851 — Resolution of Status visa
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
Open

851 — Resolution of Status visa

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Australia flag

Living in Australia

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

Overview

Fee-free permanent humanitarian visa for TPV or SHEV holders who arrived in Australia before 14 February 2023, with a 5-year renewable travel facility and citizenship pathway.

The Resolution of Status (subclass 851) is an Australian permanent humanitarian visa for holders of a Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785) or Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790) who first arrived in Australia before 14 February 2023. It grants permanent residency at no cost.

The visa provides the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with access to Medicare and a 5-year travel facility renewable via the Resident Return Visa. Family members can be included, and holders gain a pathway to Australian citizenship. There is no application fee.

This visa is ideal for long-term TPV or SHEV holders who arrived before 14 February 2023 and want permanent settlement in Australia.

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Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a current or former holder of a Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785) or Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790).

Must have first arrived in Australia before 14 February 2023.

Must not have had the most recent TPV or SHEV refused or cancelled.

Must be in Australia at the time of application and at the time of visa grant.

Must meet health, character, and security requirements.

Must sign the Australian values statement.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, etc.).

Evidence of TPV or SHEV status.

Completed application forms.

Health examination results.

Police certificates for character assessment.

Signed Australian values statement.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Grants permanent residency in Australia.
  • Allows the holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
  • Access to Medicare and Centrelink services.
  • Ability to sponsor qualifying family members for permanent residence.
  • Includes a 5-year travel facility (renewable via Resident Return Visa).
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship if qualifying.
  • No application fee.

Worth Knowing

  • Must apply before the current TPV/SHEV expires to avoid becoming unlawful.
  • Non-qualifying if the most recent TPV/SHEV was refused or cancelled.
  • Unauthorised maritime arrivals may be subject to specific bars.
  • Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances.
  • Requires meeting standard permanent residency health and character standards.

Application Process

1

Ensure qualification by confirming TPV/SHEV status and arrival date.

2

Prepare all necessary identity, health, and character documentation.

3

Lodge the application via ImmiAccount before the current TPV/SHEV expires.

4

Provide biometrics and undergo health examinations if required.

5

Await the decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

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