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Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836) | Wintr Consulting

Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836)

Providing permanent residency for those needed to care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition.

The Carer visa allows an eligible person to live in Australia permanently to provide ongoing and substantial care to an Australian relative (or the relative’s family member) who has a long-term medical condition and who is unable to access the necessary care through alternative arrangements in Australia.

This visa is intended for situations where the required support cannot reasonably be provided by Australian services or family members already in Australia.

Visa Options

Carer (Subclass 116) Visa

Offshore Application

This visa is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is decided.

Key Benefits:

  • Permanent residency on grant
  • Full work and study rights
  • Access to Medicare
  • Eligibility to apply for citizenship once residency requirements are met

Carer (Subclass 836) Visa

Onshore Application

This visa applies to eligible applicants already in Australia. The applicant may remain in Australia while the visa is processed, provided they hold a valid visa at time of lodgement.

Key Benefits:

  • Identical to subclass 116 but allows the relative to stay in Australia during processing.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Carer visa, the applicant must:

  • Be willing and able to provide ongoing, substantial care to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Be sponsored by the person requiring care or a family member of that person.
  • Demonstrate that the care is not reasonably accessible in Australia through other relatives or community, health or welfare services.
  • Provide care for someone with a long-term medical condition (lasting or expected to last at least 2 years).
  • Ensure the medical condition is assessed by Bupa Medical Services via the official Medical Assessment Certificate process.
  • For subclass 836: hold a valid visa at the time of application (certain bridging visas may be eligible).

Processing Times & Capping

Unfortunately, these visas are subject to capping and queuing arrangements and often involve lengthy processing timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can sponsor a Carer visa applicant?
The person requiring care or their close family member who lives with them can act as sponsor.
How is the medical condition assessed?
Bupa Medical Services must complete a Medical Assessment Certificate confirming the care need and duration.
What type of care must be provided?
Personal care and practical support due to a long-term medical condition — not general domestic help alone.
Do I need qualifications to be a carer?
Formal qualifications are not required, but you must show the ability and commitment to provide the necessary care.
Can I work while caring?
Yes, if you continue to provide the required level of care.
What if the medical condition improves?
Changes must be reported; if care needs reduce significantly, it may affect eligibility.
Can children be included?
Yes, eligible family members may be included in the application.
Can I travel during processing?
Subclass 836 applicants may require a Bridging Visa B to travel. Subclass 116 applicants must be offshore at grant.

Acknowledgement of Country

Wintr Consulting acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures, and the elders past and present.

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