We assist individuals who may qualify for protection in Australia through carefully prepared, legally structured applications addressing both refugee and complementary protection grounds, across onshore and offshore pathways.
Protection matters are highly sensitive and legally complex. They require detailed personal statements, supporting evidence, reliable country information, and well-developed legal submissions. At Melton Migration, each matter is handled with care, confidentiality, professionalism, and precision.
Subclass 866 – Protection Visa (Onshore)
The Subclass 866 Protection Visa is for individuals in Australia who seek protection because they
cannot safely return to their home country.
This visa may be granted where the applicant:
- Meets the definition of a refugee under the Refugee Convention, or
- Qualifies for complementary protection due to risk of significant harm
Key features: - Must be lodged while the applicant is in Australia
- Provides permanent residency if granted
- Access to Medicare and work rights
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Offshore Humanitarian & Refugee Visas (Subclass 200 and
related visas)
Australia also offers protection through its Humanitarian Program for individuals outside
Australia who are subject to persecution or substantial discrimination in their home country.
Subclass 200 – Refugee Visa (Offshore)
The Subclass 200 visa is for individuals outside their home country who are identified as refugees
and require resettlement.
Key features: - Applicant must be outside Australia
- Must meet refugee criteria under international law
- Usually requires referral by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) or sponsorship through approved channels - Provides permanent residency upon arrival
- Access to settlement support services in Australia
Other Humanitarian Visa Options
Depending on circumstances, applicants may also be eligible under other offshore humanitarian
pathways, including: - Subclass 201 – In-country Special Humanitarian
- Subclass 202 – Global Special Humanitarian (sponsored applicants)
- Subclass 203 – Emergency Rescue
- Subclass 204 – Women at Risk
Our services include: - Assessing eligibility under the Humanitarian Program
- Preparing sponsor applications (where applicable)
- Structuring submissions addressing risk and vulnerability
- Coordinating supporting evidence and documentation
Refugee Claims (Onshore)
Applicants may be recognised as refugees if they have a well-founded fear of persecution based
on: - Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership of a particular social group
Our approach: - Detailed personal statements and statutory declarations
- Identification of Convention grounds
- Consistent and credible narrative development
- Supporting country information and reports
Complementary Protection Claims
Where an applicant does not meet the refugee definition, they may still qualify for protection if
there is a real risk of significant harm, including: - Arbitrary deprivation of life
- Torture
- Cruel or inhuman treatment or punishment
- Degrading treatment
We assist with: - Framing claims under complementary protection provisions
- Linking personal circumstances with country conditions
- Addressing legal thresholds and evidentiary requirements
Legal Submissions & Country Evidence
A strong protection visa application requires more than a personal story—it requires a legally
structured case supported by objective evidence.
We provide: - Detailed written submissions addressing legal criteria
- Country condition research (human rights reports, NGO data, government sources)
- Risk assessment analysis
- Consistency checks across all documents and forms
Our Focus at Melton Migration:
– Credibility
– Ensuring your claims are consistent, detailed, and supported by evidence
– Legal Thresholds
– Addressing the specific requirements under Australian protection law
Risk Assessment
Clearly demonstrating the risk of harm if returned to your home country
Decision-Ready Applications
Preparing applications that are complete, structured, and persuasive
Our Approach
Protection visa applications are among the most complex areas of migration law.
We: - Take a client-centred and confidential approach
- Carefully document your personal history and claims
- Prepare structured legal submissions aligned with current law and policy
- Assist throughout the process, including interviews and further information requests
- Provide guidance on both onshore and offshore protection pathways
Need Assistance with a Protection Visa?
Whether you are in Australia or seeking protection from overseas, it is important to obtain
professional advice early.