The Refugee Council of Australia welcomes the announcement by the Federal Government that Ukrainian citizens seeking refugee in Australia will be subject to humanitarian visas. All Ukrainian temporary visa holders in Australia and those arriving in the following months will be eligible for a temporary humanitarian (subclass 786) visa from the Australian government. RCOA* chief executive officer Paul Bower stated, "Enabling Ukrainian people to arrive in Australia and be protected in the short term is an appropriate response by the Australian Government and sets a positive precedent for what could happen in other situations where people are seeking refuge in our country," "Ukrainians are being forced to flee their homes and country in circumstances where they continue to hold out the hope of safe return if peace can be restored," Bower added. Allowing Ukrainians to enter Australia and transfer to three-year Temporary Humanitarian Concern (subclass 786) visas provides hope and solutions in these circumstances. Temporary Ukrainians in Australia can currently work, study, and use Medicare while they await word on their future. The government will work closely with the Ukrainian community in Australia to ensure that appropriate permanent visa alternatives are made available to this group at the right time.

Australia Stands with Ukraine

The focus has been on making travel easier for people who need to flee Ukraine or neighbouring nations because of the conflict. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the Morrison government has prioritised visa applications from Ukrainian citizens, especially those with ties to Australia, in temporary and permanent visa categories.  Over 5000 Ukrainians have been granted temporary visas since 23 February 2022, and about 750 have already arrived in the country. The Commonwealth Coordinator-General for Migrant Services and officials from the Department of Home Affairs will continue to collaborate closely with the Ukrainian-Australian community and settlement service providers across the country assuring that those arriving from Ukraine are supported throughout their stay in Australia. Australian human rights program providers will assist Ukrainian temporary humanitarian visa holders in finding long-term housing, gaining access to Medicare, enrolling children in school, and navigate other social services. The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations and their state-based equivalents received a $450,000 grant earlier this year. This will help local communities continue to support people who have recently arrived in Australia. Throughout the development of the situation in Ukraine and Australia's response, the Morrison Government will engage with the Ukrainian community in Australia.

Temporary Humanitarian Concerns Class UO visas in subclass 786

Ukrainians will be granted a Subclass 786 Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa if the Minister believes they should be allowed to stay in Australia for a more extended period for humanitarian reasons. Ukrainians must complete a medical check and prove that they have no criminal records and are therefore not terrorists or have committed crimes against humanity or war crimes (PIC 4001 – character test; cl. 786.224). Furthermore, ASIO has established that they are not a direct or indirect security threat (PIC 4002). The Foreign Minister has determined that you are not directly or indirectly linked to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (PIC 4003A).

This visa allows its holder to:

Live in any Australian city.

Become Australian resident for at least 3 years (the Minister determines the exact length or duration of the visa)

Work in their particular fields of interest in the country.

To enrol in the government's healthcare program.

They can get Centrelink payments if they don't have any income.

To ensure a successful visa application processing, please schedule an appointment with our visa immigration agent. Our visa consultants/immigration agents are trained to advise applicants on visa conditions, criteria, and processing based on their eligibility.

Time Required to Process Visas for Subclass 786

The average processing time for a 786 visa application varies according to the applicant's characteristics. The department's review procedure determines the standard processing time and the information it needs from applicants and outside agencies. Contact a professional visa consultant/immigration agent at Pace Migration for further information on visa procedures and eligibility criteria.  Pace Migration is your one-stop solution for anything immigration-related in Australia. Contact us or consult with one of our immigration specialists instantly. We urge that you fill out our information form for future reference and contact us if you need any help or support with your eligibility or application.

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*RCOA is the national umbrella organisation for refugees, asylum seekers, and those who help them. RCOA is a non-profit organization that advocates for the greater humane treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia, the region, and the world