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AustraliaAsylum & protectionLast checked October 16, 2026

Protection visa

subclass 866

The subclass 866 Protection visa is a permanent visa for people in Australia who arrived on a valid visa and engage Australia's protection obligations as a refugee or under complementary protection. Applications are lodged online in ImmiAccount and assessed by the Department of Home Affairs, usually with an interview. Refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

1 entry rule for Australia based on recent travel

These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.

Life in Australia

Money

3

Currency

Australian Dollar

AUD

Australian Dollar

Cost of living

94

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

15–45%

Income tax (national)

GST 10%

2026-27: first AUD 18,200 tax-free; 45% above AUD 190,000. Plus 2% Medicare levy.

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.9

#15 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Who it’s for

People already in Australia who arrived holding a valid visa, were immigration cleared, and fear persecution or significant harm if returned.

Eligibility

  • Refugee or complementary protection

    You must be a refugee under the Migration Act 1958, or meet the complementary protection criteria (a real risk of significant harm if returned), or be a member of the same family unit of someone who does.

  • Arrived on a valid visa and immigration cleared

    You must have arrived in Australia holding a visa in effect and have been immigration cleared on your last entry. Unauthorised maritime arrivals and people not immigration cleared cannot make a valid application.

  • Apply from inside Australia

    You must be in Australia when you apply. There is no way to apply from outside Australia.

Sign in to read the full guide (free)

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  • 6 more requirements
  • 11 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions

Official sources

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