Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836)
A permanent visa for people who want to care for a relative in Australia who has a long-term medical condition.
About the Carer Visa
The Carer visa allows people to move to Australia permanently to care for someone with a long-term medical condition. The visa recognizes situations where an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen has a medical condition requiring substantial and ongoing assistance that cannot be adequately met in Australia.
Key Benefits
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Enroll in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Eligibility Requirements
- Be willing and able to provide substantial and continuing assistance to an Australian relative
- Your relative must have a medical condition causing physical, intellectual, or sensory impairment
- There must be no other reasonable access to care options in Australia
- Be sponsored by your Australian relative (or their partner, or their parent)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have an Assurance of Support
Medical Condition Requirements
The person you will care for must:
- Have been diagnosed with a medical condition causing permanent or long-term incapacity
- Require direct assistance from you with their daily activities
- Be unable to obtain this assistance in Australia from welfare, hospital, nursing, or community services
- Have no other family members in Australia able to provide the required care
Important Information
- Subclass 116 is for applicants outside Australia
- Subclass 836 is for applicants in Australia
- Comprehensive medical evidence is required
- Must demonstrate no reasonable access to care options in Australia
- An Assurance of Support bond is required