Carer Visa 116 / 836- Australia Permanent Care Visa Guide
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The Carer Visa 116 / 836 allows eligible individuals to live in Australia permanently to care for a relative with a long-term medical condition who has no reasonable access to care.
This visa is available in two types:
- Subclass 116 visa Australia (offshore carer visa 116)
- Subclass 836 visa Australia (onshore carer visa 836)
At Visa Empire, we help you understand the process and improve your chances of a successful application.
What is the Carer Visa for Australia?
The Carer Visa for Australia is a permanent visa designed for individuals who can provide essential care and support to an Australian relative in need.
It is part of the family visa category and offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
Difference Between Subclass 116 and Subclass 836
Carer Visa 116: Apply from outside Australia
Carer Visa 836: Apply from within Australia
Both visas offer the same benefits but differ in location requirements.
Benefits of a Carer Visa Australia
With the Carer Visa 116 / 836, you can:
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Medicare (public healthcare system)
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Carer Visa Eligibility Australia
To meet the carer visa eligibility in Australia, you must:
- Be sponsored by an eligible Australian relative
- Provide ongoing care for someone with a long-term medical condition
- Prove that the person has no reasonable access to care in Australia
- Meet health and character requirements
For Subclass 836 visa in Australia, you must be in Australia when applying and when the decision is made.
For Subclass 116 visa in Australia, you must be outside Australia at both stages.
Who Can Sponsor a Carer Visa in Australia?
For the Carer Visa in Australia, the sponsor must:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be the relative (or their partner) requiring care
- Support you during your initial stay (for subclass 116)
Carer Visa Cost
The carer visa cost starts from approximately AUD 2,175.
Additional expenses may include:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearances
- Supporting documentation
Carer Visa Processing Time in Australia
The carer visa processing time in Australia can be lengthy due to:
- High demand
- Limited visa places
- Queue-based processing
Applicants should be prepared for extended waiting periods.
Documents Required for Carer Visa in Australia
A typical list of documents for carer visa in Australia includes:
- Valid passport
- Sponsorship documents
- Medical evidence of the relative’s condition
- Proof that no reasonable care options are available
- Identity and character documents
Strong documentation is critical for approval.
How to Apply for a Carer Visa in Australia
The process to apply for a carer visa in Australia includes:
- Confirm eligibility
- Arrange sponsorship
- Gather supporting documents
- Lodge the application
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait for processing
Applicants can now import paper applications into ImmiAccount for easier tracking.
Medical Requirements Carer Visa in Australia
Applicants must meet medical requirements for a carer visa in Australia, including:
- Health checks
- Medical assessments
- Evidence supporting the care requirement
Important Things to Know
- The Carer Visa 116 / 836 is a permanent visa
- It is granted only when no alternative care is available
- Processing times can be very long
- Strong medical evidence is essential
Why Choose Visa Empire?
Applying for a Carer Visa for Australia can be complex and document-heavy.
Visa Empire provides:
- Expert advice on carer visa eligibility in Australia
- Complete documentation support
- End-to-end application assistance
- Reduced risk of delays or refusals
Apply for Carer Visa 116 / 836 Today
Planning to support your loved one in Australia? Our experienced migration professionals are here to serve you well.
Contact Visa Empire today for expert help with your Carer Visa 116 / 836 application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main difference is that the Carer visa 836 is an onshore visa (applied from within Australia), while the Carer visa 116 is an offshore visa (applied from outside Australia).
The Carer visa subclass 836 is a permanent visa that allows a person to stay in Australia to care for a relative with a long-term medical condition.
The Carer Visa Subclass 836 is subject to capping and queuing under the “Other Family” category, leading to very long processing times. In many cases, applicants may wait 7 to 12 years or more for a decision.
The Carer visa subclass 116 is a permanent visa for individuals outside Australia who need to move to Australia to care for a relative with a serious medical condition.
The Subclass 116 Carer Visa processing time typically ranges from 4 to 7 years, depending on demand and application complexity. Submitting complete documents can help avoid delays.
The Australia Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836) starts from AUD 2,175, with an additional second instalment of AUD 2,065 per applicant. There are some additional costs for health checks and documentation as well.