Australia's Safe Haven Enterprise Visa
Visa Subclass 790 – Safe Haven Enterprise Visa Australia
Protection and Purpose — Australia's Safe Haven Enterprise Visa for Those Who Arrived Without Authorisation
The Visa Subclass 790, known as the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV), is for people who arrived in Australia illegally and want to apply for protection. It lets you stay in Australia temporarily if you engage Australia's protection obligations and meet all other requirements for the visa.
But the SHEV is more than just temporary protection. It is a visa with a distinct purpose built into it — it actively encourages holders to work or study in regional Australia, and in doing so, opens doors to other visa pathways that are not available to holders of the Subclass 785 Temporary Protection Visa. For people who arrived in Australia without authorisation and are willing to contribute to regional communities, the Subclass 790 offers more options than any other temporary protection visa.
It is not a permanent residency visa, but eligible applicants can qualify for permanent residency through the Subclass 851 Resolution of Status visa if they held their SHEV before 14 February 2023. At Migration Republic, our MARA-registered migration agents handle every Subclass 790 case with the care, professionalism, and human understanding that these circumstances demand.
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Nominal humanitarian charge
Longer than TPV 785
Unlocks SHEV pathway
Resolution of Status Visa
Visa Overview
What Is the Visa Subclass 790?
The Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790) is a temporary visa that allows eligible individuals to reside in Australia for a period of 5 years. It is granted to people who are in Australia, arrived without authorisation, and have been found to engage Australia's protection obligations — but who are ineligible for the permanent Protection Visa (Subclass 866).
The Subclass 790 visa provides temporary residence to individuals who arrived in Australia illegally but have demonstrated a commitment to work or study in regional areas under the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa scheme. It aims to encourage economic and social participation in regional areas while providing temporary protection to eligible individuals.
The SHEV is structurally similar to the Subclass 785 Temporary Protection Visa, but there is one important distinction — the SHEV is five years rather than three, and it comes with a regional work and study pathway that, if met, allows holders to apply for a broader range of visas in Australia. This makes the Subclass 790 the more flexible and strategically valuable of the two temporary protection visas for people willing to live and contribute to regional Australia.
Key Features of the Visa Subclass 790
- Temporary visa valid for 5 years — longer than the Subclass 785 (3 years)
- Must be in Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided
- Full work and study rights throughout the period of stay
- Access to government services including Centrelink
- Access to Medicare and healthcare services
- Application fee of AUD $45
- Fast Track Assessment process applies to eligible applicants
- SHEV pathway available — work or study in regional Australia for 42 months to unlock access to other visas
- Eligible holders may apply for the permanent Resolution of Status Visa (Subclass 851) if they arrived before 14 February 2023
- Family members can be included in the application
- Travel outside Australia is possible but requires a travel facility and compelling reason
Protection Framework
How the Subclass 790 Fits Into Australia's Protection Framework
The Subclass 790 is one of several protection-related visa options in Australia's humanitarian system. Understanding where it sits helps clarify which visa is right for which situation.
TPV — 3 Years
For unauthorised arrivals seeking asylum in Australia. Valid for 3 years. Allows work and study anywhere in Australia. No regional requirement and no SHEV pathway.
SHEV — 5 Years
Also for unauthorised arrivals. Valid for 5 years. Allows work and study anywhere in Australia. Regional work or study for 42 months unlocks the SHEV pathway to other visas — the strategically stronger choice.
PPV — Permanent
For people who arrived in Australia lawfully on a valid visa and engage Australia's protection obligations. This is the permanent onshore protection visa and is not available to unauthorised arrivals.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply for the Visa Subclass 790?
To be eligible to apply for a Subclass 790 visa, the applicant must meet the Department's required eligibility conditions.
Arrived in Australia Illegally
Are in Australia and arrived illegally, which includes entering without a valid visa or not being immigration cleared on arrival.
Ineligible for Subclass 866
Are ineligible for a permanent Protection Visa (Subclass 866). The Subclass 866 is only available to people who arrived lawfully on a valid visa.
Engage Protection Obligations
Are either a refugee or meet the complementary protection criteria under the Migration Act 1958. Both grounds are assessed equally.
Currently in Australia
Are currently in Australia at the time of application and visa decision. You cannot apply for the Subclass 790 from outside Australia.
Meet Health, Character and Security Requirements
Meet health, character, identity, and security requirements as set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Not a National of Two or More Countries
Are not a national of two or more countries and do not hold a protection visa granted by a safe third country.
