Family · Subclass 116 / 836
Carer visa
For a relative who will give long-term care to a family member in Australia. Queue about 16 years.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
A relative who will provide substantial, continuing care to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen relative with a long-term medical condition, where the care cannot reasonably be obtained elsewhere.
Key eligibility
- The person needing care gets a medical assessment and certificate from Bupa Medical Visa Services.
- Care cannot reasonably be provided by welfare, hospital, nursing or community services, or by other relatives in Australia.
- Sponsor, health and character.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
116 outside Australia; 836 in Australia.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Medical assessment
The person needing care is assessed.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains the impairment rating process.
Lodge and queue
The queue for new applications is estimated at about 16 years. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares evidence that care is needed and not available otherwise.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| First instalment, main applicant | A$2,720 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$1,365 |
| Family member under 18 | A$680 |
| Second instalment, each person | A$2,065 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs other family visas queue release dates, as at 31 August 2026. Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Impairment rating or need for care not proven.
- Other relatives could provide care.
- Care available from community services.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: other family visas queue release dates
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.