Protection visa (subclass 866)
The Protection Visa (Subclass 866) is a pathway to establishing permanent residency in Australia. This visa is designed for individuals who have engaged in Australia's protection obligations, such as refugees or those who meet complementary protection criteria. In this section, we will provide an overview of the key aspects of this visa, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.
With the Subclass 866 Protection Visa, you gain the following privileges:
The opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia on a permanent basis.
The ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence through the offshore Humanitarian Program.
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
Engage in Australia’s protection obligations, either directly or as a family member of someone who does.
Have entered Australia legally with a valid visa.
Fulfill all other visa prerequisites, including health and character assessments.
The cost for applying for the Protection Visa (Subclass 866) is AUD 45.00. This fee is a relatively modest investment in securing permanent residency in Australia, with all the associated benefits.
Processing times and specific conditions for this visa are currently not available. It’s advisable to check the official website for updates on processing times and conditions when applying.
To be eligible for the Protection Visa (Subclass 866), you must meet the following requirements:
To be eligible for the Protection Visa (Subclass 866), you must meet the following requirements:
Legal Entry to Australia:
You must have legally entered Australia on a valid visa.
You should have been granted immigration clearance upon arrival.
Unauthorised maritime arrivals are not eligible to apply for this visa.
Refugee Status or Complementary Protection Criteria:
You must be classified as a refugee or meet the complementary protection criteria as defined by the Migration Act 1958.
Australia will not return individuals to their home country if there is a risk of harm due to their engagement with Australia’s protection obligations.
Identity Verification:
As part of the application process, you may be required to provide documents as evidence of your identity, nationality, or citizenship.
Biometric data, such as fingerprints and a digital photograph of your face, may also be collected to assist in identity verification and security checks.
No Barriers to Application:
You cannot apply for the Permanent Protection Visa if you have previously been refused a protection visa since your last arrival in Australia or if your protection visa has been cancelled.
In cases where an application bar applies, the Minister has the authority to lift it if it is deemed to be in the public interest.
No Previous Holding of Certain Visas:
You must not have held or currently hold any of the following visas:
Temporary Protection Visa (subclass 785)
Temporary Safe Haven Visa (subclass 449)
Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) Visa (subclass 786)
Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (subclass 790)
Security Requirements:
The application process will also include an assessment of whether you meet Australia’s security requirements for the grant of a protection visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing times are currently not available. It is advisable to regularly check the official website for updates on processing times.
Permanent residency allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can also access various social and healthcare benefits and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
Yes, you can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence through the offshore Humanitarian Program.
If you have been refused a protection visa or had a protection visa cancelled since your last arrival in Australia, you may still be eligible if the Minister lifts the application bar based on the public interest.
As part of the application process, your security eligibility will be assessed by the relevant authorities. Cooperation and providing necessary documentation will be crucial.
Currently, there are no frequently asked questions available for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114).