Other Australian Migration Visas at a Glance: Subclass 191 Regional PR · 835/838 Family Stream · 836/116 Carer · 155/157 RRV · 602 Medical Treatment
In recent years, alongside the common skilled and employer-sponsored pathways, Australia also offers a range of “other migration visas” tailored to applicants with different backgrounds and special circumstances. While these visas are relatively niche, in the right circumstances they are often a critical route to Australian status.
This page provides a structured overview of the most common other migration visas — including the Subclass 191 PR visa, the Subclass 835 and 838 family-stream visas, the Subclass 836 and 116 Carer visas, the Subclass 155 and 157 Resident Return Visas, and the Subclass 602 Medical Treatment Visa — so you can quickly assess which option may suit your situation.
NewStars Newstarsec will analyse your background and circumstances and design a personalised visa pathway and strategy for you.
Free Assessment →What are “other migration visas”
Australian migration is not limited to the mainstream pathways. For applicants with unusual circumstances or complex backgrounds, “other migration visas” can be an equally important opportunity.
The visas covered on this page include:
- Subclass 191: Skilled Regional permanent residence
- Subclass 835: Remaining Relative visa (onshore)
- Subclass 838: Aged Dependent Relative visa (onshore)
- Subclass 836: Carer visa (onshore)
- Subclass 116: Carer visa (offshore)
- Subclass 155 and 157: Resident Return Visa (RRV)
- Subclass 602: Medical Treatment Visa
If you are unsure which option suits your situation, we recommend obtaining a professional assessment as early as possible to avoid wrong turns or missed opportunities.
A Closer Look at the Seven Other Migration Visas
Each visa has its own target applicants, core features and application requirements. We walk through each one below.
1. Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional permanent residence)
The Subclass 191 visa is the permanent residence pathway for holders of regional provisional visas such as the Subclass 491 or 494.
Core features:
- It is a permanent residence (PR) visa
- No second points test required
- Applicants must meet regional residence and income requirements
Who it suits:
- Those already living and working in Australia via a regional pathway
- Those seeking to transition from a provisional visa to permanent residence
2. Subclass 835 (Remaining Relative · onshore)
The Subclass 835 Remaining Relative visa is a family-stream visa for applicants already in Australia whose only close relatives are all settled in Australia as citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Core features:
- Family-stream permanent residence (PR)
- Requires a sponsor + Assurance of Support (AoS)
- Capped category — long queue period
Who it suits:
- Applicants whose only close relatives are already settled in Australia
- Those with no other close relatives overseas or on temporary visas
3. Subclass 838 (Aged Dependent Relative · onshore)
The Subclass 838 Aged Dependent Relative visa is a family-stream visa for applicants of Australian pension age who have been long-term dependent on an onshore relative (applied for onshore).
Core features:
- Family-stream permanent residence (PR)
- Requires a sponsor + Assurance of Support (AoS)
- Capped category — long queue period
Who it suits:
- People of pension age long-term dependent on an onshore relative
- Those with an Australian citizen or permanent-resident relative to sponsor them
4. Subclass 836 (Carer visa · onshore)
The Subclass 836 Carer visa is a family-stream visa for applicants already in Australia who provide substantial and continuing care to an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition or disability. Approval grants permanent residence.
Key features:
- Family-stream permanent residence (PR)
- The person being cared for must be assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services
- Requires a sponsor + 10-year Assurance of Support (AoS); Bridging Visa A while waiting
Who it suits:
- People already onshore in Australia willing to provide long-term care
- Families whose care recipient meets the impairment assessment and whose care cannot reasonably be sourced elsewhere
5. Subclass 116 (Carer visa · offshore)
The Subclass 116 Carer visa is the offshore stream of the Carer visa. Its core eligibility mirrors Subclass 836; the differences are that the applicant is outside Australia at application and decision, there is no bridging visa, and Medicare applies only after grant.
Key features:
- Family-stream permanent residence (PR)
- The person being cared for must be assessed by Bupa Medical Visa Services
- Offshore application, no bridging visa; requires a sponsor + 10-year AoS
Who it suits:
- People outside Australia willing to move to Australia to provide long-term care
- Families whose care recipient meets the impairment assessment and whose care cannot reasonably be sourced elsewhere
6. Subclass 155 and 157 (Resident Return Visa, RRV)
The Subclass 155 and 157 visas are return visas designed specifically for current or former Australian permanent residents.
