Carer Visa (Subclass 116)
Carer Visas (subclasses 116 and 836) are permanent family visas for people who need to move to, or remain in, Australia to provide ongoing substantial care to an eligible relative, or in some circumstances a member of that relative’s family, because of a long-term medical condition.
The pathway depends on the applicant’s location, with sponsorship, medical evidence and access to other care also forming important parts of eligibility.
Personalised Professional Migration Guidance
Why Choose Us for Carer Visas (Subclass 116 & 836)
Visa Route Migration is led by Rose Khangura and provides professional assistance with Australian migration and visa matters. Her formal Registered Migration Agent details are Rachhpal Kaur Khangura, MARN 2619247, giving clients a clearly identified migration professional responsible for their matter.
Rose has two years of experience in migration and visa services, including work with visa files, documentation and application preparation. Her confirmed qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law & Practice from Victoria University, completed in 2024, as well as a Diploma in Management.
Carer Visa matters can involve personal family circumstances alongside detailed migration requirements. Visa Route Migration’s approach emphasises individual assessment, transparency, practical guidance, understandable explanations and realistic expectations rather than treating applications as a standardised processing exercise.
Professional assistance can be agreed according to the circumstances of the matter and may range from limited-scope work to broader application assistance. Visa Route Migration can assist people throughout Australia and clients overseas where their enquiry concerns Australian migration.
Carer Visa Pathways
The two Carer Visa subclasses address the same underlying family caring situation but apply in different location circumstances. Understanding whether the offshore or onshore pathway is relevant is an important starting point before considering the remaining requirements.
Subclass 116
Subclass 836
Carer Visa Subclass 116 for Offshore Applicants
Subclass 116 is the offshore Carer Visa pathway for a person seeking permanent residence in Australia to provide care in a qualifying family situation. Current application rules require the applicant to be outside Australia, and the applicant must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted. The pathway requires sponsorship and satisfaction of the Carer Visa criteria rather than family connection alone.
The caring circumstances require prescribed medical evidence and a genuine need for substantial and continuing assistance. The relevant medical condition must create the required level of impairment and need for direct assistance, while the availability of other relatives and Australian welfare, hospital, nursing or community services can also be relevant to whether the carer definition is met.
Subclass 116 applications are also subject to the capping and queueing arrangements that apply to Other Family visas. This means applicants should consider the pathway with realistic expectations about processing rather than assuming a fixed timeframe. Visa Route Migration can provide professional assistance under an agreed scope, which may include assessment, document or application review, or broader application assistance depending on the circumstances.
I contacted Visa Route Migration because I was confused about the difference between the subclass 116 and subclass 836 Carer Visas. My family situation involved ongoing care needs, but I was unsure which pathway matched my circumstances. The explanations helped me understand why my location and individual visa situation mattered, as well as what information needed closer assessment before I could decide how to proceed.
Carer Visa Pathways
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My main concern was understanding the evidence connected with my relative’s medical condition and care needs. There was much more to consider than simply showing that a family member was unwell. I found it useful to discuss the caring situation, the type of assistance required, and the information that could be relevant to the application. This gave me a clearer idea of what needed to be addressed.
Care Needs Evidence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I needed help understanding how sponsorship fitted into a Carer Visa application. I knew my family member needed care, but I had questions about the relationship between the applicant, the person receiving care, and the sponsor. Visa Route Migration helped me work through the migration issues that required individual consideration rather than assuming that the family relationship alone was enough to establish whether the pathway was suitable.
Carer Visa Sponsorship
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I was living overseas when I started looking into the Carer Visa because a relative in Australia had significant care needs. I wanted professional guidance about the subclass 116 pathway and what I should understand before preparing an application. I appreciated having the Australian migration issues explained clearly and being able to discuss my circumstances without needing to be physically located in Melbourne to begin the conversation.
Subclass 116 Guidance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I was already in Australia when I began exploring the subclass 836 Carer Visa and was particularly concerned about how my existing visa situation could affect my options. The discussion helped me understand that an onshore Carer Visa should not be treated as automatically available simply because I was in Australia. Having my circumstances considered individually gave me a clearer idea of what needed to be assessed before taking further steps.
Subclass 836 Assessment
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I had already gathered a number of documents before seeking professional assistance, but I was unsure whether I was approaching the application in the right way. Visa Route Migration helped me look at the matter more systematically, including the caring circumstances, supporting information, and application requirements. This gave me a clearer understanding of where professional review could assist, rather than simply continuing to collect documents without a clear purpose.
Application Document Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I initially wanted to know whether the Carer Visa might be relevant to my family before committing to a detailed assessment. The initial discussion helped clarify the general nature of my enquiry and what further information might be needed. I also appreciated understanding the difference between a free initial consultation and a full professional eligibility assessment, so I knew what could be discussed initially and what might require a formal engagement.
