Ukraine crisis information

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine starting 24 February 2022, the Australian government granted automatic visa extensions for 6 months to Ukrainian nationals in Australia who had a visa expiring before 30 June 2022. Visa holders do not need to do anything to receive this extension. 

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has contacted visa holders in Australia to make arrangements if they wish to remain in Australia. 

The Australian Government announced on 20 March 2022 that it will make available a temporary humanitarian visa (subclass 786) to all Ukrainian temporary visa holders currently in Australia, and those who arrive in the coming months.

The visa will allow people to work and access Medicare and appropriate associated support services and will be valid for three years. School-aged children will also be able to continue their education.

The government stated it will work closely with the Ukrainian-Australian community to ensure appropriate permanent visa options are made available to this group at an appropriate time.  

In summary, a Class UQ Subclass 786 -Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) visa can be granted to people who are displaced from their residence and cannot reasonably return and who are in grave fear for their personal safety. You must pass health and character test, not be involved in any threatening behaviour and must notify DHA before any change of address.

There is no specific application form. An application is made when the government offers a visa in an interview and they note it is accepted. The government will give further details about how they intend to process these visas in the future. RAILS will update our information when this happens.

DHA has progressed outstanding visa applications from Ukrainian nationals, particularly hose with Australian connections, as a priority across all visa categories.

If your family member is:

• temporary visa holder already in Australia
• Ukraine nationals waiting on a visa outcome

You can contact DHA about your current visa application:

           Phone: 131 881 Global Service Centre (In Australia)

           Online: DHA Ukraine visa support online contact here

For people required to do Immigration medical examinations for visa processing, DHA is advising of alternative locations of clinics in neighboring countries.

The Home Affairs website has a specific page of information for those affected by Ukrainian crisis, www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/ukraine-visa-support  

The situation around Ukraine is chaotic and dangerous.

There may be options for humanitarian as well as temporary or permanent family and skilled visas to Australia. It is wise to get legal advice on all the visa categories that you may be eligible for because some may be quicker to obtain than others.

RAILS has a Fact Sheet about "Visa options to Australia'at www.rails.org.au/education/legal-info

DHA has details about visa options on their website at DHA visa options online.

DHA website states that Ukrainian nationals who do not hold a valid passport should seek advice from the Ukraine State Migration Service or their nearest Ukraine Embassy or Consulate in a neighbouring country. If that is not possible in a particular location, a visa application can be submitted without a valid passport, providing all available identity documentation with the application. A DHA officer will contact you to discuss your application.

For up-to-date Australian Government travel advice see Ukraine Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller

If you hold a valid visa for Australia and you have left Ukraine, see information about Coming to Australia | COVID-19 and the border. 

Ukraine nationals may be able to seek protection in a neighbouring country. The European Union (EU) has agreed to offer temporary protection to people who are displaced from Ukraine. To keep updated monitor the European Union Agency for Asylum or seek assistance directly from the authorities in the country in which your relatives are sheltering.

If you are in Australia 

Legal help for a fee on immigration matters is available from private migration agents and some lawyers:

 See www.mara.gov.au. Search for registered migration agents at this link https://portal.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents/

See Law Societies in each state. The Queensland Law Society link is: www.qls.com.au. Search for a lawyer at https://www.qls.com.au/Find-a-Solicitor/Search#

If you have a problem with your lawyer or registered migration agent try to resolve it with them first. You can also get information from, or make a complaint to, the  Law Society or the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Family and friends in Australia will also be suffering great trauma. People help each other in times of need, and there are also free services that give assistance:

Lifeline: Phone 13 11 14

Beyond Blue:  Phone 1300 22 4636

            Kids Helpline: Phone 1800 55 1800.