Australia has been at the forefront of protecting and safeguarding political rights and civil liberties. While there are many countries where the citizens are persecuted based on their religion, race, political inclination, etc., Australia provides a safe haven to them. Protection Visa Australia is for the individuals who face discrimination in their home countries and seek asylum in the country for themselves and their family members.
This visa not only allows you to live and work in the country but also provides you with educational opportunities. Additionally, it opens doors for Australian Citizenship for you. We have covered all the information in this post that you may require to apply for protection visa 866.
Be a legal migrant. You must have come to Australia on a valid visa and must be immigration cleared. The Department of Home Affairs does not consider applications from individuals who have entered the country unauthorized.
Be a refugee. Australia does not return people who have a risk of persecution in their home country. You must be a refugee to acquire protection visa 866.
Provide identity documents. You have to provide all the documents related to your identity, nationality and citizenship along with your application.
You may have to provide biometrics that include a scan of your fingerprints and a photograph of your face. This information is used to assess your application for protection.
Not have refused or canceled your protection visa. You are not eligible to apply if you have been refused a protection visa since your last arrival in the country.
You cannot make a new visa application if you had your protection visa cancelled since you last visited the country.
Meet Health and Character requirements. You must undergo health tests to make sure that you are healthy and not an obligation to the Australian community.
Acknowledge Australian Value Statement

Although many sources claim it to be 145 days as per the official sources the processing time for visa subclass 866 is not available. The complex process takes time and you must wait patiently while the department processes your application.
Here are some of the steps you need to take to ensure a smooth and fast processing of your application:

Applications of the Subclass 491 visa on behalf of the main applicant will have an approximate cost of visa processing of AUD 4,910. Moreover, the other visa applications by the visa applicants aged 18 years and above will incur an estimated cost of AUD 2320, and the dependent children under the age of 18 years will incur an estimated cost of AUD 1,160.
Here are the steps you need to follow before you apply for Protection Visa 866:
Double check if you are eligible for the visa subclass 866. For asylum seekers free legal advice is available with the application. This eligibility check saves time, efforts and money. You can prepare the application and submit it yourself.
Alternatively, you can appoint a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner or an exempt person for immigration assistance. Similarly, you can appoint someone to receive the documents on your behalf.
You have to gather all the necessary documents that may support your application for the asylum visa. The Department of Home Affairs makes a decision after a thorough review of these documents..
With the help of your ImmiAcount you can check the status of your application, attach documents, update personal details and get a copy of your application at any time.
The department does not give updates of the application process however, you must check your ImmiAccount regularly in case they ask for further information. While your application is in process you may get a bridging visa. You must stay lawful in Australia till a decision is made on your application. Additionally, you can also add family members during the time.
They may have to attend an interview if the department asks. At the same time, you may have to get your necessary health checks and biometrics.
The Department of Home Affairs gives the outcome in written format. The visa grant notification letter contains your visa grant number, conditions if any and other relevant information. On the other hand, if the department refuses your visa application you will get that in writing. You may have the right to review the decision with the Administrative review Tribunal.
The foundation of a successful application lies in robust documentation. Accuracy in this phase prevents lengthy delays or refusals.
Identity Proofs: Valid passport and certified birth certificates.
Proof of Relationship: Documentation proving your link with the sponsor.
Complete the digital lodging via the official Department of Home Affairs (DHA) portal.
During this time, the DHA may request additional information, health checks, or police clearances. It is imperative to respond to these requests promptly to avoid further delays or potential application closure.
The Department will notify you in writing of the outcome of your visa application. This formal letter will contain crucial details regarding your future status.
You can apply if you are a legal migrant who is already in Australia and have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country. You must not have had a previous protection visa application refused or canceled.
It means you are a person who has a risk of persecution in your home country. Australia will not return you to a place where you are at risk.
You must apply online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system. You will need to create an account, fill out the application, upload all supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
The official processing time is not available and the process can be complex. To ensure a smooth process, it is important to fill out the application correctly, include all necessary documents, and respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
If your application is refused, you will be notified in writing and may have the right to appeal the decision with the Administrative Review Tribunal.

