Visitor and other · Subclass 866
Protection visa
For people in Australia who engage Australia's protection obligations. General information only.
This page describes published rules only. Protection and humanitarian matters need a specialist with protection experience, and free help may be available from refugee legal services and legal aid. If you are in danger, call 000.
Who it is for
People in Australia who engage Australia's protection obligations under the Refugees Convention or complementary protection. This page is general information only.
Key eligibility
- Generally for people who arrived lawfully. People who arrived by boat without a visa cannot apply unless the Minister lifts the bar.
- Identity requirements are strict. False claims or documents are serious and can lead to refusal and removal.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In Australia. A bridging visa usually applies while the application is processed.
Your journey, step by step
Get specialist help first
Protection matters need a specialist with protection experience. Free help may be available from refugee legal services and legal aid.
How a registered migration agent helps: only an agent with specialist protection experience should act; otherwise we refer you to free services.
Application and review
If refused, review at the Administrative Review Tribunal has strict time limits.
How a registered migration agent helps: explains the deadline in your letter.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Application lodged in Australia | A$50 |
| Tribunal review, only if the review is unsuccessful | A$2,293 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Common refusal risks
- Claims not meeting protection obligations.
- Identity not established.
- False claims or documents.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Protection visa (subclass 866)
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.