Carer visa (subclass 116 and 836)

The Carer visa consists of two subclasses: subclass 116 (Offshore) and subclass 836 (Onshore). These visas are designed for individuals who want to care for a relative with a long-term or permanent medical condition or disability in Australia. Here's an overview of each subclass:

Subclass 116 (Offshore) Carer Visa:
  1. Purpose: The subclass 116 visa allows individuals to live in Australia to provide full-time care and assistance to a relative who has a long-term or permanent medical condition or disability.
  2. Offshore Application: This visa is applied for and granted while the applicant is outside Australia.
  3. Eligibility:
    • The applicant must be sponsored by their relative who requires care, or by another eligible sponsor.
    • The applicant must meet health and character requirements.
    • The applicant must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
    • The relative being cared for must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and must have lived in Australia for at least two years.
  4. Care Requirements: The applicant must demonstrate that they are willing and able to provide substantial and continuing assistance to the relative who requires care.
  5. Permanent Residency: Once granted, the subclass 116 visa is a permanent visa, allowing the holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Subclass 836 (Onshore) Carer Visa:
  1. Purpose: The subclass 836 visa is similar to the subclass 116 visa but is applied for and granted while the applicant is in Australia.
  2. Onshore Application: This visa is applied for and granted while the applicant is in Australia.
  3. Eligibility:
    • Similar to the subclass 116 visa, the applicant must meet health and character requirements and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
    • The relative being cared for must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and must have lived in Australia for at least two years.
  4. Care Requirements: The applicant must demonstrate that they are willing and able to provide substantial and continuing assistance to the relative who requires care.
  5. Permanent Residency: Once granted, the subclass 836 visa is a permanent visa, allowing the holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Both subclasses of the Carer visa provide an avenue for individuals to live in Australia to provide care and assistance to a relative with long-term or permanent medical conditions or disabilities. It's important to carefully review the specific requirements and guidelines for each subclass before applying.