116 Visa (Carer Visa Off-shore)

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Offshore 116

What is the 116 visa?

The 116 visa (Carer visa – offshore) lets you move to Australia permanently to care for a relative (or their household member) with a long-term medical condition, if they have no reasonable way to access required care in Australia. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when your visa is granted. This visa faces annual caps and a queue of up to 8 years.

Who can apply for the 116 visa?

You may qualify if:

You are aged 18 or over
You are willing and able to provide ongoing, daily care for your relative in Australia
The relative (or their family member) must have a serious medical condition requiring substantial care for at least 2 years, and cannot access reasonable care in Australia
You are outside Australia at both time of application and time of visa decision
You meet health and character requirements

Who can sponsor a 116 visa?

The relative in need (the patient), or their partner
Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen (18+)
Must reside in Australia and agree to provide accommodation and, if required, a 10-year Assurance of Support (AoS) bond

Key eligibility & medical requirements

Requirement	What’s needed
Medical evidence	A Designated Medical Officer (DMO) must complete Form 1149 showing: long-term condition, daily care required, and minimum 2-year need
No reasonable care	Supply evidence that community, hospital or aged care is unavailable or unaffordable
Applicant capacity	You must prove you can deliver the necessary care (health, skills, availability)
Health/character	Standard police checks, health exams for all applicants
Sponsor capacity	Proof of accommodation, income/assets for AoS bond (if requested)

Evidence checklist

Form 47OF (applicant) and Form 40 (sponsor)
Form 1149 (medical) – less than 6 months old
Detailed care plan (hours, tasks, backup arrangements)
Proof that no reasonable care is available in Australia
Sponsor’s income and accommodation proof for AoS
Police certificates (for every country lived in 12+ months)
Health examinations (panel doctor network)

Common mistakes & real-world tips

Mistake	How to avoid
Form 1149 too old	Obtain a new medical report within 6 months of applying
Insufficient evidence of “no care”	Include multiple quotes, letters, or waiting lists from care providers
Sponsor can’t fund AoS bond	Plan bond finances early to avoid delays at grant stage
Not updating contact details	Regularly check ImmiAccount and respond to Department requests promptly

Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Is the 116 visa permanent?

Yes. Once granted, you become a permanent resident with full work and study rights.

Do I need special medical or nursing skills?

No formal qualifications required, but you must be physically able to provide daily care.

Is there a maximum age to apply?

No maximum age, but you must be at least 18 and physically able to provide daily care.

Will I get Medicare immediately?

o, Medicare only begins after you arrive in Australia as a permanent resident.