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Australian Migration Agents are fully registered: MARN 2318221

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Permanent Protection visa Australia

For refugees seeking protection and safety

Australia has a duty to protect international refugees who feel unsafe or at risk in their home country. With a subclass 866 Protection visa, you can remain in Australia permanently. At Australian Migration Agents, we can guide you through the application process from start to finish, and answer any questions along the way.

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Australian Migration Agents are fully registered: MARN 2318221

What sets Australian Migration Agents apart

What is an Australian Protection visa?

Protection Visa (subclass 866)

An Australian Protection visa (subclass 866) provides refuge to individuals who meet the criteria for refugee status or complementary protection under Australian law. 

The primary purpose of this visa is to offer sanctuary to those who have a “well-founded fear of persecution” in their home country due to various factors, such as their race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.

This visa is also applicable to people who, if they return to their home country, might suffer:

  • Arbitrary deprivation of life
  • The death penalty 
  • Torture
  • Cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment/punishment

Once granted, 866 visa holders can live and work in Australia permanently.

Protection visa application steps

Applying for an 866 Protection visa can be an intimidating and challenging process. Our aim is to make the experience as stress-free as possible for you, drawing on our expertise to help secure your Protection visa. You’re in safe hands with Australian Migration Agents.

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Step 1

Consultation and engagement

Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our agents. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.

Step 2

Preparation and submission

We will prepare written submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate. We then submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal)

Step 3

Representation and success

We will keep you informed about your application, and notify you of the outcome. If you receive an unfavourable outcome and we can reapply, we will!

Improve your chances of securing a permanent Protection visa 

The 866 Protection visa application is a complex process. By enlisting the help of a trained migration agent, you can leave the heavy lifting to us and increase your chances of success. After an initial consultation with a Protection visa agent, we’ll determine your best path forward, provide you with a fixed quote, and support you every step of the way. 

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About Australian Migration Agents

At Australian Migration Agents, we care about your situation and do everything we can to help you on your visa journey. Our expertise in Protection visa law and requirements puts us in the best position to help you achieve a successful outcome.

  • We provide onshore assistance for refugees currently residing in Australia
  • We ensure all Protection visa requirements are met before submitting your application
  • Our efficient approach means we can move from consultation to submission with speed

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Eligibility and requirements for Protection visa in Australia

The Protection visa (subclass 866) includes eligibility criteria that you must meet before you can apply. These requirements are subject to change but currently include the following: 

  • Be in Australia legally with a valid visa (you cannot be an unauthorised maritime arrival)
  • Be a refugee or meet the complementary protection criteria
  • Provide evidence of your identity 
  • Meet eligibility requirements (e.g. you cannot have had a protection visa cancelled or been refused a visa since your last onshore arrival)
  • Meet the country’s security, health, and character requirements
  • Accept the Australian Values Statement
  • Have not held a Temporary Protection visa (785), Temporary Safe Haven visa (449), Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) visa (786), or Safe Haven Enterprise visa (790)

If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria, our migration agents are happy to help.

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Locations

We offer migration agent services across Australia.
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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a Protection visa?

The Protection visa (866) processing time varies from applicant to applicant, with no definitive timeline set by the Department. While we cannot control how quickly your application is reviewed, we can do our utmost to ensure all requirements are met and enough evidence is supplied to reduce delays or requests for further information. 

How long does a Protection visa last?

Once you are granted a Protection visa subclass 866, you can remain in Australia indefinitely as this is a permanent visa. 

What is the pathway from Protection visa to permanent residency?

Your Protection visa is a permanent visa which means you become an Australian permanent resident the day you obtain your Protection visa.

If you want to move from Protection visa to citizenship, you may be eligible to apply after living in Australia for four years on your Protection visa. There may be other eligibility requirements that your migration agent can explain if this is a path that interests you.

What are the Protection visa Australia benefits?

A Protection visa subclass 866 offers a number of benefits, including the ability to:

  • Stay in Australia permanently, as well as work and study
  • Access Australia’s public health system (Medicare) and social security system (Centrelink)
  • Sponsor family members so they can gain permanent residence via the offshore Humanitarian Program
  • Travel in and out of Australia (within a five-year period)
  • Access free English language lessons (if eligible)

How can I prepare for Protection visa interview questions?

Some applicants will be invited to an interview with the Department of Home Affairs to discuss their application. If this happens, you may be asked questions about your circumstances, family, and why you’re applying for the Protection visa. You may also be asked to clarify information in your submitted application. Your migration agent can help you prepare for an interview if this is something you are asked to attend.

Can I apply for Australian visa after Protection visa refusal?

You cannot apply for another Protection visa if you have previously applied and had the visa refused or cancelled. However, in some circumstances, the Minister can intervene under the Migration Act, allowing a person to submit a subsequent Protection visa application if they have genuine claims that were not included in their initial application. 

Can I withdraw my Protection visa application Australia?

Yes, you can withdraw your Protection visa application via the Department of Home Affairs’ online platform (ImmiAccount) while the application is still pending. One of our migration agents can assist if you decide you want to cancel your application. 

Can you get a temporary Protection visa?

Yes, the Temporary Protection visa subclass 785 lets you remain in Australia for three years where you can work, study, and access Australian government services. You and all eligible family members (such as spouse of the family head, dependent child of the family head, and other dependent relatives of the family head) included in your application must be in Australia when you apply. 

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