The Protection visa (subclass 866) is a permanent visa for people in Australia who arrived legally and who engage Australia’s protection obligations because they face serious harm if returned to their home country.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 866.
Who may be eligible?
Australia has protection obligations under the Refugees Convention and under complementary protection. You may be owed protection if you have a well-founded fear of persecution because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, or if there is a real risk you would suffer significant harm, such as torture, the death penalty or cruel and inhuman treatment, if returned.
Key requirements
- You are in Australia and arrived legally on a valid visa
- You engage Australia’s protection obligations as a refugee or under complementary protection
- Identity, health, character and security checks
- You have not been found to have access to protection in another safe country
Preparing a strong claim
Your statement
A detailed, consistent and truthful statement of what happened to you and why you fear returning.
Evidence
Identity documents, supporting documents and reliable country information that supports your claims.
Interview
The Department usually interviews applicants. Preparation and an accredited interpreter are important.
If your application is refused
You may be able to seek review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), but strict time limits apply. Read our visa refusal and ART appeal guide, and contact us immediately after a refusal.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while my protection visa is being processed?
Many applicants receive a bridging visa with work rights, but conditions vary. Check your bridging visa conditions.
Is free help available?
Yes. Some community legal centres and government-funded programs offer free help to eligible protection visa applicants. We can also assist on a fee basis.
What if I arrived without a visa?
The 866 is only for people who arrived legally. Other rules and visas apply to people who arrived without a valid visa, so get specialist advice.
Can my family be included?
Family members in Australia can be included. Family overseas may later be able to apply under the humanitarian program.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
