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785 — Temporary Protection Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

50 AUD

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

1% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryA$67,200

Quality of Life

190/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Temporary Protection Visa.

The Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), subclass 785, is an Australian humanitarian visa for people who arrived without a valid visa and engage Australia's protection obligations. There is no application charge. Holders may live, work, and study in Australia for 3 years and access Medicare and Centrelink.

The TPV is renewable; holders may apply for a subsequent TPV or transition to a Safe Haven Enterprise visa (790). Those who arrived before 14 February 2023 may be eligible for the permanent Resolution of Status visa (851). Travel outside Australia is restricted and family members cannot be sponsored separately.

This visa is ideal for asylum seekers already in Australia without a valid visa who need temporary legal protection while their protection claim is assessed.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Australia

790 — Safe Haven Enterprise Visa

Validity5 years

ProcessingVaries

View Visa Details

Australia

851 — Resolution of Status visa

ValidityIndefinite

ProcessingVaries

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be in Australia at time of application

Must have arrived in Australia without a visa

Must engage Australia's protection obligations

Must meet health requirements

Must meet character requirements

Must meet security requirements

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Evidence of identity, nationality, or citizenship

Personal statements and evidence supporting the claim for protection

Completed application forms

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Provides legal status and safety for those at risk of harm in their home country
Allows the holder to live, work, and study in Australia for 3 years
Access to government services like Medicare and Centrelink
Access to free English language classes
No visa application charge

Worth Knowing

Temporary status (usually 3 years) with no automatic pathway to permanent residency
Requires re-application or assessment for further visas upon expiry
Travel overseas is restricted and requires written approval
Strict eligibility criteria regarding how the applicant entered Australia
Processing times can be lengthy and involve intensive background checks

Application Process

Lodge a protection visa application with the Department of Home Affairs

Include all members of your family unit in the application if applicable

Provide required documentation and evidence

Attend interviews or provide further information if requested

Await the department's decision

Application Forms

Go to application portal

ImmiAccount

Online visa application portal — lodge application via ImmiAccount

Fill online

Verified Claims (25)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Lodge a protection visa application with the Department of Home Affairs; Include all members of your…	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Can Convert To	au-790; au-851	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Fee Breakdown	Base application charge: 50 AUD	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Fee Breakdown · 0 · amount	0	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Fee Breakdown · 0 · label	Visa application charge	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Fees	No visa application charge	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Forms	Application is generally lodged online via ImmiAccount	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Forms · 0 · description	Online visa application portal — lodge application via ImmiAccount	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

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