Ukrainians Offered Visa Extensions by Australian Federal Government

Ukrainian Temporary Humanitarian Visas – closing date 14 July 2022

The Australian Government offer of a Temporary Humanitarian Stay in Australia will expire on 31 July 2022. Ukrainians, or their family members, wishing to accept the offer must do so by 31 July 2022.

This is a two-step process which involves issuing a Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) SC 449 visa followed by a Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) SC 786 visa.

Minister Giles has also provided further information in a media release for Ukrainians who cannot apply for Temporary Humanitarian Stay visas before 31 July 2022.

Ukrainian nationals who arrive on a temporary visa, are unable to access any further visa options and cannot return to Ukraine, may apply for a Bridging E (subclass 050) visa or a Protection (subclass 866) visa.

Additional support will be available to Ukrainians and their families who chose to apply for a Bridging E visa or a Protection visa. Depending on the type of visa sought and granted, this may include eligibility to receive Medicare, work rights or eligibility to apply for work rights, publicly funded schooling for children, and access to free translating and interpreting services.

Ukrainians and their families are also encouraged to explore other suitable visa options.

———–

The Federal Government has provided clarification as to what travel documents are acceptable for Ukrainian nationals travelling to Australia.

Ukrainian nationals who wish to make a visa application to travel to Australia must hold one of the following:

  • a valid passport, which may include:
    • passports that have been extended by an Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine or the Ukraine State Migration Service with an inscription stating the extended validity date
    • additional minors (under 16) inscribed in a parent/guardian’s passport notated by an Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine or the Ukraine State Migration Service
  • a certified Certificate of Identity (Свідоцтво що засвідчує особу) issued by an Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine by a neighbouring country
  • an internal passport in the form of an ID-Card, that states in both Ukrainian and English:
    • full name
    • date of birth
    • place of birth.

​An internal passport in the form of a booklet is not valid for grant of a visa or travel to Australia.​ If you have these documents you should still provide copies with your application to help confirm your identity.

Update 20 March 2022

The Australian Government announced on Sunday that Temporary Humanitarian (Subclass 786) Visas would be made available to all Ukrainian temporary visa holders in Australia and Ukrainians that arrive in the next few months. This visa will allow Ukrainians access to:

  • Medicare
  • Support services
  • School-aged children have access to education

This visa will remain valid for three years.

Progress Update: Assisting Ukrainians to Safely Depart Ukraine

The Australian Government has been placing immediate focus on assisting Ukrainians to safely depart from Ukraine and arrive in Australia. They will continue to consult the Ukrainian-Australian community to ensure the appropriate support is offered.

Due to escalating tensions in previous days and the illegal and unprovoked decision by Russian President to invade Ukraine, there is global concern for Ukrainians.

Visa Extension

Yesterday, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announced that Ukrainians currently in Australia on Australian visas that expire in June 2022, will be granted a 6-month extension to remain safely in Australia.

Update 21 March 2022

The Temporary Visa Categories that are eligible for the 6 month visa extension are:

  • Subclass 400 (Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)) visa
  • Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) visa
  • Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa
  • Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa
  • Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa
  • Subclass 500 (Student) visa
  • Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa

Visa Priority

It was also announced that Ukrainians applying for Australian visas will be given priority over other nationalities given the current conflict.

If you require immigration assistance, VisaEnvoy can assist you. Nadia Zdielnik, is our Registered Migration Agent, who is fluent in both Russian and Ukrainian. Please see her profile below to book a consultation.

Nadia Zdielnik

MBA (KNTEU) Grad Dip in Migration Law & Practice (Griffith University)
MAcc Charles Sturt University

Australian Registered Migration Agent 1569520 & New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser 201800814

Having successfully completed her own immigration journey, Nadia has a first-hand experience going through this tortuous and highly sensitive process.

Her personal success and ambitious character have lead her to embracing the Australian convoluted system of the immigration law and starting her own career with a goal to help more migrants like her to fulfill their Australian dream.

Nadia is a quick-thinker with unconventional problem-solving skills. She understands all nuances of the immigration process and is able to cater to her clients unique needs, ensuring stress-free experience and positive outcome for all.

Nadia specialises in skilled temporary and permanent visas and skills assessment applications. Nadia is also fluent in Russian and Ukrainian. Book a time with Nadia here.