Grounds for Protection
The Two Grounds for Protection — Refugee Status and Complementary Protection
Just like the Subclass 785, the Subclass 790 can be granted on two distinct legal grounds. Many people who do not meet the strict refugee definition still qualify under complementary protection.
Refugee Status
You must have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country due to your race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. This follows the definition under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention.
Complementary Protection
Persons who are not refugees but may suffer significant harm if they return to their home country meet the criteria for complementary protection. Significant harm is defined as risk of losing one's life, death sentence, inhuman punishment, or degrading treatment. You do not need to be a recognised Convention refugee to qualify for the Subclass 790 — if you face real risk of serious harm on return, complementary protection may apply.
Both grounds are assessed equally. The Department reviews each application individually against both criteria.
Visa Advantages
Key Benefits of the Visa Subclass 790
Five Years of Lawful Status
The Subclass 790 allows eligible individuals to reside in Australia for a period of 5 years. This is two years longer than the Subclass 785, providing greater stability and more time to build a life in Australia without the immediate pressure of reapplying.
Full Work and Study Rights
The visa allows its holders to work in any stream in the country while the visa is valid and to study in the country while the visa is valid. There are no restrictions on employer, industry, or hours — you can build a career and contribute to your community from the day the visa is granted.
Access to Government Services
Visa holders can access government services such as Centrelink. This provides access to income support and other social services available to SHEV holders, which is an important practical safety net.
Medicare Access
Subclass 790 holders can enrol in Australia's public Medicare system, giving access to medical treatment through the public health network — a significant and immediate benefit for people who may have had limited healthcare access for some time.
The SHEV Pathway — Access to Other Visas
This is the defining feature of the Subclass 790 compared to the 785. The Safe Haven Enterprise visa pathway gives some SHEV holders working or studying in regional areas the option to apply for certain visas, including some permanent visas, in Australia. Working through the pathway requirements opens doors that simply do not exist for Subclass 785 holders.
Pathway to Permanent Residency via the Resolution of Status Visa
On 13 February 2023, the Australian Government announced that refugees who have a Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV Subclass 790) have a pathway for permanent protection and would be eligible for a permanent Resolution of Status visa (RoS Subclass 851). These changes have been made to provide a permanent pathway for up to 20,000 people. For people who held or applied for the SHEV before 14 February 2023, this is the most significant development in Australian humanitarian policy in years.
Family Members Can Be Included
Immediate family members can be included in the visa application form — a partner or de facto partner and dependent children. Keeping families together during this process matters, and the SHEV makes that possible.
The SHEV Pathway
The SHEV Pathway — Unlocking Access to Other Visas
This is what makes the Subclass 790 genuinely different from the Subclass 785. The SHEV pathway is a built-in mechanism that rewards regional contribution with expanded visa options.
Once you have met the 42-month regional work or study requirement, you may be eligible to apply for a broader range of visas in Australia — including certain family and skilled visas. SHEV holders who meet the pathway requirements can apply for certain other visas in Australia, including permanent visas such as skilled and family visas, but not a permanent Protection Visa.
Important Points About the SHEV Pathway
- Living, working or studying in regional Australia is not a visa condition of the SHEV. There are no penalties if a SHEV holder does not work or study in a SHEV regional area. It is an option, not an obligation.
- A SHEV holder can apply for a subsequent SHEV regardless of whether or not they meet the SHEV pathway requirements.
- You may also be able to apply for one of the visas under the SHEV pathway if a member of your same family unit, who is also a SHEV holder, meets the SHEV pathway requirements and you apply for one of these visas together.
- We will not automatically grant you one of these visas if you meet the SHEV pathway requirements. You will need to apply for and meet the criteria for your chosen visa.
Permanent Pathway
The Resolution of Status Visa — The Permanent Pathway for Pre-February 2023 Holders
The Resolution of Status (RoS) visa, Subclass 851, provides permanent residence to applicants who held or applied for a Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) before 14 February 2023.
If you are a current or former SHEV holder who arrived in Australia before 14 February 2023, this pathway to permanent residency may already be available to you. Contact Migration Republic today to understand your eligibility and next steps.
Assessment Process
The Fast Track Assessment Process
Under the Fast Track Assessment process, applications for Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) will be evaluated for individuals who meet specific criteria — specifically, unauthorised maritime arrivals. Additionally, all subsequent TPV and SHEV applications submitted on or after April 2, 2019, will be subject to the Fast Track Assessment process.
