Carer visa Australia

Subclass 116Carer Visa (Offshore)

Permanent visa for people outside Australia who provide essential daily care to an Australian citizen or PR with a genuine medical need.


Overview

The Subclass 116 Carer Visa is a permanent offshore visa for people who need to come to Australia to provide long-term care to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen with a genuine medical condition requiring daily care.

The Australian resident being cared for must have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition assessed as requiring ongoing care. A certifying medical practitioner must confirm that the assistance needed cannot reasonably be provided by other means (e.g. paid nursing care).

F4MG helps both the carer and the Australian relative navigate the medical evidence requirements and sponsorship process.


What this visa offers

Live & work freely in Australia

You have the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia without restrictions.

Indefinite residency

Your 5-year visa can be renewed an unlimited number of times.

Family support

Sponsorship is available for eligible family members.

Medicare benefits

Eligible for comprehensive health coverage through Medicare.

Homeownership assistance

Eligible for a $10,000 first home owners grant.

Higher education funding

Access financial aid through Higher Education Loans Program (HELP).

A clear path to citizenship

After 4 years of residency, you can become an Australian citizen.

Citizenship for children

Children of permanent residents are automatically citizens.


Need Help with a Carer Visa Application?

F4MG's migration legal practitioners guide you from assessment to grant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Subclass 116 is a permanent offshore visa for people who provide care to an Australian relative with a medical condition. The applicant must be outside Australia when the visa is granted. It is the offshore equivalent of the Subclass 836 onshore carer visa.
The Australian relative being cared for must have a long-term medical condition requiring assistance with daily personal activities, and there must be no reasonably available care alternatives in Australia. Medical certification from a qualified practitioner is required.
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. All applicants must meet health and character requirements.
The 116 is lodged and granted while you are outside Australia. The 836 is lodged and granted while you are inside Australia. The core eligibility requirements are the same — both require you to be providing genuine care to an Australian relative with a certified medical condition.

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