Subclass 790 · 5 years
Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)
5-year protection for people who arrived without a visa, engage Australia's protection obligations and intend to work or study in regional Australia. AUD50.
About the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)
The Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV, subclass 790) is for people who arrived without a visa and want to seek asylum. It lasts 5 years, and applicants sign a declaration that they intend to work or study in regional Australia.
With this visa you can
- Stay in Australia for 5 years
- Work and study
- Access services such as Centrelink
You must
- Have arrived without a valid visa or not been immigration cleared
- Engage Australia's protection obligations
- Declare an intention to work or study in regional Australia
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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Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790): 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.
Some SHEV holders who arrived before 14 February 2023 may be eligible for the Resolution of Status visa (851).
Eligibility
What you need.
You entered without a valid visa or were not immigration cleared.
Sign a declaration that you intend to work or study in regional Australia.
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.
You may be barred from applying in some situations, such as some unauthorised maritime arrivals without permission to apply. 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.
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 for the life of your visa, and access services such as Medicare and Centrelink.
Obey Australian laws and meet your visa conditions.
Some holders may be eligible for permanent residence through the Resolution of Status visa (851).
After a bar lift notification, Home Affairs recommends you apply for a subsequent visa at least 3 months before your current SHEV ends.
You must tell Home Affairs within 28 days if you change your address, and keep your contact details up to date.
Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790) 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.
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- QEAC Certified
A 5-year protection visa for people who arrived without a visa and intend to work or study in regional Australia.
5 years.
Some who arrived before 14 February 2023 may be eligible for the 851 visa.
Need Help With Your Visa?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
