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790 — Safe Haven Enterprise Visa
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
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790 — Safe Haven Enterprise 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

Estimated Cost

AUD $50

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Safe Haven Enterprise Visa.

The Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV, subclass 790) is an Australian temporary protection visa for people who arrived without a valid visa and engage Australia's protection obligations. It grants a 5-year stay with rights to live, work, and study, plus access to Medicare, Centrelink, and free English classes.

SHEV holders who work or study in a designated regional area for 42 cumulative months without Special Benefit payments may access the SHEV pathway to apply for certain other visas, including permanent ones. The fee is AUD 50. Travel to the holder's home country is banned under condition 8570.

This visa is ideal for unauthorised arrivals assessed as needing protection who are willing to live and work in regional Australia to pursue a pathway to permanent status.

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
Australia flagAustralia

491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Validity5 years
Processing3 months – 2 years
View Visa Details
186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Australia flagAustralia

186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6–12 months
View Visa Details
189 — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
Australia flagAustralia

189 — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing3 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details
190 — Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
Australia flagAustralia

190 — Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)

ValidityIndefinite
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
500 — Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Australia flagAustralia

500 — Student Visa (Subclass 500)

ValidityUp to 6 years (in line with enrolment)
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details
820/801 — Partner visa (Temporary)
Australia flagAustralia

820/801 — Partner visa (Temporary)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 years
View Visa Details
482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Australia flagAustralia

482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

Validity4 years
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
785 — Temporary Protection Visa
Australia flagAustralia

785 — Temporary Protection Visa

Validity3 years
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be in Australia at the time of application and when the visa is decided

Must have arrived in Australia without a valid visa (unauthorised arrival)

Must engage Australia's protection obligations (refugee or complementary protection)

Must not be barred from lodging a SHEV application

Must meet health and character requirements

Must sign the Australian values statement

Must meet security requirements

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Identity documents (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship evidence)

Evidence of arrival in Australia

Evidence supporting protection claims

Completed visa application forms

Health examination results

Police clearance certificates

Biometric data (if requested)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily for 5 years
  • Access to government services such as Workforce Australia, Medicare, and Centrelink
  • Access to short-term counselling for torture and trauma when required
  • Access to free English language classes (AMEP)
  • Potential to apply for certain other visas in Australia if your profile appears to address the SHEV pathway requirements

Worth Knowing

  • Visa condition 8570 (Restricted travel) prohibits travel to your home country
  • Travel overseas to countries other than your home country requires written approval
  • You must demonstrate an intention to work or study in a designated regional area
  • Must apply for a subsequent visa before the current one expires if protection is still required

Application Process

1

Check qualification on the Department of Home Affairs website

2

Prepare your documents

3

Apply for the visa (using the appropriate application form)

4

Provide requested information, which may include health examinations and character checks

5

Wait for a decision from the Department

Application Forms

Go to application portal
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1465—
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Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) application form
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Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) application form
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1505Fill online
1465Fill online
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Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) application form
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