Initial Visa Consultation
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️One of my biggest concerns was how long a Carer Visa application could take. I did not want unrealistic promises about processing times or the outcome. The information I received helped me understand that these applications sit within the Other Family visa system and that processing can involve significant waiting periods. Having this limitation discussed realistically helped me approach the application with more appropriate expectations rather than relying on an assumed timeframe.
Carer Visa Processing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Carer Visa Questions Answered
What Is a Carer Visa?
A Carer Visa is a permanent Australian family visa for an eligible relative who will provide substantial and continuing care or assistance because of a qualifying long-term medical condition. The person needing care must also meet requirements concerning their Australian status and reasonable access to other care options.
What Is the Difference Between 116 and 836?
Subclass 116 is the offshore Carer Visa pathway. The applicant must be outside Australia when applying. Subclass 836 is the onshore pathway and requires the applicant to be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when applying. Other subclass-specific criteria also apply, so location alone does not establish eligibility.
Who Can the Applicant Provide Care For?
The relevant person may be the applicant’s Australian relative or, in qualifying circumstances, a member of that relative’s family unit. The legislation also contains requirements concerning the status of the relevant Australian resident and the relationship between that person and the applicant. Individual family circumstances should therefore be checked against the applicable criteria.
What Level of Care Is Required?
The Carer Visa criteria go beyond occasional family help. Current migration regulations refer to a medical condition causing an impairment that creates a need for direct assistance with practical aspects of daily life, with that need expected to continue for at least two years. The applicant must also be willing and able to provide substantial and continuing assistance.
Is a Medical Assessment Required?
Yes. The prescribed medical assessment is a central part of the Carer Visa requirements. Current application rules require evidence that the relevant medical assessment has been sought, and Home Affairs directs Carer Visa medical assessments through Bupa Medical Visa Services in Australia. The required medical evidence should be addressed before lodging the applicable subclass.
What Does No Reasonable Access to Care Mean?
The requirement is more specific than a family preference for a particular person to provide care. Migration regulations consider whether the required assistance can reasonably be provided by another eligible relative in Australia or obtained through welfare, hospital, nursing or community services. The actual circumstances and available care therefore need to be considered carefully.
Does a Carer Visa Require Sponsorship?
Yes. Carer Visa applicants must have an eligible sponsor, and the sponsorship must be approved. The applicable rules address who may sponsor the applicant, including circumstances involving the Australian relative or that relative’s spouse or de facto partner. The precise sponsorship position depends on the subclass and family circumstances.
Is a Carer Visa Permanent?
Yes. Both subclass 116 and subclass 836 are permanent visas. A granted Carer Visa allows the holder to live in Australia permanently, subject to the applicable visa arrangements and Australian law. Permanent residence also provides rights and entitlements associated with the visa, although separate eligibility requirements apply to matters such as citizenship.
How Long Does a Carer Visa Take?
Carer Visas are part of the Other Family visa program and are subject to capping and queueing. Home Affairs states that demand exceeds the number of places available and that processing can be lengthy. Exact processing timeframes cannot be provided, so applicants should not rely on a guaranteed decision date when planning around this pathway.
How Is a Carer Visa Application Lodged?
Home Affairs currently requires Other Family visa applications to be made using paper application forms. Since 23 July 2025, Carer Visa subclasses 116 and 836 are among the paper-based applications that can subsequently be imported into ImmiAccount, allowing applicants to access relevant online application-management services after submission.
Does the Free Consultation Confirm My Eligibility?
No. Visa Route Migration’s free initial consultation is intended to understand your circumstances, identify the general nature of your enquiry and discuss potential next steps where appropriate. It does not automatically include a complete eligibility assessment, detailed migration strategy or extensive professional advice. A formal engagement may be required for detailed assessment.
Can Visa Route Migration Help If I Am Overseas?
Yes, where the matter concerns Australian migration. Visa Route Migration can assist clients located overseas as well as people throughout Australia. This can be particularly relevant to someone exploring the offshore subclass 116 pathway, although the appropriate professional scope still depends on the individual circumstances and agreed engagement.
Phone Number
0450 337 213
Business Location
4 Handsome Ave, Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia
E-Mail ID
[email protected]Discuss Your Carer Visa Situation
If you are considering a Carer Visa because a relative in Australia has significant long-term care needs, use the enquiry form to tell Visa Route Migration about your circumstances and where you are currently located. A free initial consultation can help clarify the general nature of your enquiry and possible next steps. If detailed eligibility or strategy advice is required, formal professional engagement may be recommended.
