Important: most SHEV holders can now apply for permanent residence
Since 14 February 2023, most Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV, subclass 790) and Temporary Protection visa (TPV) holders, and people who had applied for one, can move to the permanent Resolution of Status (subclass 851) visa. Many pending applications were converted to Resolution of Status applications automatically.
The regional postcodes below were used for the SHEV pathway (working or studying in a regional area to qualify for certain other visas). They are kept here for reference. If you still hold a SHEV, get advice on whether you should apply for the 851 visa directly rather than meet the regional requirements.
All states and territories are part of the Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) regional area scheme. However, in each state and territory only certain areas are included in the ‘regional area’ for SHEV holders. These are defined by postcode.
The areas considered part of regional Australia for the Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) arrangements are:
| State/territory | Eligible postcodes: | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital territory | All postcodes | |
| New South Wales |
|
Excludes Sydney Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong |
|
Includes Dungog Shire, Maitland City and Mid-Coast Council Region | |
| Northern Territory | All postcodes | |
| Queensland |
|
|
| South Australia | All postcodes | |
| Tasmania | All postcodes | |
| Victoria |
|
Excludes Melbourne Metropolitan and some regional local government areas (Alpine, Ararat, Buloke, Campaspe, Cardinia, Central Goldfields, Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Moorabool, Mount Alexander, South Gippsland, Southern Grampians, Surf Coast, Towong and Yarra Ranges). Even though a local government area is excluded there may be postcodes within that area that are included. Please refer to the listed postcodes for inclusions. |
| Western Australia |
|
Excludes Perth and some areas of the Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance regions |
SHEV regional areas: FAQs
What was the SHEV regional area requirement?
To use the SHEV pathway, a SHEV holder had to work (without receiving certain welfare payments) or study in a designated regional area for at least 42 months of the visa period. Meeting it allowed them to apply for certain other onshore visas, such as skilled or family visas, instead of another SHEV.
Do I still need to live in a regional postcode on a SHEV?
Not if you move to the permanent Resolution of Status (subclass 851) visa, which has no regional requirement. If you remain on a SHEV and want to use the SHEV pathway, the regional requirements may still matter, so get advice for your situation.
Who can apply for the Resolution of Status (subclass 851) visa?
Generally, people who held or had applied for a TPV or SHEV on 14 February 2023, and who meet the health, character and other criteria. See our 851 visa guide for details.
Are new SHEVs still being granted?
Since February 2023 the government has moved TPV and SHEV holders to permanent visas. People whose protection claims are still being processed may be assessed for the Resolution of Status visa instead. Because this area changes, check your options with a registered migration agent or lawyer.
