Subclass 866 · Permanent
Protection Visa (Subclass 866)
Permanent protection for people who arrived in Australia on a valid visa and engage Australia's protection obligations. AUD50.
About the Protection Visa (Subclass 866)
The Protection visa (subclass 866) is for people who arrived in Australia legally on a valid visa and want to seek asylum. If you engage Australia's protection obligations, as a refugee or under complementary protection, and meet health, character and security requirements, you can stay permanently.
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently
- Propose eligible family members for permanent residence through the Humanitarian Program
You must
- Have arrived in Australia on a valid visa and been immigration cleared
- Engage Australia's protection obligations
- Meet health, character, identity and security requirements
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice.
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Protection Visa (Subclass 866): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
AUD50.
People who arrived legally on a valid visa. People who arrived without a visa may instead be eligible for a Temporary Protection or Safe Haven Enterprise visa.
Eligibility
What you need.
You must have arrived holding a visa in effect and been immigration cleared.
You must be a refugee or meet Australia's complementary protection criteria under the Migration Act, or be a member of the family unit of someone who is.
Provide evidence of your identity, nationality or citizenship, and meet Australia's security requirements.
You and family applying with you must meet the health and character requirements. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
You cannot apply if barred, for example after a previous protection refusal, or if you hold or have held a TPV, SHEV or certain other visas.
Step by step
How it works.
Get advice
Protection claims are complex. Get advice from a registered migration agent or legal service.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Prepare your claims
Prepare a detailed statement of your claims and identity documents.
Apply
Lodge your application. Home Affairs may interview you.
Decision
If refused, you may have review rights at the ART, with strict time limits.
When you have this visa
What happens next.
Live, work and study in Australia permanently, and access services such as Medicare and Centrelink.
Obey Australian laws and meet your visa conditions.
Propose eligible family members through the Humanitarian Program, and later apply for citizenship if eligible.
Protection Visa (Subclass 866) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
People who arrived in Australia legally on a valid visa and engage Australia's protection obligations.
AUD50.
Yes.
You may be able to apply for review at the ART. Time limits are strict.
Need Help With Your Visa?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