Carer Visa Subclass 836 for Onshore Applicants
Subclass 836 is the permanent onshore Carer Visa pathway. Home Affairs requires the applicant to be in Australia when applying and when the application is decided. The subclass also contains requirements concerning the applicant’s substantive visa position, which means being physically present in Australia does not by itself establish that a valid subclass 836 application can be made.
The applicant must be willing and able to provide ongoing substantial care and continuing support or assistance in the qualifying family situation. Home Affairs also requires the prescribed medical assessment process and evidence addressing the lack of reasonable access to care in Australia. Sponsorship must be provided by an eligible sponsor and approved.
Because subclass 836 has onshore visa-status requirements, a person’s current or recent visa position and immigration history can be important when considering the pathway. General information cannot determine how those rules apply to a particular person. Visa Route Migration can assess the migration circumstances and provide the level of professional assistance agreed for the matter, without assuming eligibility or a particular visa outcome.
Subclass 116 vs 836
| Decision Point | Subclass 116 | Subclass 836 |
|---|---|---|
| Pathway | Offshore Carer Visa | Onshore Carer Visa |
| When Applying | Applicant outside Australia | Applicant in Australia, not immigration clearance |
| When Decided | Applicant outside Australia | Applicant in Australia |
| Visa Type | Permanent visa | Permanent visa |
| Care Need | Substantial and continuing care required | Substantial and continuing care required |
| Medical Evidence | Prescribed medical assessment required | Prescribed medical assessment required |
| Sponsorship | Eligible approved sponsor required | Eligible approved sponsor required |
| Other Care | Reasonable alternative care is relevant | Reasonable alternative care is relevant |
Before You Rely on the Subclass 116 Pathway
These are important points to check early when considering an offshore Carer Visa application.
Subclass 116 Is an Offshore Pathway
The applicant must be outside Australia when applying for subclass 116 and must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted. Location should therefore be checked before treating subclass 116 as the appropriate Carer Visa pathway.
Family Connection Alone Is Not Enough
The relationship between the applicant and the person needing care is important, but it does not establish eligibility by itself. The relevant family relationship, the Australian status of the person concerned and the sponsorship arrangements all need to fit the applicable requirements.
Describe the Care, Not Just the Diagnosis
A medical condition on its own does not explain the required caring situation. The assessment considers whether the condition creates a need for direct assistance with practical aspects of daily life, with the required level of care expected to continue for at least two years.
The Medical Assessment Is a Formal Step
The prescribed medical assessment is central to the Carer Visa requirements. Current arrangements direct Carer Visa medical assessments through Bupa Medical Visa Services in Australia, and the required medical evidence should be addressed before lodging the applicable subclass.
Other Available Care Can Affect the Assessment
The question is not simply whether the family would prefer the applicant to provide care. Consideration can also be given to whether another eligible relative in Australia, or welfare, hospital, nursing or community services, can reasonably provide the required assistance.
Plan Around Queueing, Not a Fixed Decision Date
Carer Visas sit within the Other Family visa program and are subject to capping and queueing. Processing can therefore be lengthy, and an exact decision date should not be assumed when making personal, family or relocation plans around a subclass 116 application.
Preparing for Your Enquiry
What to Have Ready When Discussing a Carer Visa Subclass 116
You do not need to determine your own eligibility before contacting Visa Route Migration. However, having some key information ready can make the initial discussion more focused and help identify what may need closer assessment.
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Where the Applicant Is Currently Located
Be ready to explain where the proposed visa applicant is currently living. Subclass 116 is the offshore Carer Visa pathway, so the applicant’s location is an important starting point when discussing the matter.
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Who Needs Care and the Family Relationship
Explain who in Australia requires care and how that person is related to the proposed applicant. The family relationship is relevant, but it needs to be considered together with the other Carer Visa requirements.
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What Ongoing Assistance Is Actually Needed
Be prepared to describe the caring situation in practical terms, including the type of direct assistance the person needs with everyday life and whether the need is expected to continue.
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Where the Medical-Assessment Process Stands
If the prescribed Carer Visa medical-assessment process has already been started, mention this during the enquiry. Also identify any medical or care-related information that has already been gathered.
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What Other Care May Be Available in Australia
Explain, as far as you know, whether another relative or welfare, hospital, nursing or community service currently provides or may be able to provide the required assistance.
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Sponsorship and Relevant Migration Information
If known, identify who may be involved in sponsoring the applicant and their relationship to the family situation. Also mention any Australian immigration history or other migration circumstances that may be relevant to the enquiry.
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Information or Documents Already Gathered
Let Visa Route Migration know what supporting information or documents you already have. There is no need to assume that every possible document should be collected before the initial discussion; further information can be identified where appropriate.