visa journey moving smoothly.
Reliable & Clear Communication
We keep you informed every step of the way in plain and simple language. Whether it’s by email, phone or video call, you’ll always know what’s happening with your application. Our team is ready to answer your questions promptly and clearly.
End-to-End Support
From your first consultation to final visa approval, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether it’s documentation, communication with authorities, or answering your questions, we provide full support until you reach your goal.