Limited Opportunity to Respond
If the Department has any inquiries or reservations regarding your protection claims or provided information, they will afford you the chance to address them — typically within a limited timeframe either in writing or through an interview.
Restricted Merits Review Rights
Under the Fast Track Assessment process, access to merits review by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) is generally not available, except in cases where a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa is refused on character grounds.
IAA Limited Review
If your application is assessed as not engaging protection obligations, your case will be referred to the Immigration Assessment Authority (IAA) for limited merits review. The IAA generally considers only information available at the time of the original decision.
Application Costs
Visa Subclass 790 Cost
The application fee for the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790) is AUD $45. This reflects the humanitarian nature of the visa — it is a nominal charge, not a standard migration visa fee. While the government fee is minimal, practical costs for health examinations, document translations, and migration agent fees should be factored into your planning.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Subclass 790 Visa Application Fee | AUD $45 |
| Health Examination (approx, per person) | Varies |
| Police Clearances | Varies by country |
| Biometric Data Collection | As required |
| Document Translation (non-English documents) | Varies |
| Resolution of Status Visa (Subclass 851) Fee | Nil — no charge |
| Migration Republic Professional Fee | Contact Us |
Note: Applicants might incur charges related to health checks, police certificates, and the visa application fee of AUD $45. The Resolution of Status Visa (Subclass 851), should you later become eligible, has no application charge.
Processing Times
Visa Subclass 790 Processing Times
Estimates of processing times for the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) can range from 12 to 24 months. However, these times are indicative and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Efforts are made by the Department of Home Affairs to finalise SHEV applications as promptly as possible. However, due to the complexity of the process, some time may be required.
Applicants can assist the process by ensuring they provide accurate information, include all necessary documents, respond promptly to any requests for additional information, and cooperate with verification procedures. Delays may occur if applications are incomplete, require additional information, or if there are delays in verifying provided information.
Protection visas may take several months to years to be finalised unless applicants belong to the Fast Track Assessment process. A complete, accurate, and well-organised application from the very beginning is the single most effective step you can take to support timely processing.
Application Steps
How to Apply for the Visa Subclass 790
Eligibility Assessment
Before lodging, confirm that you meet the basic criteria — unauthorised arrival, ineligibility for the Subclass 866, and engagement of protection obligations either as a refugee or under complementary protection grounds.
Gather Your Documents
Collect all identity documents, evidence of arrival, evidence supporting your protection claims, and any other materials required for health and character checks.
Lodge the Application via ImmiAccount
Apply online via ImmiAccount using the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa form. Answer all questions regarding your protection claims fully and honestly. A paper application can be submitted if an online application is not possible.
Receive a Bridging Visa
Once your substantive visa expires during the assessment period, you will be placed on a Bridging Visa, allowing you to remain in Australia lawfully while your SHEV application is being processed.
Biometric and Health Checks
Provide biometric data if required and meet health and character clearance requirements. These checks are conducted as part of the assessment process.
Department Assessment and Decision
The Department assesses your protection claims under both refugee and complementary protection criteria. If additional information is needed, you will be given the opportunity to respond in writing or through an interview within the specified timeframe.
Applying for a Subsequent SHEV
If your visa is granted on or after 14 February 2023, you must apply for a subsequent SHEV or a Temporary Protection Visa before your current SHEV expires, provided you still require Australia's protection and are not subject to any application bars. Do not wait until the visa has expired.
Document Checklist
Documents Required for the Visa Subclass 790
The specific documentation required will vary depending on individual circumstances, but most applications will include the following.
Identity and Status Documents
- Identity documents — passport (if available), national identity card, birth certificate, or any other document establishing identity and nationality
- Evidence of arrival in Australia — documentation confirming when and how you arrived
Protection Evidence
- Evidence supporting protection claims — documents, written statements, or other evidence explaining the circumstances, persecution, or serious harm you face in your home country
Family Documents (if Applicable)
- If including immediate family members, their identity documents and evidence of the family relationship
- Certified translations of all documents not in English
Health and Character Documents
- Health examination results — from a Department-approved panel physician
- Biometric data — fingerprints and photograph as required by the Department
- Character documents — police clearances where obtainable, or statutory declarations explaining why they cannot be obtained
Visa Conditions
Important Conditions — What You Must Know
Regional Work and Study Is Optional
Living, working or studying in regional Australia is not a visa condition of the SHEV. There are no penalties if a SHEV holder does not work or study in a SHEV regional area. However, choosing to do so for 42 months unlocks the SHEV pathway to other visa options.
