If you have a family member in Australia suffering from a chronic medical condition and lacks the proper care means, you can seek a Carer Visa Australia. The visa is meant to allow relatives to migrate to Australia and offer physical and emotional support to an individual in need. There are two principal routes for this visa—Carer Visa 116 (offshore) and Carer Visa 836 (onshore).
What Is the Carer Visa Australia?
The Carer Visa Australia allows an individual from overseas to settle permanently in Australia to provide substantial and regular care to an Australian relative who cannot obtain the care they need from any other source.
There are two subclasses:
- Carer Visa 116 – Apply overseas
- Carer Visa 836 – Apply within Australia (you already need to be on an existing visa)
Both visas give permanent residence and access to Medicare, education, and work rights.
Visa Subclass 116 – Offshore Carer Visa
The Visa Subclass 116 is for people already abroad who want to come to Australia to care for a qualifying relative.
Carer Visa 116 Requirements:
You should be outside Australia when you lodge and when your visa is approved.
- The patient you’re taking care of should be an Australian resident, citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- A qualified doctor should sign a statement that the individual requires ongoing care as they have a permanent or long-term medical condition.
- Care cannot reasonably be provided by another relative or care agency.
- The carer has to be willing and capable of providing the required care.
- The sponsoring relative must be willing to act as a sponsor and make undertakings of support.
Visa Subclass 836 – Onshore Carer Visa
The Visa Subclass 836 is for those applicants who are in Australia and must continue to stay in the country so that they can care for a relative.
Carer Visa 836 Requirements:
- You need to be in Australia at the time of application and at the time of visa grant.
- You need to have a valid visa (not bridging visa or unlawful stay) at the time of application.
- The care recipient needs to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- A DMO needs to verify that the cared-for person has a permanent or long-term condition.
- No other relatives or community services must be brought in to offer the kind of care required.
Who Can You Care For?
You can be allowed to care for:
- A near relative like a parent, brother or sister, grandparent, or child
- A member of their household unit (e.g., partner, spouse, or dependent child)
What Is the Carer Visa Permitted to Do?
Once approved, visa subclass 116 and visa subclass 836 both qualify you to:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Medicare (public health)
- Apply for citizenship if eligible
- Sponsor eligible family members to Australia
Carer Visa Processing Time
Carer visa processing time can be long. As of 2025, it is typically:
- Carer Visa 116: 7 to 10 years
- Carer Visa 836: 6 to 9 years
It’s the result of scarce allocation under Australia’s Family Visa program. It’s critical to apply with a well-documented and detailed application so delay is avoided.
Why Does the Processing Take So Long?
- Capped visa program: There is a restricted number of carer visas issued annually.
- High demand: There are numerous individuals in the waiting list.
- Health and care assessments: Medical examination and supporting reports need careful scrutiny.
- Background and character checks also add to processing time.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Get a medical report early: Fill out forms dictated and utilize an approved medical doctor.
- Show you can do it: Demonstrate you can pay to care for and physically do caring.
- File all documents: Incomplete papers are the single most common cause of delay.
- Use a registered migration agent: If in doubt, professional assistance will prevent errors and enhance your prospects.
Final Thoughts
It is a kindly act based on compassion and pity to seek an Australian Carer Visa. Residing onshore for Carer Visa 836 or offshore for Carer Visa 116 both guarantee a long-term solution for families who desire to remain united and care for each other when they need them.
Even though the processing time for a carer visa is long, a quality and well-prepared application helps you have the best chance of success. If you are not certain of eligibility or documentation, you may consider hiring a migration expert to guide you through the process.
