Carer Visas
(Subclass 836 & 116)
Care for your family with the security of permanent residency. This visa allows individuals to move to Australia to support relatives with long term medical conditions.
Visa Type
Permanent PR
Live & work indefinitely
Requirement
Medical Need
Long term condition
Processing
High Demand
Limited annual places
Application Fee
$2,115 AUD
Base applicant fee
Understanding the Carer Visa
The Subclass 836 & 116 Visas are designed for family members who are willing and able to provide long term care for an Australian relative. These visas recognize the critical role that family support plays in managing serious medical conditions.
To qualify, you must demonstrate a genuine medical need from your relative in Australia. This condition must significantly impact their daily life for at least two years. Crucially, you must prove that the care cannot be provided by any other relative in Australia or through local nursing and community services.
The process involves detailed medical assessments and evidence of family ties. We help families navigate the high evidentiary bar, ensuring the medical reports and relationship proofs are structured to meet the Department's strict standards.
Key Eligibility Criteria
The Carer visa has one of the highest bars for evidence in the family stream.
Proving the Need
The care recipient must have a condition that scores at least 30 on the 'Impairment Rating' scale. You must also prove that no other relative or Australian service can provide this level of care.
Sponsor Obligations
- Australian Relative: Your sponsor must be a citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen related to you.
- Two Year Support: The sponsor must provide financial support and accommodation for your first 2 years.
Visa Streams
Key Features of the Carer Visa
Explore the rights and differences between onshore and offshore options.
Caring for Loved Ones
This visa allows you to move to Australia permanently to provide essential care for a relative with a long term medical condition who cannot get help elsewhere.
Outcome
Permanent Residency
Key Detail
Must be a relative of the person requiring care.
Future Potential
Direct route to living in Australia while supporting your family.
Eligibility Benchmarks
Both the Carer and the relative must meet these criteria for a successful application.
Relative Connection
You must be related to the person requiring care (spouse, child, parent, etc).
Medical Need
Relative must have a permanent condition assessed by BUPA medical.
No Other Care
Must show no other Australian relative can provide this level of care.
Character
Applicant must provide clean police records and pass health checks.
Roadmap
The Application Lifecycle
A simplified step by step horizontal guide to your carer migration journey.
Medical Assessment
Care recipient obtains a BUPA certificate confirming need for care.
Documentation
Gather proof of relationship, financials, and care plans.
Lodge Application
Submit your 836 or 116 application and pay the fee.
Wait & Verify
Complete medical and character checks for the applicant.
Visa Grant
Receive your PR and move to Australia to provide care.
Crucial Advice
Carer visas are highly scrutinized by the Department:
- Exhausting All Options: You must convincingly prove why Australian community services or nursing homes are not a suitable alternative.
- Financial Support: Your sponsor must show they have the funds to support your living costs for the first 2 years.
- Wait Times: Be prepared for a long wait. Because spots are capped, it can take several years from application to grant.
Application Costs
*Does not include fees for the mandatory BUPA medical assessment, police clearances, or document translations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recent Articles
June 2, 2026
Catastrophic Reduction in 491 Visa Allocations for 2026
June 1, 2026
186 ENS Visa Sees Significant Jump in Planning Levels
Want to care for your family in Australia?
A Carer visa is a compassionate but complex pathway. Our legal experts will help you gather the right medical evidence for a successful outcome.