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866 Visa
The Protection visa (subclass 866) lets people who arrived in Australia on a valid visa and now fear persecution or significant harm stay permanently as refugees or under complementary protection. It confers work and study rights, Medicare, potential Centrelink access and a future path to citizenship.
Benefit | Details |
Permanent residence | Live in Australia indefinitely; travel in and out for 5 years on the initial travel facility. |
Work & study | Full work rights, domestic-fee study options and access to Skills for Education & Employment. |
Medicare & services | Immediate enrolment in Medicare; possible Centrelink and settlement support. |
Family reunion | Sponsor eligible family overseas through the split-family stream of the offshore humanitarian program. |
Citizenship pathway | Apply for Australian citizenship once residence requirements are met. |
Item | Amount / timeframe* |
Base Visa Application Charge | AUD 50 (additional applicants: AUD 0) |
Median processing time** | Unavailable – the Department does not publish standard times for this visa. Expect lengthy assessment and plan for several years. |
Pitfall | Prevention tip |
Vague persecution narrative | Write a detailed, chronological statement matching country evidence. |
Inconsistent dates across forms | Cross-check passports, visas and entry cards before lodgement. |
Late evidence uploads | Front-load all documents; add updates via ImmiAccount “update details” link. |
Direct access to a lawyer – every case is personally handled by an experienced immigration lawyer.
Holistic support – from bridging-visa work rights to post-grant family-reunion strategy.
Fixed fees, clear communication – no hidden costs.
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.
Let us handle the paperwork — so you can focus on your future.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.
AUD 50 for the main applicant; no extra charge for family members.
Unauthorised maritime arrivals cannot lodge a subclass 866; they may be considered for temporary protection instead.
Yes. Immediate family members in Australia can be added to your Form 866 before a decision is made, at no extra fee.
In most cases, you’ll receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that keeps you lawful and lets you work while the 866 is processed.
You generally have 28 days to lodge a merits review with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Seek legal advice quickly.