Why Choose the Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836)?

The Carer Visa (Subclass 116 – Offshore / Subclass 836 – Onshore) is designed for individuals who wish to move to Australia to provide ongoing, substantial care for a relative with a long-term or permanent medical condition. This permanent visa allows caregivers to live in Australia and support their family members who cannot receive adequate care from other sources.

It is the ideal solution for Australian residents needing long-term support and for compassionate family members who are ready to step in and offer care on a permanent basis.

Key Benefits of the Carer Visa

• Live permanently in Australia with your relative

• Access Medicare and other essential public health services

• Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years

• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible

• Provide long-term, meaningful support to a loved one in need

Who Can Apply for the Carer Visa?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a relative in Australia who requires substantial, ongoing care due to a serious medical condition

• Are willing and able to provide that care on a daily basis

• Are sponsored by the relative or their partner

• Are applying from outside Australia (Subclass 116) or inside Australia (Subclass 836) on a valid visa

• Have no access to alternative care services for the person needing help

Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Carer Visa, applicants must:

• Be sponsored by an eligible Australian relative (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen)

• Provide evidence that the relative has a long-term medical condition (minimum 2 years)

• Undergo medical assessment by Bupa Medical Visa Services (authorized by the Department of Home Affairs)

• Show that no other family members or community services in Australia are able to provide adequate care

• Meet standard health and character requirements

Sponsorship Obligations

The sponsor must:

• Be aged 18 or older

• Be legally and permanently residing in Australia

• Provide accommodation and support to the carer upon their arrival

• Accept financial responsibility for the applicant for the first 2 years

Medical Assessment Requirements

• The person requiring care must undergo a medical assessment

• The condition must be serious, long-term or permanent, and limit the person's ability to manage daily life without assistance

• The need for care must be certified by Bupa Medical Visa Services as necessary and ongoing

Who Can Be Included in the Application?

Applicants may include:

• Their partner or dependent children, provided they meet health and character criteria

• All family members must be declared, even if they are not migrating

Onshore vs Offshore Options

• Subclass 116 (Offshore): For carers applying from outside Australia. You must be outside Australia at both the time of application and visa grant.

• Subclass 836 (Onshore): For carers already in Australia on a valid visa (excluding some bridging, transit, or criminal justice visas) and applying to remain.

Important Considerations

• Processing times can be long due to limited placements under this category

• An Assurance of Support (AoS) may be required to confirm financial stability

• The visa is permanent, so once granted, you have unrestricted residency rights in Australia

Need Support with a Carer Visa?

At Rozario Enterprises, we understand how deeply personal and critical caregiving is. Whether you're overseas or already in Australia, we help you bring compassion into your family’s future—legally, efficiently, and with complete support.

Let our experienced migration experts guide you through assessments, documentation, and application success—so you can focus on what truly matters: caring for your loved one.

Rozario Enterprises – Because family means being there, always.