Apply for the Carer Visa Subclass 836

Carer Visa (subclass 836) (onshore) is a permanent visa that allows the recipient of the visa to reside in Australia permanently. In order to be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be a relative of an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen, who requires care or has a member of the family unit that requires care.

This is an onshore visa and requires the applicant to be in Australia while lodgement and grant is processed. The recipient of this visa, ultimately, will be eligible for Australian citizenship and will be able to work and study in Australia. They are also entitled to Medicare (public health care system), sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia and travel indefinitely for a 5-year term.

Sponsorship Obligation for the Carer Visa Subclass 836

Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, above the age of 18, can sponsor their relatives to travel to Australia and to live with them for the foreseeable future.

Under subclass 836, the sponsor should agree to provide support, financial and housing help for the applicant and any member of the family unit who applies with them for the first 2 years in Australia. The sponsor must also be in need of a carer themselves or for a member of the family unit and this need must be attested with a certificate issued by ‘Bupa Medical Visa Services.’ The sponsor must also be in a position to give an explanation as to why the required care cannot be obtained from Australian relatives, welfare, hospital, nursing, or community services.

Before the application is decided, sponsors are given a leeway to withdraw their application at any point in time and this request must be made in writing to the Parent, Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. Once a decision has been made the Sponsor will not be able to withdraw their Sponsorship. In instances where a sponsor has failed to comply with sponsorship obligations, the Department might cancel the visa.


Eligibility requirements for SUbclass 836 Carer Visa

  • To be eligible for the carer visa:

  • Must be a carer - The applicant must be fully aware of the care that is required and the sponsor’s medical condition.

  • The applicant should also fully understand and be willing to provide ongoing substantial care.

  • Have a designated sponsor

  • Have an assurance of support

  • Must hold or must have held a substantive visa

  • satisfy health requirements

  • satisfy character requirements

  • repay any remaining debts, owed by the applicant or any family member, to the Australian Government

  • must not have a previous application refused or a previous visa cancelled