Australian Immigration Lawyers for Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836)
- Permanent residency for caregivers in Australia.
- Expert guidance for onshore (836) & offshore (116) visas.
- Support for caring for ill Australian relatives.
- Streamlining complex Carer Visa applications.
Daniel Moya
Founder of Moya Migration Law
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Our Services for Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836) Applications
Carer & Sponsor Eligibility Assessment
We assess the eligibility of both carer (applicant) and sponsor, ensuring all relationship, age, and location criteria are met for Subclass 116/836.
Medical & No Alternative Care Requirements
Our lawyers guide you on meeting the ‘extreme functional impairment’ medical threshold and proving no other care is reasonably available in Australia.
Comprehensive Application & Documentation
We assist with meticulous preparation and lodgement of your Carer Visa application, ensuring all required evidentiary documents are accurately compiled.
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We encourage a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation & map out a path to securing your Subclass 116 & 836 Carer Visa.
What Our Happy Clients Say
Hear directly from our successful learners.
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What is the Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836)?
The Carer Visa allows individuals to live permanently in Australia to provide ongoing, substantial care for a family member with a long-term medical condition who lacks reasonable access to alternative care. This includes both onshore (Subclass 836) and offshore (Subclass 116) applicants.
The core requirement is that the Australian relative needs help with daily tasks for at least two years due to “extreme functional impairment,” as assessed by a Bupa medical certificate. Proving no alternative care is available in Australia is a key challenge.


Carer Visa Eligibility: Applicant & Sponsor
As a carer applicant, you must be willing and capable of providing continuous, significant care, understanding the medical needs. You must meet health and character requirements and, if onshore, hold a substantive visa (excluding a Transit 771).
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealander over 18, who genuinely needs care and cannot access it otherwise. The sponsor must also prove financial and accommodation support. Meeting these specific criteria requires meticulous documentation.
Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Carer Visa Application?
Applying for a Carer Visa is a commitment to providing essential support. Moya Migration Law offers experienced legal guidance, clear communication, and strategic application preparation to streamline your journey to permanent residency in Australia.
Proven Experience in Carer Visa Applications
Our lawyers have expertly handled complex Carer Visa applications, with in-depth knowledge of eligibility and care requirements.
Direct & Clear Lawyer Communication
You will deal directly with a lawyer from the start, receiving regular updates and clear explanations of the Carer Visa pathway and process.
Strategic & Meticulous Application Preparation
We create tailored strategies for your Carer Visa, preparing submissions and documents to meet all requirements.
Transparent & Fixed Fees
We offer transparent fixed fees for our services giving you financial certainty for this long-term visa journey.
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15-Min Consultation
Our 5-Step Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836) Application Process
Applying for a permanent Carer Visa involves a high threshold and extensive documentation. Moya Migration Law offers a clear, structured process, guiding you through each stage with expert care to achieve a positive outcome.
1
Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment
We begin with a detailed consultation to assess the eligibility of both carer (applicant) and sponsor, and determine the genuine need for care.
2
Medical & Alternative Care Evidence Gathering
Our team guides you in obtaining the required medical certificates (e.g., Bupa) and compiling evidence to prove no alternative care is reasonably available.
3
Comprehensive Application Preparation & Review
We meticulously prepare all visa application forms, written submissions, and supporting documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness before lodgement.
4
Application Lodgement & Ongoing Communication
We submit your Carer Visa application to the Department of Home Affairs and provide regular updates on its status throughout the processing time.
5
Guiding You to Permanent Residency
We keep you informed about the outcome and, upon a successful visa grant, provide guidance on your next steps towards permanent residency in Australia.

Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya
Meet Daniel Moya, Your Australian Carer Visa Lawyer
Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally guides families through the Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836) application process. With over two decades in Australian migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert guidance for these compassionate visa pathways.
Daniel is committed to providing clear, personalised advice, meticulously preparing your application, and addressing the unique medical and care requirements. He understands the profound importance of reuniting families and securing care. Daniel also offers legal assistance in Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carer Visa (Subclass 116 & 836)
What is an Australian Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836)?
The Carer Visa allows individuals to live permanently in Australia to care for a family member with a long-term or permanent medical condition who cannot get alternative care. Subclass 836 is for onshore applicants, and Subclass 116 is for offshore applicants.
Who is eligible to be a Carer Visa applicant?
Applicants must be willing and capable of providing continuous, significant care, understand the sponsor’s medical needs, and meet health and character requirements. If onshore, you must generally hold a substantive visa (except a Transit 771).
What is required from the sponsor for a Carer Visa?
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealander over 18, who genuinely needs care and cannot access it otherwise. They must also prove financial and accommodation support for the carer for at least two years.
What does 'chronic condition' or 'extreme functional impairment' mean?
This refers to a long-term or permanent medical condition requiring ongoing daily assistance for a minimum of two years. The need for care must be assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services, confirming ‘extreme functional impairment’.
Can family members be included in my Carer Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse or dependent children in your Carer Visa application, provided they meet all health and character eligibility requirements.
What are the costs associated with applying for a Carer Visa?
The Department of Home Affairs fee for the main applicant is currently AUD $2,055, payable in two instalments. Additional fees apply for other applicants included in the application.
How long does it take to process a Carer Visa application?
Processing times vary significantly, often taking several years due to high demand and limited visa places. The completeness of your application also affects the timeline.
Is the Carer Visa a permanent visa, and can I apply for citizenship?
Yes, both Subclass 116 and 836 Carer Visas are permanent. You will gain permanent residency upon grant and may be eligible for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.
Can I travel freely when holding a Carer Visa?
Yes, once your permanent Carer Visa is granted, you can generally travel to and from Australia. However, for travel periods longer than five years, you will need a Resident Return Visa.
Our Services
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) AppealsART Visa Appeals
Visa refused or cancelled? Don’t give up hope. Expert representation for your ART review to challenge the decision.
Visa Refusals
If your Partner Visa has been refused, Daniel Moya offers 20+ years of experience in achieving positive outcomes at the Tribunal.
Visa Cancellations
Facing visa hurdles like refusals, cancellations, or PIC 4020 issues? Get expert advice and management for your unique circumstances.
Partner Visas
Begin your journey to permanent residency. Expert support for all Partner Visa applications, navigating the complex system with confidence.
Protection Visas
Seeking asylum or facing persecution? Daniel Moya provides crucial guidance and strategic advice for complex Protection Visa applications.
Family Visa
Reunite with loved ones in Australia. Explore options for Parent, Child, Carer, and other Family Visas with clear, expert advice.
Citizenship
Ready to become an Australian citizen? Navigate the application requirements and process smoothly with experienced legal support.
Notary Public in AdelaideNotary Public
Need documents notarised in Adelaide for international use? We provide prompt, convenient, and reliable Notary Public services.
Court Appeals (Judicial Review)Judicial Review
Unfavourable Tribunal ruling? Challenge appealable errors in the Federal Courts with experienced legal guidance for Judicial Review.
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- hello@moyamigrationlaw.com.au
- (08) 7008 9988
- Level 15, 45 Pirie street, Adelaide
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