The Carer (Subclass 116 and 836) is a permanent visa for relatives who provide care to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen with a significant medical condition.
Read our general information and document checklists in relation to this visa below. Contact us directly for specific advice.
Carer (Subclass 116 & 836) visa
These visas are for a relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to migrate to Australia to provide ongoing, substantial care to that person (or to a member of that person’s family) where the care cannot reasonably be provided by another relative or community services already in Australia.
For further information, see our Carer visa FAQs section or contact us directly.
Target Market
Relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who have a medical condition causing significant impairment in daily functioning and who require ongoing, substantial care.
Visa types
- Carer (Subclass 116) — offshore
- Carer (Subclass 836) — onshore
Sponsor requirements
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen (the “Australian relative”)
- For Subclass 836: the sponsor must be settled and usually resident in Australia
- A spouse or de facto partner of the Australian relative may act as the sponsor, provided they are aged 18+, cohabiting with the relative, and are themselves an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Visa applicant requirements
- The applicant must be a relative of the person requiring care
- A Bupa Medical Visa Services assessment must confirm:
- a medical condition exists
- it causes a physical, intellectual or sensory impairment to daily functioning
- the impairment meets the required Impairment Tables rating (currently 30) and
- the person needs direct assistance in daily life for at least two years.
- The person requiring care must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- The required care cannot reasonably be provided by another relative who is a citizen or permanent resident, or by existing welfare, hospital, nursing or community services in Australia
- The applicant must be willing and able to provide substantial, continuing assistance of the kind identified in the Bupa certificate
- Meet health and character requirements
Documents
Carer (Subclass 116 & 836) visa
The required documents depend on your particular circumstances including (but not limited to) your family members, your health and character, and your identity. Your Hannan Tew advisor will provide you with a link to the Hannan Tew portal which will set out the specific documents required.
This page outlines general document requirements.
Identity
- Copy of passport bio-data page for the applicant and each included family member.
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
Relationship to the person requiring care
- Evidence establishing that the applicant is a relative of the person requiring care (e.g. birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other legal documents demonstrating the family relationship)
Medical condition and care needed
- Evidence that a Bupa Medical Visa Services assessment has been arranged — this must accompany the application at lodgement
- Medical reports or documents relating to the medical condition and care the person requires
- Explanations or expert opinions as to why this care cannot be provided by anyone else or any other service provider
- The completed Bupa certificate once issued will be provided to the Department directly
Sponsorship
- Proof that the sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen (e.g. passport, citizenship certificate)
- Evidence that the sponsor is settled and usually resident in Australia (for Subclass 836 applications only)
Family members included in application
- Copies of passport bio-data pages for each included family member
- Full birth certificate for each child, listing both parents’ names
- Adoption papers or court orders (if applicable)
- For children over 16: police clearances for any country where the child has lived for 12 months or more.
- For dependent children over 18: evidence of financial dependence (e.g. bank statements) and evidence of continued enrolment in full-time study
On request
- Police clearances for any country in which you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- Health examinations
Carer Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Carer visa?
The Carer visa (Subclass 116 or 836) is a permanent visa that allows a relative of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia in order to provide ongoing, substantial care to that person — or to a member of that person’s immediate family — where the person has a significant medical condition that impairs their daily functioning and the care cannot reasonably be provided by others in Australia.
What is the difference between Subclass 116 and Subclass 836?
The key distinction is where the applicant is located. Subclass 116 is an offshore visa: the applicant must be outside Australia when they lodge their application and when the visa is granted. Subclass 836 is an onshore visa: the applicant must be in Australia both points. The substantive eligibility criteria — including the Bupa assessment and the carer test — are the same for both subclasses.
Who can be the person requiring care?
The person requiring care must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The care can be provided directly to that person, or to a member of that person’s family unit where the Australian relative has a long-term need to provide that care to their family member.
What is the Bupa assessment and why is it required?
The Bupa Medical Visa Services assessment is a mandatory step in every Carer visa application. Bupa is the only approved health service provider for this purpose. Bupa assesses whether the person requiring care has a medical condition that causes a physical, intellectual or sensory impairment of the required ‘impairment rating’, and whether that person needs direct assistance in daily life for at least two years. Once a valid Bupa certificate is issued, the Department is required by law to treat Bupa’s opinion on these matters as correct. Evidence that the Bupa assessment has been sought must be lodged with the visa application from the outset.
What does it mean that the care cannot be provided by others?
The applicant must demonstrate that the required care cannot reasonably be provided by another relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, nor by existing welfare, hospital, nursing or community services in Australia.
What are the application costs?
The first instalment visa application charge for a primary carer applicant is currently around A$2,175 (subject to annual indexation). Additional charges apply for each family member who is a part of this application. A second instalment must be paid before the visa is granted, unless the Minister has determined that severe financial hardship applies. Fees change regularly — speak to your Hannan Tew representative for a current fee assessment.
How long does processing take?
Processing times for Carer visas are not officially published by the Department of Home Affairs. Processing can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the Bupa assessment, the completeness of the application, and current Departmental workloads. Your Hannan Tew adviser can provide guidance based on current processing trends.
Is the Carer visa permanent?
Yes. Both Subclass 116 and Subclass 836 are permanent visas. The visa holder is granted a five-year travel facility from the date of grant, allowing them to travel to and from Australia freely during that period. After the travel facility expires, the holder must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident or may consider applying for Australian citizenship.
Can I include family members in my Carer visa application?
Yes. You may include members of your family unit — such as your partner (married or de facto) and dependent children — as secondary applicants in a combined application. Family members who are included must also meet health, character and other applicable public interest criteria.
What happens if my visa is refused?
If your Carer visa application is refused, you may have rights of review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Hannan Tew can advise you on all available options.
Disclaimer
The information contained here is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or give rise to an attorney-client relationship between you and our firm. The information: (i) must be regarded as a practical guide for general information and not a process guide for determining the specific immigration requirements of the countries covered, (ii) should not be a substitute for a more indepth analysis of applicable facts and circumstances conducted by competent professionals, and (iii) does not represent an opinion from Hannan Tew or any of its agents with regard to the laws of any of the jurisdictions concerned. The information does not guarantee the outcome or approval of any particular immigration application.
What can we do for you?
With extensive experience assisting applicants applying for visas from all corners of the world, our staff are well placed to assist with all issues in relation to Australian visas for carers including visa applications and general advisory.
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