Carer Visa 116 & 836: Secure Your Future and Support Loved Ones

Australia offers several pathways for individuals who need to care for a relative with a long-term or permanent medical condition. Among these options, the Carer Visa 116 and 836 stand out as crucial routes for family members looking to provide essential care. Whether you are already in Australia or seeking to move from abroad, these visas grant you the opportunity to support your loved ones while securing your future in the country. 

In this blog, we will break down the Carer Visa 116 and 836, exploring their features, eligibility criteria, and application processes. 

What Is the Carer Visa 116 and 836? 

The Carer Visa 116 and 836 are two subclasses of Australian visas that allow individuals to provide long-term care to a relative suffering from a medical condition. These visas offer permanent residency, enabling caregivers to live, work, and study in Australia while caring for their family members. 

Carer Visa (Subclass 116) 

The Subclass 116 Carer Visa is designed for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application and decision. It allows you to relocate to Australia to care for a relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. 

Key points of the Subclass 116 Carer Visa: 

• Offshore visa: You must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted. 
• Your relative must have a medical condition that requires substantial and continuous care. 
• Once approved, the visa grants permanent residency. 

Carer Visa (Subclass 836) 

The Subclass 836 Carer Visa is for applicants already in Australia who need to remain in the country to care for a relative with a medical condition. Like the Subclass 116 visa, the relative must have been assessed as needing significant care. 

Key points of the Subclass 836 Carer Visa: 

• Onshore visa: You must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted. 
• It allows permanent residency and the ability to live, work, and study in Australia.
  

Key Features of the Carer Visa 116 and 836 

1. Permanent Residency 

One of the most significant advantages of both visas is that they grant permanent residency. This allows visa holders to live in Australia indefinitely and enjoy the same rights and privileges as permanent residents, including access to work, education, and healthcare. 

2. Access to Healthcare 

Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, ensuring they have comprehensive health coverage during their stay. 

3. Social Security Payments 

Eligible visa holders can receive social security payments after a waiting period, providing financial support for those who may need it. 

4. Sponsorship of Relatives 

Once you obtain this Carer Visa, you can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, facilitating family reunification. 

5. Pathway to Citizenship 

After meeting the necessary residency requirements, you may apply for Australian citizenship, securing your place within the Australian community. 

Eligibility and Requirements for the Carer Visa 116 and 836 

To be eligible for either visa, applicants must meet several requirements. While the basic criteria are the same, there are some specific differences between the two visas. 

General Requirements for Both Visas 

• Medical Assessment: The relative requiring care must undergo a medical assessment by Bupa Medical Visa Services. This will verify the necessity for continuous care. 
• Assurance of Support: In some cases, applicants may need to assure support to ensure they will not become a financial burden on the Australian government. 
• Relationship: The caregiver must be a relative of the person needing care, such as a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or a more distant relative. 
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including police checks and health examinations. 

Specific Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 116 

• Offshore Application: Applicants must be outside Australia both when applying and when the visa is granted. 
• Sponsorship: The relative requiring care must sponsor the applicant and be able to provide financial support and accommodation. 

Specific Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 836 

• Onshore Application: Applicants must be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
  
• Visa Status: The applicant must hold a valid visa or have held a substantive visa within the last 28 days before applying.
  

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Carer Visa 116 and 836 

Applying for a Carer Visa involves several steps. It’s important to follow each one carefully to ensure a successful application. 

Step 1: Check Eligibility 

Ensure that both you and your relative meet the eligibility criteria, including the medical assessment and assurance of support requirements. Make sure your relative’s condition qualifies for the care needed and that you meet the visa’s relationship criteria. 

Step 2: Medical Assessment 

Arrange for the relative requiring care to undergo a medical assessment through Bupa Medical Visa Services. This is a crucial step, as it provides proof of the need for continuous care. The medical assessment should clearly outline the relative’s condition, the level of care required, and the expected duration of care. 

Step 3: Prepare Documents 

Collect all the necessary documents to support your application, including: 

• Proof of relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.). 
• Results of the medical assessment. 
• Police check from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. 
• Visa status documentation (for Subclass 836 applicants). 

Step 4: Submit Your Application 

Submit your visa application either online or by post. Ensure all sections of the application are fully completed, the information provided is accurate, and the application fee is paid. 

Step 5: Await Decision 

After applying, processing times may vary. Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested by the Department of Home Affairs. 

Essential Support and Pathway  

This Visa provides a lifeline for individuals who need to support their relatives with serious medical conditions. These visas not only offer the chance to provide essential care but also open the door to permanent residency in Australia. With access to healthcare, social security, and a pathway to citizenship, these visas offer numerous benefits for caregivers and their families. 

By understanding the Carer Visa 116 and 836, you can better navigate the process and ensure that you and your loved ones receive the support and opportunities available in Australia.