Australian Protection Visa Subclass 866: A Complete Guide

Visiting Australia and not wanting to return is a common feeling you may experience! From diverse job opportunities to affordable healthcare – Australia is the ideal place to be, especially for those seeking residence. With the Protection Visa Subclass 866, individuals who meet eligibility criteria can seek permanent residence. Continue reading to learn vital details associated with this visa.

All About Protection Visa Subclass 866

The Protection Visa Subclass 866 enables individuals who legally enter Australia with a valid visa to seek permanent residence and citizenship. It allows them to live, study, work, and indefinitely access government benefits like Centrelink and Medicare. Additionally, those who acquire the visa can sponsor eligible family members through the offshore Humanitarian Program. 

Eligibility Criteria for Protection Visa 866

To be eligible for the Protection Subclass 866 visa, you must be a legal immigrant living in Australia. Unauthorized maritime arrivals are barred from consideration. Other criteria for eligibility are as follows:

1.The individual must classify as a refugee or fulfill the complementary protection criteria according to migration and protection guidelines in Australia.

2.The individual should provide documentation and biometric scans proving their nationality or citizenship. Valid proofs may include passports, birth certificates, employment records, etc.

3.The individual must not have had a canceled or rejected protected visa application after prior arrival in Australia.

4.The individual cannot be in possession of the following:

o   Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790) 

o   Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785) 

o   Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) visa (subclass 786) 

o   Temporary Safe Haven visa (subclass 449)

Protection Visa 866 Requirements

In addition to the above eligibility criteria, individuals must meet certain other requirements. These include:

• Security Requirements: Government officials will examine if you meet their security requirements for the visa application.
• Health Requirements: Government officials will check your health via different examinations conducted by the Bupa Medical Visa Services. The tests can include a TB Screening test, HIV test, Serum Creatinine/eGFR, and Hepatitis B test.
• Character Requirements: The character requirements attest that a person has no criminal record, previous convictions (sex crimes against children, escaping immigration detention, or domestic violence), and involvement in any terrorist activities, drug smuggling, or human trafficking. The Australian government, Interpol, or intelligence agencies should not want the person.
• Signing the Australian Values Statement: The individual must attest to comprehending and respecting the Australian way of life by going through the Life in Australia booklet. Then, they must sign the Australian Values Statement.  

Also, it is essential to gather the necessary documents for the application. These include identification documents like birth certificates, driver's licenses, and passport-size photographs. Copies of previous visas might be applicable.  

Read More About Australia Visa Requirements:

Documents required for student visa

491 Visa Australia

Australian Protection Visa Subclass 866 Application Process

The application process for a visa may be tedious and confusing. Consult an authorized agent to help you out. Before initiating the process, ensure you have:

• Gathered all the relevant and authentic documents
• Prepared and answered the questions on the form truthfully
• Gathered and attached evidence and supporting documents, including the ones for sponsors in your application, if any
• Notified your nominations for appointed authorized recipients and agents via Forms 956A and 956, respectively, in writing
• Translated all non–English documents into English

Open an ImmiAccount for beginning the application and submitting the documents. Follow the instructions and fill out the application form. Pay the application fee and note your TRN (Transaction Reference Number). The fee is AUD 45 (INR 2,553).

The authorities will send you an acknowledgment letter to your official email address. Further discussions regarding your application may happen over an interview. Through the ImmiAccount portal, you can check the application status, attach documents, and update personal information. 

The application processing time will depend upon the individual and the authenticity of the details. If the visa is granted, the government will send you a grand notification letter with the grant number, granting date, visa conditions, traveling rules, and government services. 

The authorities will send a notification letter detailing the reasons if the application is denied.

Conclusion

Always provide updated and authentic information in the documents. While adding family members to the application, attach documents explaining your relationship with them. Contact a registered migration agent or legal practitioner who can help you with your application.

If you are granted a visa, you can also check for eligibility criteria for seeking citizenship. Ensure you follow all regulations and laws and do not violate any guidelines that may risk your visa status. With a vibrant culture and thriving economic opportunities, Australia is the place to be!

More Related Articles:

• Study in Australia for Indian Students after 12th
• Requirements for Studying in Australia
• Why study in Australia
• How much Gap is acceptable for study in Australia
• Masters in Australia
• Cost of Study in Australia
• Australia Post Study Work Visa
• Jobs after MBA in Australia