What is the Processing Time for Protection Visa in Australia?

Sometimes, people from different countries move to some other states to find protection. It happens when they suffer persecution or torture in their homeland. The reason for persecution could be race, war, religion, or political issues.

In this case, people often seek asylum in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs provides a 866 Visa to people seeking asylum. However, if you’ve applied for this visa, you must know about the protection visa processing time.

Continue reading to learn important aspects regarding 866 protection visa in Australia.

What is Permanent Protection Visa?

Visa 866 is a permanent visa. It’s offered to people who come to Australia on a valid visa and need asylum. If you engage with the protection obligations of Australia so you can be eligible for the Protection Visa. However, you must meet the other eligibility requirements as well to get subclass 866 in Australia.

A protection visa offers numerous benefits to candidates, such as:

• You can live, work and study in Australia permanently
• You will have access to government services such as Medicare and Centrelink.
• You can sponsor eligible family members for PR via the offshore Humanitarian Program. 
• You are allowed to travel to and from Australia for 5 years
• You can also apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What is Protection Visa Processing Time?

The processing time for a protection visa is longer and it can take up to 3 years or 36 months. However, it is not fixed and varies depending upon several factors. Use the visa processing guide tool to check the accurate processing time for 866 visa. 

Your application may take longer if:

• You don’t provide the complete or accurate information.
• You do not attach all the required documents.
• You fail to provide additional information when asked.
• You do not respond to requests from the Department of Home Affairs quickly.

However, if you want your application to be processed faster, provide all the information correctly and make sure to attach the required documents. 

Learn more about the protection visa including its eligibility criteria and document checklist required for it to submit a flawless visa application.

Eligibility Criteria for Protection Visa

You can be eligible to obtain the Protection Visa Australia if you meet its requirements. The Department of Home Affairs has set specific eligibility criteria for this visa.

To obtain visa subclass 866, you must;

• Be a refugee who wants asylum in Australia.
• Engage Australia’s protection obligations or belong to the same family unit as someone who does.
• Comply with all visa requirements that include security, character and health checks.
• Have entered Australia on a valid visa.
• Not be barred from applying for a permanent Protection Visa in Australia.
• Not hold Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785), Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (subclass 790), Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) visa (subclass 786), or Temporary Safe Haven visa (subclass 449).
• Meet the security requirements of Australia.
• Meet the health and character requirements.
• Provide documents such as proof of identity, citizenship, or nationality with your visa application. The department of Home Affairs may ask you for biometrics as well.

If you meet all these requirements and need assistance to apply for Protection Visa, then book your consultation with us!

What Documents Do I Need for Protection Visa?

You need to provide specific documents along with your Protection Visa application. Ensure that you submit the complete documents with your application. As it helps to boost the protection visa processing time. The Department of Home Affairs asks for certified copies of all documents.

They include;

• Any documents/proofs to support your claims for protection
• All pages of your passport and other travel documents you used to enter Australia
• Documents/evidence to support your relationship with each person in your visa application. These documents may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial documents and notarial certificates.

The Department of Home Affairs will keep the certified copies of your documents. Whereas your original documents will be returned to you by Home Affairs. Furthermore, make sure your documents are translated into English. You must contact a certified translator from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Can I Travel to My Home Country on Protection Visa?

Visa 866 doesn’t allow you to travel to the same country where you seek protection from. You may travel to your homeland if the Australian Government allows you. However, if you have a compelling reason, you must get permission from the Australian Government.

This policy also applies to your family members included in your visa application. Furthermore, the Department of Home Affairs will cancel your Protection Visa if you travel to your homeland without permission.

You can avail the multiple travel facility on subclass 866. As it permits visa holders to travel from and to Australia for 5 years. This multiple travel facility is only valid for 5 years.

Can family members move with you on a Protection Visa?

You can bring family members on the list if they are the head of the family: 

1. The spouse.
2. Partner in a de facto relationship.
3. Dependent children or stepchildren.
4. The partner’s or spouse’s stepchild or child.

In addition to them, the family includes:

1. The parent.
2. Grandchildren and grandparent.
3. Uncle or aunt.
4. Nephew or niece.
5. Or a step that is the same as the ones above.

The person who wants to get a visa doesn’t have to be the family head. It can be anyone else in the family unit. Only children under 18 are considered dependents when it comes to counting them.

Any child over 18 must apply for their own visa unless they are: 

• Not able to work because of a physical or mental illness.
• They depend on their parents for everything, including money, social support, and physical care.
• The child is no longer considered dependent if they are married, in a relationship, or engaged.

Families are supervised by their family head if:

•  They are not married or in a relationship.
• Staying with the head of the family.
• Financially, socially, and physically dependent on the family head.

Protection Visa Processing Time – Final Thoughts

The Australian Government provides a Protection Visa to people seeking asylum. It’s like a life savior for people who don’t feel safe in their home country. They can migrate to Australia on a valid visa and apply for Protection Visa. It’s a permanent visa. The refugees get Australian PR  if they meet the requirements for subclass 866.

Are you a refugee seeking asylum in Australia? Then book your consultation with our consultancy firm to apply for the Protection Visa!

Protection Visa holders can live freely in Australia. The Australian Government always welcomes refugees, migrants and other overseas visitors. You can also work in Australian firms. Moreover, you can enroll in any course study you want in Australia.

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