Applying for this Visa

Getting help with your application

While you can apply for protection yourself, there is a range of people in Australia who can lawfully help you with your application if you need it. If you decide to use a migration agent, the department strongly recommends that you use one who is registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (Office of the MARA).
See: Getting Help With Your Application

Application form

To apply for a Protection visa you will need to complete Form 866 Application for a Protection (Class XA) visa. This form is available online or from any departmental office.
See:
Form 866 Application for a Protection (Class XA) visa (661KB PDF file)
Departmental Offices
Seeking Protection in Australia Questions and Answers ( 58KB PDF file)

Application charge

You must pay a non-refundable visa application charge when you lodge your visa application.
See: Form 990i Charges (Fees) ( 84KB PDF file)

Note: This fee is waived if you are in immigration detention and have not been immigration cleared.

What to include in your application

It is important that you submit a complete application to enable the department to process your application as quickly as possible. Your application must include:

• personal contact details
• your claims for protection
• any documentary evidence supporting your claims
• evidence of your identity, nationality and/or citizenship
• English translations of supporting documents
• signatures where required
• signed Australian Values statement
• passport quality and passport sized photos of all applicants included on your application
• if applicable, written approval appointing a migration agent to act on your behalf.
• if applicable, written approval for another person to receive all communications from the department regarding your application.

Applications that are incomplete may not be accepted. Use the checklist in Form 866 to ensure that your application is complete.
See:
Form 866 Application for a Protection (Class XA) visa (661KB PDF file)
Form 956 Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance (134KB PDF file)

Providing a digital photograph and fingerprints

From 1 November 2010, Protection visa applicants (including family members) will be required to provide a digital photograph and fingerprints (also known as personal identifiers) at an office of the department. If you do not provide your personal identifiers within the timeframe given to you, then under s46(2A) of the Migration Act 1958 your visa application will be invalid. Please be aware that not all offices are equipped to collect personal identifiers.
See:
Providing a digital photograph and fingerprints (105KB PDF file)
Frequently Asked Questions - Providing a digital photograph and fingerprints ( 59KB PDF file)

If you are unable to provide your personal identifiers you may be eligible for a waiver of s46(2A). However, a waiver will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

If you think you are eligible for a waiver, you need to complete a Section 46(2A) Waiver Request Form.
See: Section 46(2A) Waiver Request (104KB PDF file)

Detailed information on the use and disclosure of your personal identifying information can be found in Form 993i and Form 1243i.
See:
Form 993i Safeguarding your personal information ( 74KB PDF file)
Form 1243i Your personal identifying information ( 63KB PDF file)

How and where to lodge your application

You can lodge your Protection visa application in person or by mail with any office of the department.

It is recommended that you make an appointment at an office of the department to lodge your Protection visa application and provide your personal identifiers at the same time. To make your appointment, telephone the department during business hours in Australia. Please be aware that not all offices are equipped to collect personal identifiers.
Telephone: 131 881

See also:
Departmental Offices
Providing a digital photograph and fingerprints

If you cannot lodge your application in person, someone else (such as your migration agent) can lodge it on your behalf or you can mail it to an Onshore Protection processing office. Depending on where you live, your Protection visa application will be processed in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, so you may wish to mail your application directly to one of these offices.

If you are in Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, or New South Wales you should address your application to:

Onshore Protection New South Wales
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
GPO Box 9984
Sydney NSW 2001

If you are in Tasmania, or Victoria you should address your application to:

Onshore Protection Victoria
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
GPO Box 241
Melbourne VIC 3001

If you are in South Australia, the Northern Territory, or Western Australia you should address your application to:

Onshore Protection Western Australia
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Locked Bag 7
Northbridge WA 6865