Australia Specifies Nine Relative Categories for Protection Visa Applications

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has released updated guidelines detailing which family members can be included in a single Subclass 866 Protection Visa application. The rules aim to provide clarity for families seeking permanent protection in Australia, outlining nine specific categories of eligible relatives. These include spouses, dependent children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as step-equivalents of any listed relatives.

The guidelines specify that the family head does not need to be the primary applicant, allowing any family member who has not yet lodged their own visa application to take on that role. The rules also emphasize that all relatives must be physically present in Australia at the time of application. Age and dependency conditions apply, with dependent children generally being those under 18, though exceptions are made for adults with disabilities or those who rely on their parents for support.

One key exclusion is that children of any age who are married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship cannot be listed as dependents and must submit their own visa applications. The updated guidance is designed to simplify the process for families navigating Australia’s protection visa system, ensuring both eligibility and the conditions for inclusion are clearly understood.