Family visas / Subclasses 116 and 836

Can I add family members to a Carer visa application after lodging?

Sometimes. A newborn child may be treated as having applied with the parent, and some family members may be added before the application is decided if the rules are met.

Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836 Needs review
Short answer

Sometimes. A newborn child may be treated as having applied with the parent, and some family members may be added before the application is decided if the rules are met.

If a child is born to a visa applicant after the Carer visa application is made and before it is decided, the child is taken to have applied at birth. The child's application is treated as combined with the parent's application.

The parent can notify Home Affairs of the birth by providing the required change-of-circumstances information and evidence such as the child's birth certificate and passport. The newborn rules in the source material do not apply to adopted children.

A spouse, de facto partner or dependent child may be able to be added to certain undecided permanent visa applications if the prescribed requirements are met. Whether this is available depends on the person's relationship, timing and the combined application rules.

Source

This answer is based on official Carer visa information checked on 13 August 2026.