Carer Visa (Subclass 836 and 116)
The Carer visa lets a person migrate to Australia permanently to give ongoing, substantial care to an Australian relative, or a member of that relative’s household, who has a long-term medical condition and cannot reasonably get the care they need elsewhere. The 836 is for applicants in Australia and the 116 is for applicants outside Australia.
The Carer visa is for people who need to look after a relative with a long-term medical condition, when no one else in Australia can provide that care. The 836 is for applicants in Australia and the 116 for those outside. The medical assessment and the evidence of care needs sit at the centre of the application.
- TypePermanent
- Onshore836
- Offshore116
- Key evidenceMedical assessment of the relative
Overview
The Carer visa lets a person migrate to Australia permanently to give ongoing, substantial care to an Australian relative.
- The relative, or a member of their household, must have a long-term medical condition and be unable to reasonably get the care they need elsewhere.
- The 836 is for applicants in Australia, and the 116 is for applicants outside Australia.
- Once granted, the visa gives permanent residence with work, study and travel rights.
Who this suits
Family members who already provide, or are ready to provide, substantial care for a relative in Australia
Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens whose relative needs long-term care
Applicants in Australia (836) or outside Australia (116) who have a close family connection to the person needing care
Families who have already considered other care options and need a clear assessment of their position
Key facts
- The sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- A medical assessment by Bupa Medical Services confirms the relative’s condition and care needs.
- The 836 must be lodged and decided while you are in Australia, and the 116 while you are outside Australia.
- This is a demanding visa to qualify for, so a realistic early assessment is important.
Government application fees
Carer (836 and 116)
Main applicant$2,720
Additional applicant 18+$1,365
Additional applicant under 18$680
A second instalment of $2,065 is payable before the visa is granted.
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- The care cannot reasonably be provided by other relatives or by community, medical or welfare services.
- You are willing and able to provide substantial, ongoing care for the relative.
- The relative’s medical condition meets the department’s requirements, as shown by the assessment.
- Your sponsor is approved and eligible, and your family relationship is documented.
- You meet health and character requirements, including police certificates where required.
How the process works
- 01Review your circumstances and the relative’s needs with us to confirm the visa is realistic
- 02Obtain the medical assessment of the relative
- 03Prepare evidence of your care capacity, the medical condition and the lack of alternative care
- 04Lodge the 836 or 116 application
- 05Complete health and character checks, then receive the decision and permanent residence if granted
Documents you will need
- Identity and relationship: passports, birth certificates and records showing your relationship to the person needing care
- Medical: reports from treating doctors and the medical assessment of the relative’s condition and care needs
- Care evidence: statements on the care needed, who provides it now and why others cannot reasonably do so
- Sponsor: evidence of the sponsor’s Australian status
- Health and character: examinations and police certificates for you and any included family members
What to expect after you apply
- The department may ask for further medical or care evidence, and it is important to reply fully and on time.
- Processing times vary and are not guaranteed, and we give you a realistic view when you lodge.
- Applicants must stay in the correct location for the visa: in Australia for the 836, and outside Australia for the 116.
- Medical assessment requirements and other rules can change, and Southern Stone confirms the current position with you.
How we help
- Assess whether your circumstances fit this visa
- Prepare a clear case on need for care and capacity to provide it
- Coordinate medical and supporting evidence
- Guide you through each step to lodgement and decision
Common pitfalls
- A medical assessment that does not meet the impairment threshold
- Not showing why others cannot reasonably provide the care
- Weak evidence of your capacity to give care
- Lodging from the wrong location
- Underestimating processing times
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 836 and the 116?
The 836 is for applicants in Australia, and the 116 is the offshore equivalent for applicants outside Australia. The application must be lodged and decided from the matching location. We confirm which one applies to you before anything is lodged.
Does it lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Once granted, the visa gives permanent residence with work, study and travel rights. Because the grant depends on meeting strict requirements, a well-prepared case is important. We assess whether your circumstances fit before you commit to an application.
Who counts as a person needing care?
It must be an Australian relative, or a member of that relative’s household, with a long-term medical condition, whose care needs are confirmed by a medical assessment. The sponsor must be a citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. We review the facts with you.
Why does the department need to know others cannot provide the care?
The visa is intended for situations where the care cannot reasonably be provided by other relatives or by community, medical or welfare services. You need to show why. We help you present a clear explanation supported by evidence from the family and treating practitioners.
What does the medical assessment involve?
The relative’s condition and care needs are assessed by Bupa Medical Services, and the result is central to the case. An assessment that does not meet the required threshold can end the application. We help you prepare before the assessment is arranged.
Can I work or study while waiting for a decision?
This depends on your current visa and its conditions, as well as the visa pathway you are in. Waiting times can be significant and change over time. Southern Stone checks your visa conditions and gives you a realistic picture of what to expect.