Visa file / Partner and family visas
Carer visa 116 / 836
For a relative who will give long-term care to a family member in Australia. Queue about 16 years.
In force
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.
Published 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 you apply from
116 outside Australia; 836 in Australia.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 03
Medical assessment
The person needing care is assessed.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains the impairment rating process.
- 04
Lodge and queue
The queue for new applications is estimated at about 16 years.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares evidence that care is needed and not available otherwise.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated time for new applications | about 16 years | Not published |
Home Affairs other family visas queue release dates, as at 31 August 2026. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- 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. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Application
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.