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Protection visas are for asylum seekers

​​A Protection (subclass 866) visa allows a person who is at real risk of significant harm or persecution in their home country to live in Australia permanently. This visa is not for people who just want to stay longer in Australia to work.

You cannot apply for a Protection visa if you are outside Australia. You must have arrived in Australia on a valid visa and have been immigration cleared on your arrival.

Most new Protection visa applications are processed quickly and have a decision made much faster than in previous years. This means a quicker grant of Protection visas to those in need, and a swift refusal for those who are not eligible.

Do not apply for a Protection visa if you do not need asylum in Australia. We quickly refuse applicants who do not meet Protection visa criteria.

If you are considering applying for a Protection visa, we strongly encourage you to seek the right advice before you apply.


Thinking about submitting a protection visa application?

Here are five reasons you should never submit one with false claims.

Lying in a visa application is a serious offense.

You could face large fines, even jail time.

If you aren't a genuine asylum seeker, your application will be refused.

If your application is refused, you won't be able to apply for most other Australian visas.

A refusal remains on your immigration record forever and can affect future Australian visa options for you and your family.

Other countries can check your immigration history.

A refused protection visa application can damage your chances of traveling to other countries as well.

The Australian government is cracking down on people who submit false protection visa applications.

Lies slow down processing for asylum seekers who genuinely need protection.

If you're unsure, don't risk it.

Free legal advice is available.

Visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au/protection.