Subclass 116 Carer Visa

Overview

The Subclass 116 Carer visa is a permanent offshore visa for people who are outside Australia and want to come to Australia to care for a relative with a long-term medical condition. This visa is specifically for carers who are not currently in Australia and have no other appropriate visa options.

This visa is the offshore counterpart to the onshore Subclass 836 Carer visa. It enables carers to provide necessary support to family members who require substantial care due to ongoing medical needs.

Key Features

• Permanent residency granted offshore
• Access to Medicare and other health services upon arrival
• Full work and study rights in Australia
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements
• Ability to include family members in the application (partner and dependent children)

Eligibility Criteria

For the Applicant

• Must be outside Australia at the time of application and grant
• Be willing and able to provide ongoing and substantial care for the relative
• Be sponsored by the relative (or their partner) who requires care
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have a genuine and ongoing relationship with the person needing care
• Must not hold a permanent visa for Australia already

For the Relative (Care Recipient)

• Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Must have a long-term medical condition expected to last at least 12 months
• Must be unable to obtain adequate care from other relatives or community services
• Must undergo an assessment by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) to confirm care needs

Who Can Be Sponsored?

• Immediate family members such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and their partners
• The relative must demonstrate the need for care that is substantial and ongoing
• The relationship must be clearly documented and proven to be genuine

Care Requirements

Care must involve:

• Daily or frequent assistance with personal care activities (e.g., dressing, feeding, hygiene)
• Household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping
• Managing medications or health appointments
• Emotional support and supervision if required

Application Process

Step 1: Medical Assessment of the Care Recipient

• The relative needing care must complete a medical assessment with their treating doctor
• The doctor completes Form 1259 (Medical Report)
• The Department of Home Affairs refers the report to the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) for evaluation

Step 2: Gather Documentation

• Proof of identity and relationship to the care recipient
• Sponsor’s evidence of citizenship or permanent residency
• Evidence supporting the care recipient’s medical condition and care needs
• Proof that no other family or community services can provide the required care
• Police clearances and health checks for the applicant and included family members

Step 3: Submit Application

• Lodge the Subclass 116 Carer visa application online or by paper through a registered migration agent
• Sponsor submits a sponsorship application simultaneously
• The application must be lodged outside Australia

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• The Department assesses the application based on eligibility, care need, and capacity to provide care
• This visa is subject to annual quotas and processing delays can be significant

Processing Time and Duration

Applicants should be prepared for long waiting periods due to limited annual places in the Other Family visa category.

Costs

Common Use Cases

✅ Daughter Caring for Elderly Mother

A daughter living overseas applies for a Subclass 116 visa to come permanently to Australia to provide daily care for her mother, who has advanced arthritis and mobility issues.

✅ Nephew Assisting Disabled Aunt

A nephew with no other family nearby seeks to care for his aunt who has a long-term neurological disorder requiring constant supervision.

✅ Family Member Supporting Cancer Patient

A brother applies to care for his sister undergoing intensive cancer treatment, who cannot manage daily living tasks independently.

Common Professions Among Applicants

While the visa is not restricted to particular occupations, many applicants come from professions involving care or support skills, including:

• Healthcare assistants or nurses (even if qualifications are not recognized in Australia)
• Social workers
• Personal care aides
• Teachers or educators (who may take on carer roles)
• Informal carers with no formal professional background but strong family ties

Common Hurdles

• Lengthy processing times leading to prolonged separation from family
• Demonstrating the genuine and ongoing care requirement
• Medical assessments not confirming the severity or permanence of the condition
• Inability to prove that no other family members or services provide adequate care
• Failure to meet character or health requirements
• Insufficient evidence of the relationship between applicant and care recipient

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for this visa if I am already in Australia?

No. The Subclass 116 visa is strictly for offshore applicants. If you are in Australia, the Subclass 836 (onshore carer visa) may be the correct pathway.

What evidence is required to prove care needs?

Medical reports from treating doctors, assessments by the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth, statements from family and community service providers, and evidence of unavailability of alternative care.

Can I include my family members in the application?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included, provided they meet health and character requirements.

How long will it take to get the visa?

Due to quotas and processing complexity, the wait time may be several years. It is important to apply as early as possible.

Can I work or study while waiting for the visa?

As the visa must be applied for offshore, work or study rights in Australia only commence once the visa is granted.

Countries of Origin – Applicant Trends

Applicants mostly originate from countries with strong family care traditions and less developed community care infrastructure. Common source countries include:

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

Important Notes

❗ The Subclass 116 visa is part of the Other Family visa category, which has annual caps. This results in long waiting times.

❗ The medical condition of the care recipient must be long-term and significant.

❗ Applicants should ensure they meet all requirements before lodging to avoid refusal and lengthy delays.

Official Resources

• Department of Home Affairs – Subclass 116
• Form 1259 - Medical Report
• Family Migration Program Planning Levels

Need Assistance With the Subclass 116 Carer Visa?

The process of applying for a Subclass 116 visa can be complex and time-consuming. If you or your family member needs care in Australia, expert guidance is essential to avoid delays and refusals.

🌐 Visit ausvisalibrary.com to explore detailed guides, eligibility checklists, and latest updates on carer visas.

💬 Feel free to contact us for personalized support, visa advice, or referral to qualified migration agents. Your family's care and future matter to us ✅