Subclass 836 Carer Visa

Overview

The Carer visa (subclass 836) is an onshore permanent visa for individuals who need to remain in Australia to care for a relative with a long-term medical condition or assist a relative providing such care. This visa is intended for carers already in Australia who are not eligible for other mainstream visas and whose assistance is essential due to the absence of other feasible care arrangements.

Key Features

• Permanent residency in Australia
• Access to Medicare, Centrelink (after waiting period), and citizenship pathways
• Pathway to sponsor eligible family members in future
• Work and study rights
• Requires medical assessment of the care recipient

Eligibility Criteria

For the Applicant

• Must be in Australia when lodging the application and when the visa is granted
• Must be willing and able to provide ongoing care or assistance
• Must be sponsored by the relative (or their partner) who requires care
• Must meet health and character requirements
• Must not have previously been refused a visa on character or other exclusionary grounds
• Must hold a substantive visa (not bridging) unless meeting Schedule 3 criteria

For the Relative (Care Recipient)

• Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Must have a long-term medical condition (12 months or longer)
• Must be unable to obtain adequate care from any other relative, welfare, or nursing service in Australia
• Must undergo a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) assessment confirming the care requirement

Who Can Be Sponsored?

• Parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, step equivalent
• Their partner can also act as the sponsor
• The relationship must be genuine and ongoing

What Kind of Care is Required?

Care must be:

• Substantial and continuing (daily or consistent support)
• Directly related to the medical condition
• Verified by MOC as not reasonably available from other services

Types of care often include:

• Bathing, feeding, dressing
• Household duties like cooking and cleaning
• Medication management or physical assistance
• Accompanying to appointments or ongoing therapy

Application Process

Step 1: Medical Assessment

• The person requiring care undergoes a medical assessment by a doctor
• Their treating doctor fills out a Medical Report (Form 1259)
• The report is sent to the Department of Home Affairs, which refers it to the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC)

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

• Identity documents
• Relationship evidence
• Sponsor details and agreement
• Proof of care dependency
• Evidence that no other care option is available
• Police clearances
• Health checks for the applicant

Step 3: Submit Application

• Lodge Form 47OF (Visa application)
• Sponsor lodges Form 40 (Sponsorship form)
• Applications are sent to the Parent Visa Processing Centre
• Application must be lodged onshore

Step 4: Bridging Visa

• Once a valid application is lodged, the applicant typically receives a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to stay in Australia lawfully during processing

Step 5: Processing and Decision

• The Department reviews eligibility
• Decision may take several years due to low annual caps and queue systems

Processing Time

The Carer visa is subject to capping and queuing, meaning:

Delays are common because of the low volume of places available annually in the Other Family visa category, which includes the subclass 836.

Costs

There is no Assurance of Support (AoS) required for this visa, unlike some parent visas.

Common Use Cases

✅ Elderly Mother with Chronic Illness

A woman in her 70s with Parkinson’s disease requires daily support. Her daughter, who is on a temporary visa in Australia, applies for a subclass 836 visa to remain permanently and provide care.

✅ Uncle Needing Post-Stroke Assistance

A permanent resident uncle has suffered a major stroke. No other family members or public services are able to provide the required daily help. His niece, currently onshore on a bridging visa, applies under the 836 visa.

✅ Carer for Spouse of a Disabled Relative

A man provides daily care to his cousin’s wife, who is recovering from chemotherapy and lives with permanent disability. No other services are available, and he applies for an 836 visa to formalise his status.

Common Hurdles

• Failure to prove long-term need for care (temporary conditions disqualify)
• Medical assessment not supporting the visa claim
• Department believes care is available from other sources
• Applicant is offshore, making them ineligible for this onshore visa
• Submitting the application without a valid visa
• Insufficient evidence that applicant is the only viable caregiver

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for this visa from outside Australia?

No. The Subclass 836 is strictly for onshore applicants. If you're outside Australia, you must apply for the Subclass 116 Carer visa.

How do I prove that no other care is available?

You will need:

• Written statements from other relatives explaining why they cannot help
• Documentation from nursing/welfare services stating care cannot be arranged
• Financial or medical reports showing unavailability or ineligibility

Will I be allowed to work while waiting?

Yes. Bridging Visa A generally includes full work rights, especially if you're applying as a carer.

Is there a pathway to citizenship?

Yes. After 4 years of lawful residence (including time on BVA), and at least 12 months as a permanent resident, you may become eligible for Australian citizenship.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. You can include a partner and dependent children. They must meet the health and character criteria.

Countries of Origin – Applicant Trends

Most applicants for this visa come from countries with strong familial responsibilities and less developed healthcare support systems. Common countries include:

• India
• China
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Lebanon
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

Important Reminders

❗ Subclass 836 does not guarantee fast processing. There is a limited cap on approvals each year.

❗ If the medical condition is temporary, this visa will likely be rejected.

❗ Ensure you lodge the visa before your current visa expires, and with strong documentation.

Official Resources

• Department of Home Affairs – Subclass 836
• Form 1259 - Medical Report
• Family Migration Program Planning Levels

Need Help With the Carer Visa?

Navigating a subclass 836 visa application requires careful planning and a strong case. If you're caring for a loved one and need to stay in Australia, let us help you get it right.

🌐 Visit ausvisalibrary.com to:

• Understand carer and family visa options
• Compare onshore vs offshore pathways
• Access document templates and guides

💬 Contact us for tailored guidance or migration agent referrals. We're here to help you stay, care, and support your family in Australia ✅