Carer Visa Subclass 116 and 836: Complete Guide
Anisa Zainudin
Immigration Lawyer
Last Updated: 6th September 2026
The Carer Visa Subclass 116 and 836 provides a permanent migration pathway for eligible people who need to care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition and who does not have reasonable access to suitable care options in Australia.
The two subclasses serve the same broad purpose, but the applicant’s location determines which visa applies:
- Subclass 116 generally applies to applicants outside Australia.
- Subclass 836 generally applies to applicants in Australia.
Both visas sit within Australia’s Other Family visa program and can provide permanent residence once granted. Home Affairs confirms that both subclasses are permanent visas for carers of Australian relatives with long-term medical conditions.
Because these visas involve medical, family, sponsorship and evidentiary requirements, applicants should assess the case carefully before lodging.
What Is the Carer Visa?
The Carer Visa Subclass 116 and 836 allows an eligible person to care for a relative in Australia who has a long-term medical condition and lacks reasonable access to appropriate care in Australia.
The visa focuses on whether the applicant can provide the level of care required and whether the person in Australia genuinely needs that assistance.
Importantly, the visa does not exist simply because a relative has a medical condition. The application must also address the availability of alternative care in Australia and the practical role the proposed carer will perform.
What Is the Difference Between Carer Visa Subclass 116 and Subclass 836?
The main difference concerns where the applicant applies from.
Carer Visa Subclass 116
The Subclass 116 Carer Visa generally applies where the applicant is outside Australia.
Carer Visa Subclass 836
The Subclass 836 Carer Visa generally applies where the applicant is in Australia and meets the relevant onshore requirements.
Both visas provide permanent residence, but applicants must use the subclass that fits their location and visa circumstances.
Therefore, choosing the correct subclass before lodging remains essential.
Who Can Apply for the Carer Visa Subclass 116 and Subclass 836?
An applicant generally needs to show that they can provide ongoing care or assistance to an eligible relative in Australia, or to a member of that relative’s family unit who lives with them.
The application commonly needs to establish that the applicant:
- has the capacity and willingness to provide the required care;
- understands the medical condition and practical care needs;
- meets relevant health and character requirements;
- satisfies any applicable visa-status requirements; and
- meets the other legal requirements for the chosen subclass.
Who Can Sponsor a Carer Visa Subclass 116 and 836 Applicant?
The sponsor generally needs to have an appropriate connection with the applicant and hold an eligible Australian status.
The sponsor will usually need to be:
- an Australian citizen;
- an Australian permanent resident; or
- an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Because the sponsor and the person requiring care may not always be the same person, applicants should carefully check the relationship structure before preparing the case.
Medical Requirements for the Carer Visa
The medical component forms one of the most important parts of a Carer Visa application.
The person requiring care must have a long-term medical condition that creates a genuine need for substantial and continuing assistance.
Home Affairs may require a formal medical assessment through its approved process. In Australia, Bupa Medical Visa Services handles migration medical examinations, and Home Affairs specifically directs people who need a Carer visa assessment to contact Bupa.
The medical evidence should clearly explain:
- the nature of the condition;
- how long the condition is expected to continue;
- the type of assistance required; and
- why the proposed carer’s support matters.
Applicants should not rely only on a general doctor’s letter if the relevant Carer visa assessment requires a specific medical process.
Evidence Required
The exact documents depend on the circumstances, but a strong application may include evidence covering:
- identity;
- family relationship;
- Australian citizenship or permanent residence of the sponsor;
- medical condition;
- care needs;
- availability of alternative care;
- applicant’s ability to provide care;
- character requirements; and
- relevant financial or personal circumstances.
The key is not simply collecting documents. The evidence should explain why the person needs care, why the applicant is suitable to provide it, and why reasonable alternatives are not available.
Benefits of the Carer Visa
Both Carer visas provide permanent residence once granted.
That can allow the visa holder to:
- live in Australia permanently;
- work in Australia;
- study in Australia;
- access Medicare where eligible; and
- potentially pursue Australian citizenship later if they meet the relevant citizenship requirements.
Home Affairs lists both Subclass 116 and 836 as permanent family visas.
The most important benefit, however, is practical: the visa can allow an eligible relative to remain close to the person who needs ongoing care.
Carer Visa Subclass 116 and 836 Processing Times
Carer visas can involve lengthy waiting periods because they sit within the other Family visa program, which Home Affairs caps and queues.
Home Affairs confirms that Carer visas, including Subclasses 116 and 836, are subject to capping and queueing. As of 31 May 2026, Home Affairs had released Carer visa applications with queue dates up to 31 December 2023 for final processing.
Importantly, Home Affairs does not provide an exact guaranteed processing time for these visas because demand exceeds the number of places available each year.
Therefore, applicants should avoid relying on a fixed number of years as a guaranteed timeframe.
How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help?
At Emigrate Lawyers, we can review the Carer Visa matter as a whole before lodgement.
Our legal team can assist with:
- determining whether Subclass 116 or 836 is appropriate;
- assessing the sponsor and family relationship;
- identifying the medical evidence required;
- considering whether reasonable alternative care exists;
- reviewing supporting documents for consistency;
- identifying visa-status or immigration-history issues; and
- preparing the application in a clear and structured way.
This becomes particularly important where the case involves complicated medical circumstances, limited care options, previous visa issues, or uncertainty about whether the legal criteria are met.
Getting legal advice early can help applicants identify problems before they become issues during assessment.
FAQs
Q1. How much does a Carer Visa cost?
A- The government application charge varies by applicant and can change, so check the current Home Affairs fee before lodging.
Q2. Is a Carer Visa permanent?
A- Yes. Both the Subclass 116 and Subclass 836 Carer Visas are permanent visas.
Q3. How long does it take to process a Carer Visa in Australia?
A- Carer Visas can take several years because they are capped and queued, so there is no fixed processing timeframe.
Q4. Is aged care eligible for a 482 visa?
A- Yes, some aged care occupations may qualify for employer sponsorship under the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, depending on the occupation, employer, and current eligibility requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Carer Visa Subclass 116 and 836 can provide an important permanent pathway for people who need to care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition.
If you are considering a Carer Visa Subclass 116 or 836, Emigrate Lawyers can review your family circumstances, medical evidence, sponsorship arrangements, and immigration history and help you understand whether the Carer Visa pathway may be available to you.
Need Legal Help or Consultation?
The sooner you seek advice, the more options you have. We are here to help!
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Reviewed by Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer
Date reviewed: 4 September 2026
