Contents
This page contains information about a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV).
You will find information about conditions, entitlements, future visa pathways and moving to regional areas.
Please note this information is provided by our members and is not legal advice, but is general information. To get advice about your case, you should speak to a lawyer or a migration agent. You can see the details of organisations which provide free legal advice here.
Temporary protection visas and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (RACS)
What is a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV)?
A Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) is one of two types of temporary protection visas available to those claiming asylum who come by boat. This is part of the Australian Government’s current policy that people who come by boat and claim asylum should not be given permanent protection. The Temporary Protection Visa and Safe Haven Enterprise Visa however are not the same.
The TPV visa provides protection for three years (compared to the five years available under the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa).
What is a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV)?
A Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) is one of two types of temporary protection visas available to those claiming asylum who come by boat. This is part of the Australian Government’s current policy that people who come by boat and claim asylum should not be given permanent protection.
The visa provides protection for five years (compared to the three available under the TPV). Its main feature is that people who hold it must intend to work or study in a part of ‘regional Australia’.
What is the difference between a SHEV and a TPV?
The main difference between a SHEV and other types of protection visas is that the person applying for this visa must intend to work or study in a regional area. The other main requirements are that a person is in need of protection and meets the health and character requirements.
Another important difference between a SHEV and a TPV is that, at the end of the five years of the SHEV, the person holding the visa can apply for a permanent migration visa. This is not automatic and does not mean the person can apply for a permanent visa because they need protection. To get a permanent visa, people must also meet the requirements of the other permanent visa they are applying for (for example, as the husband or wife of an Australian citizen).
