CARER VISA (SUBCLASS 836)
The Carer Visa (subclass 836) is a permanent visa that lets you stay in Australia to provide long-term care for a relative who has a medical condition and no reasonable access to care in Australia. You must be in Australia when you lodge this application, and your relative sponsors your visa for the first two years.
Ramsden Lawyers immigration lawyers can assess your eligibility, prepare your evidence, and manage the application on your behalf.
WHO CAN BE SPONSORED UNDER THE CARER VISA?
You can apply for this visa if you are caring for a relative, or a member of your relative’s family, who has no reasonable access to the care they need in Australia. Eligible relatives include:
- Partner, child, parent, brother, sister
- Stepchild, step-parent, stepbrother or stepsister
- Grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew (and their step-equivalents)
- In some cases, your partner’s relatives, such as your partner’s parent or step-parent
WHAT DO I NEED TO SHOW AS THE CARER?
You must demonstrate that you are willing and able to provide ongoing, substantial care and support to your relative, and that you understand their medical condition and the support it requires.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MY SPONSOR’S MEDICAL CONDITION?
Your sponsor’s medical condition must be assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services as long-term or permanent, requiring help with everyday tasks for at least two years.
Your sponsor must also show they cannot reasonably access this level of care from another source in Australia, such as a relative, welfare service, hospital or community nursing provider.
WHAT EVIDENCE IS REQUIRED FOR A CARER VISA APPLICATION?
You and your sponsor will need to provide evidence covering:
- Your sponsor’s medical condition and ongoing care needs
- Your relationship to your sponsor
- Your ability and willingness to provide the required care
- Health and character requirements, including police certificates
HOW RAMSDEN LAW CAN HELP WITH YOUR CARER VISA APPLICATION
Ramsden Law’s immigration team can guide you through every stage of the Carer Visa (subclass 836) process, including:
- Advising on your eligibility and the level of supporting evidence required
- Preparing detailed submissions to the Department of Home Affairs addressing each visa requirement
- Preparing and lodging both the visa and sponsorship applications, along with supporting evidence
- Providing ongoing advice throughout the application process
If you are considering caring for a relative in Australia on a permanent basis, our team can help you understand your options and put together a strong application. With offices in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne, contact Ramsden Lawyers today for a consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is the Carer Visa (Subclass 836)?
The Carer Visa (subclass 836) is a permanent Australian visa allowing a person already in Australia to stay and provide long-term care to a relative with a medical condition who has no reasonable access to that care in Australia.
Who Can Sponsor a Carer Visa Applicant?
The relative needing care sponsors the applicant for the first two years of the visa. Eligible relatives include a partner, child, parent, sibling, step-relative, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or in some cases a partner’s relative.
Do I Need to Be in Australia to Apply for the Carer Visa?
Yes. The Carer Visa (subclass 836) application must be lodged while you are in Australia.
Who Assesses My Sponsor's Medical Condition for the Carer Visa?
Bupa Medical Visa Services assesses whether your sponsor’s condition is long-term or permanent and requires assistance with daily activities for at least two years.
What Evidence Do I Need for a Carer Visa Application?
You need evidence of your sponsor’s medical condition and care needs, your relationship to your sponsor, your capacity to provide ongoing care, and evidence meeting health and character requirements, such as police certificates.
Can a Lawyer Help with a Carer Visa Application?
Yes. An immigration lawyer can assess your eligibility, advise on the evidence required, prepare submissions to the Department of Home Affairs, and lodge the visa and sponsorship applications on your behalf.