Core features:
- Allow re-entry into Australia
- Maintain or restore permanent resident status
- Visa validity varies depending on time previously spent in Australia
Who it suits:
- Former holders of Australian PR who have been out of the country for an extended period
- Applicants who need to return to Australia to continue living or working
7. Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment Visa)
The Subclass 602 visa is for applicants who need to receive medical treatment in Australia.
Core features:
- Permits the holder to receive medical services in Australia
- Can cover both treatment and recovery periods
- Usually issued as a short-term or temporary visa
Who it suits:
- People who need to undergo treatment or accompany a patient in Australia
- Applicants whose home country cannot provide the required medical care
Seven Visas Compared at a Glance
The table below compares the seven visas across visa type, application location, sponsorship requirements and typical scenarios, to help you quickly identify the right pathway.
| Visa | Visa Type | Application Location | Sponsorship Required | Typical Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 191 | Permanent residence (PR) | Onshore / Offshore | No | Subclass 491/494 holders meeting regional residence and income requirements |
| 835 | Permanent residence (family stream) | Onshore Australia | Required | Remaining relative whose only close relatives are settled in Australia |
| 838 | Permanent residence (family stream) | Onshore Australia | Required | Of pension age and long-term dependent on an onshore relative |
| 836 | Permanent residence (family stream) | Onshore Australia | Required | Providing continuing care to an Australian relative with a long-term condition |
| 116 | Permanent residence (family stream) | Offshore Australia | Required | Offshore applicant providing continuing care to an Australian relative |
| 155 / 157 | Resident Return | Onshore / Offshore | Former PR holders needing to re-enter Australia | |
| 602 | Temporary (medical) | Onshore / Offshore | Need to receive medical treatment or accompany a patient in Australia |
The Seven Visas in Detail
Each visa has its own policy detail, application requirements and target applicants. Click any card below for the full breakdown.
Subclass 191 Skilled Regional PR Visa
For holders of the Subclass 491 or 494 regional provisional visa. Full guide to PR transition criteria, residence and income requirements, and who qualifies.
Subclass 602 Medical Treatment Visa
For applicants who need to receive medical treatment or accompany a patient in Australia. Full guide to the temporary visa nature, medical coverage scope and who qualifies.
Subclass 835 Remaining Relative Visa
Permanent onshore Family-stream visa for applicants whose only close relatives are settled in Australia. Subject to capping and queueing — Home Affairs publishes a 22-year processing estimate (as at June 2026) for new applications.
Subclass 838 Aged Dependent Relative Visa
Permanent onshore Family-stream visa for older single applicants who have been dependent on an Australian relative. Subject to capping and queueing — Home Affairs publishes a 22-year processing estimate (as at June 2026).
Subclass 155 and 157 Resident Return Visa
A return visa designed specifically for current or former Australian permanent residents. Full guide to validity rules, the impact of residence history and who qualifies.
Subclass 836 Carer Visa (Onshore)
For applicants already in Australia providing continuing care to an Australian relative with a long-term condition or disability. Covers the Bupa medical assessment, Assurance of Support and queue period in full.
Subclass 116 Carer Visa (Offshore)
The offshore stream of the Carer visa, for applicants overseas willing to move to Australia to provide continuing care. Covers the onshore/offshore differences, medical assessment and queue period.
NewStars Newstarsec Professional Services
For non-mainstream migration pathways, a professional assessment is especially critical. NewStars Newstarsec can offer:
- Personalised visa pathway analysis
- Assessment and strategy design for complex backgrounds
- Document preparation and risk management
- End-to-end visa application support
We do more than tell you whether you can apply — we help you find the pathway that is right for you.
Take Action — Find the Migration Pathway That Suits You
Australian migration is not limited to the mainstream pathways. Whether it is regional PR transition, a family or carer visa, a Resident Return Visa, or a Medical Treatment Visa, NewStars Newstarsec can design a clear, actionable strategy for you.
Get a Free Visa Assessment →
