On 13 February 2023, the Albanese Government announced that it would end the cruel and unnecessary policy of temporary protection.
This means that those who already have a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) will be able to apply for a permanent Resolution of Status (RoS) Visa. Current applications to renew expired TPVs or SHEVs will automatically be converted to RoS visa applications. Those still waiting for a decision will be granted a RoS Visa once their need for refugee protection is determined.
It is important to get legal advice on this application process.
TPV and SHEV Factsheets from Legal Providers
Refugee Advice and Casework Service Factsheet for TPV and SHEV holders
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Factsheet for TPV and SHEV holders
Refugee and Immigration Legal Service Factsheet
Factsheets in different languages from the Department of Home Affairs
The following factsheets are from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Arabic (684KB PDF)
- Burmese (563KB PDF)
- Dari (575KB PDF)
- English (366KB PDF)
- Farsi (732KB PDF)
- Pashto (758KB PDF)
- Rohingya (264KB PDF)
- Tamil (794KB PDF)
Get legal advice
Specialist legal services have been funded to assist SHEV and TPV holders to apply for a permanent Resolution of Status Visa. You do not need to pay for private migration advice. To get FREE legal assistance, contact the specialist legal service in your state:
New South Wales
Refugee Advice and Casework Service
Phone: (02) 8317 6505
Email: admin@racs.org.au
Website: https://www.racs.org.au/tpv-shev-processing
Victoria
Refugee Legal
Phone: (03) 9413 0101
Email: clinic@refugeelegal.org.au
Website: https://refugeelegal.org.au
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
Phone: (03) 9252 2534
Email: legalcasework@ASRC.ORG.AU
Website: https://asrc.org.au/
Queensland
Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS)
Phone: (07) 3846 9300
Email: admin@rails.org.au
Website: www.rails.org.au
Western Australia
Circle Green Community Legal
Phone: (08) 6148 3636
Email: enquiries@circlegreen.org.au
Website: https://circlegreen.org.au/
Tasmania
The Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service (TRLS)
Phone: (03) 6169 9473
Email: info@rlstas.com
Website: www.rlstas.com
People in ACT, NT, SA are encouraged to check with their local Legal Aid offices – or can contact one of the above services if they are not able to access legal assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I have to do to get a permanent visa?
SHEV and TPV holders are being invited to apply for a Resolution of Status Visa based on their current circumstances. Those who hold a TPV or SHEV visa will be invited to apply before their visa expires. Current applications to renew expired TPVs or SHEVs will automatically be converted to RoS visa applications. Those still waiting for a decision (including those seeking review) will be granted a RoS Visa once their need for refugee protection is determined. You should get legal advice from a specialist legal service above about what you need to do.
When will I get a permanent visa?
The Department of Home Affairs estimates that all eligible people will get a permanent visa within the next 12 months (i.e. February 2024).
What if I need help with my application?
You should contact one of the specialist legal providers in your state above. You do not need to pay for private migration advice. The visa is free.
Can I sponsor my family to live in Australia?
Yes. Once you get a permanent Resolution of Status Visa you are able to sponsor your family through the Migration Program. We recommend that you get migration advice for this application.
Can I visit my family overseas?
Once you have a permanent Resolution of Status Visa you are allowed to travel overseas. However, you should not travel on your home country passport and should get a Convention Travel Document. You will also need permission to travel to the country you intend on visiting. It is strongly recommended you do not travel back to your home country which you have fled persecution.
Can I attend university or TAFE?
Yes. Once you have a permanent Resolution of Status Visa you are eligible to study and have access to the Higher Education Loan Program and Commonwealth Supported Places to help you pay for your study. If you urgently need to study you can apply for priority processing for your visa.
Can I get Centrelink?
Yes. Once you have a permanent Resolution of Status Visa you have access to all Centrelink payments, the same as other Australian permanent visa holders and citizens.
Can I get access to settlement services?
Yes. You can access some settlement services if needed, and short-term counselling for torture and trauma.
Can I get access to disability services?
Yes. Once you ave a permanent Resolution of Status Visa you have access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. If you urgently need access to disability services you can apply for priority processing for your visas.
My application was refused, what should I do?
If your application for refugee protection was refused, you should seek legal assistance to lodge an application for Ministerial Intervention. Contact one of the free legal services above.