Travel Requires a Travel Facility
You need to apply for and be granted a travel facility before leaving Australia to return on your SHEV, and you need to provide a compelling reason for your need to travel.
Travel to Country of Origin Is Prohibited
Travelling to your country of origin is prohibited. A breach of this rule may result in the cancellation of the visa. The Minister may grant an exemption in truly exceptional circumstances, but this is rare and not something to rely on.
Notify Department of Address Changes
You must inform the Department when you change your residential address within two days of such a change. This is a visa condition that applies throughout the entire visa period.
Be Honest on Your Application
Providing false or misleading information has serious consequences — including visa refusal, cancellation, and potential criminal penalties. Every question must be answered completely and truthfully.
Withdrawing Your Application Has Consequences
If you hold a bridging visa and withdraw your SHEV application before a decision is made, your bridging visa will expire 35 days after withdrawal, and you may be barred from applying for another SHEV or TPV.
How We Help
Our Visa Process
Initial Assessment and Advice
We begin by understanding your full situation — how you arrived in Australia, your current visa status, your protection claims, and whether the Subclass 790 or another protection pathway is most appropriate. We give you honest, clear advice before any application is lodged.
Protection Claims Preparation
The protection claims in your application are the foundation of the entire case. We work with you carefully to document and present the circumstances you face — across both refugee and complementary protection grounds — in a way that gives your application the strongest possible foundation. This is where professional guidance makes the greatest difference.
Document Gathering and Organisation
We help you identify and gather all required documentation, understand what alternatives are available when documents cannot be obtained, and organise everything correctly for submission to the Department.
Application Lodgement and Active Case Management
We prepare and lodge your SHEV application via ImmiAccount and manage all communications with the Department of Home Affairs throughout the process. We respond promptly to any requests for additional information and keep you fully informed at every stage.
SHEV Pathway Planning
For clients who wish to pursue the regional work and study pathway, we advise on SHEV regional areas, the 42-month requirement, how to track your qualifying time, and which visa options the pathway may open up for your specific circumstances.
Resolution of Status Visa Support
If you are a current or former SHEV holder who arrived in Australia before 14 February 2023, we can assess your eligibility for the permanent Resolution of Status Visa (Subclass 851) and guide you through every step of the application process.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Migration Republic
Why Choose Migration Republic?
The Visa Subclass 790 Safe Haven Enterprise Visa involves some of the most sensitive and technically complex assessments in the entire Australian immigration system. Protection claims are personal, deeply detailed, and assessed under both Australian migration law and international humanitarian law.
The Fast Track Assessment process limits what you can add to your application after lodgement. This means the quality of your initial application — how your protection claims are documented, how your identity is established, how your circumstances are presented — determines the outcome. There is limited room to correct mistakes later.
At Migration Republic, our MARA-registered migration agents bring genuine expertise and genuine compassion to every Subclass 790 case. We know how to prepare protection claims that are clear, credible, and comprehensive. We understand the SHEV pathway requirements and how to plan your regional work and study strategy. And we know how to assess whether you are now eligible for the life-changing permanent Resolution of Status Visa (Subclass 851). For people who have already been through so much, having the right support at this stage matters more than almost anything else.
Transparent Process
Transparent process with regular updates at every stage. Compassionate, professional, and experienced service — you always know exactly where things stand.
Protection Claims Expertise
We know how to prepare protection claims that are clear, credible, and comprehensive across both refugee and complementary protection grounds.
End-to-End Support
Dedicated support from your initial assessment through to visa grant — and beyond to the SHEV pathway and Resolution of Status Visa eligibility.
Ready to Apply for the Visa Subclass 790?
If you are in Australia, arrived without a valid visa, and are in genuine need of protection — the Visa Subclass 790 Safe Haven Enterprise Visa provides safety, stability, and the right to build a meaningful life in Australia for five years at a time. And if you already hold or have held a SHEV and arrived in Australia before 14 February 2023, the door to permanent residency through the Resolution of Status Visa may already be open. Our MARA-registered agents at Migration Republic are here to guide you through every stage — with expertise, clarity, and genuine care for your situation.
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