Visa file / Visitor and other visas
Protection visa 866
For people in Australia who engage Australia's protection obligations. General information only.
In force
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.
Published 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 you apply from
In Australia. A bridging visa usually applies while the application is processed.
General information only. Matters like this often need specialist help. A registered migration agent can explain the options and refer you to specialist or free services where appropriate.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Get specialist help first
Protection matters need a specialist with protection experience. Free help may be available from refugee legal services and legal aid.
Where a registered migration agent can helpOnly an agent with specialist protection experience should act; otherwise the agent refers you to free services.
- 02
Application and review
If refused, review at the Administrative Review Tribunal has strict time limits.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains the deadline in your letter.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application lodged in Australia | A$50 |
| Tribunal review, only if the review is unsuccessful | A$2,293 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
Processing times: not published by Home Affairs for this visa. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Claims not meeting protection obligations.
- Identity not established.
- False claims or documents.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
General
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.