Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785) Lawyer in Sydney
Trusted Legal Help for Asylum Seekers – From Application to Approval
Experienced Sydney Lawyers Who Understand Protection Visa Cases
At CIA Lawyers, we know that applying for a Temporary Protection Visa is not just a legal process. For many people, it is one of the most important steps of their lives.
Our Sydney-based immigration lawyers have handled protection visa matters across a wide range of backgrounds, nationalities, and circumstances. We understand how these cases work, what the Department of Home Affairs looks for, and how to put together a strong application on your behalf.
Our Principal Lawyer, Ishraque Ahmad, is an admitted Solicitor and Barrister with experience in immigration, refugee, and protection law. He has represented clients in complex cases, including matters before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and federal courts. When you come to CIA Lawyers, you get qualified legal professionals - not just migration agents.
We take the time to listen to your situation, explain your options clearly, and work with you every step of the way.
What People Say After Working With Our Immigration Lawyers
What Is the Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)?
The Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), subclass 785, is a visa for people who arrived in Australia without a valid visa and are seeking asylum. If you cannot return to your home country because you face serious harm, persecution, or danger, you may be eligible to apply for this visa.
The TPV subclass 785 lets you stay in Australia for up to 3 years. During that time, you can live, work, and study in Australia. You can also access government services such as Medicare and Centrelink.
This visa is not a permanent visa. Once your 3-year period ends, you will need to apply again - either for another TPV or a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (subclass 790).
Important Update - Pathway to Permanent Residency
In February 2023, the Australian Government announced a major change. Most people who hold a TPV (subclass 785) or a SHEV (subclass 790) are now eligible to apply for the Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851), which is a permanent visa. This means there is now a permanent residency pathway for many TPV holders who were previously stuck in a temporary cycle.
If you are a current TPV holder, speak to a lawyer about whether you are eligible for the RoS visa (subclass 851).
Who Can Apply for a Subclass 785 Visa?
To be eligible for a Temporary Protection Visa, you must meet certain conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs.
You must have arrived in Australia without a valid visa, or you were not cleared at the immigration border when you last entered Australia. You must be unable to apply for a permanent Protection Visa (subclass 866). You must be recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention, or you must meet Australia's complementary protection criteria under the Migration Act 1958.
You must also pass health, character, identity, and security checks. Family members in the same unit can be included in your application, but everyone must be in Australia at the time of lodging.
Fast Track Assessment
Some applicants are assessed through a process called Fast Track Assessment. This applies to people who entered Australia between 13 August 2012 and 1 January 2014, or those who arrived as unauthorised maritime arrivals. All subsequent TPV and SHEV applications made on or after 2 April 2019 are also assessed this way.
Under Fast Track, the Department aims to process cases more quickly. However, if there are concerns about your claims, you will be given a chance to respond in writing or through an interview.
What Does the Temporary Protection Visa (785) Allow You to Do?
Once granted, the TPV subclass 785 gives you the right to:
Stay in Australia for up to 3 years while the visa is valid. Work in any occupation or industry in Australia. Study at any school, TAFE, or university. Access Medicare for healthcare needs. Access Centrelink and other government support services. Travel overseas in limited circumstances - you must get written approval from the Department first, and you cannot travel to the country from which you need protection.
Children born in Australia to TPV holders are automatically granted the same visa as their parents at the time of birth.
Contact us for a personalized eligibility check
Meet Our Team
Practice Director
Ishraque Ahmad
Paralegal
Simran Ghimire
Knowledge Manager
Yuri Kazak
Legal Associate
Claudia
Legal Associate
Sumaia Islam
Lawyer
Jonathan Greete
Sales & Marketing Associate
Thunh Mai Le
Sales & Marketing Manager
Eduardo Mora
Operational Manager
Safat Ul Azam
Why Clients Choose CIA Lawyers for Their TPV Application
Every person on our team holds formal legal qualifications as an admitted lawyer in Australia. This matters for protection visa cases, which can involve refugee law, the Migration Act 1958, and complex legal arguments. You are getting proper legal representation, not just a form-filler.
We tell you what your case looks like before you spend money or time going down the wrong path. If there is a problem with your application, we identify it early and work out how to address it.
Refused applications, character issues, missing documents, prior application history - we have worked through all of these. We do not turn away difficult cases.
From your first consultation through to lodgement, Department responses, renewals, and ART appeals - we handle it all. You do not need to find a new lawyer if your case gets complicated.
You can speak to our team, understand where you stand, and decide how to move forward. No pressure, no upfront cost.
How CIA Lawyers Help With Your TPV Application
A Temporary Protection Visa application is not straightforward. You need to clearly explain why you cannot return to your home country and why you need Australia's protection. A poorly prepared application - or one with missing evidence - can be refused.
Our immigration lawyers help you at every stage.
Building Your Protection Claims
We sit down with you and listen carefully to your story. We help you document your claims in a way that is clear, honest, and supported by the right evidence. This includes your personal statement, country information reports, identity documents, and any other supporting material.
Responding to Department Requests
The Department of Home Affairs may ask you to provide more information or attend an interview. We prepare you for these steps, help you respond correctly, and make sure nothing important is missed.
Renewals and Subsequent Applications
If your TPV is about to expire, you need to act before it runs out. We help you apply for a further TPV, a SHEV (subclass 790), or assess whether you are now eligible for the permanent Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851).
ART Appeals If Your Application Is Refused
If your TPV application is refused, you may have the right to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). We represent you at the ART and, if needed, in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
What Sets us Apart
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The government application fee for a Temporary Protection Visa (subclass 785) is AUD $45. This is one of the lowest visa application fees in the Australian immigration system.
However, the government fee is only part of the cost. Legal fees for professional help preparing and lodging your TPV application will vary depending on how complex your case is. We provide clear advice on fees during your free initial consultation, with no hidden costs.
Processing times for Temporary Protection Visas vary. The Department of Home Affairs aims to process applications as quickly as possible, but cases can take several months or longer.
Factors that affect processing time include how complete your application is, whether the Department needs more information, the complexity of your protection claims, and security or background checks.
You can help speed things up by responding quickly to any Department requests and making sure all documents are correctly submitted from the start. Our team helps you do exactly that.
Both are temporary visas for people who arrived in Australia without a valid visa and need protection. The TPV subclass 785 lets you stay for 3 years and work or study anywhere in Australia. The SHEV subclass 790 lasts for 5 years and is designed for people willing to live and work in regional Australia. If you meet the conditions of the SHEV, it has historically offered more pathways to other visas. Since February 2023, both TPV and SHEV holders may be eligible for the permanent Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851).
Travel outside Australia is very limited on a TPV. You cannot travel to the country from which you need protection. For other countries, you need written approval from the Department of Home Affairs, and this is only given for compassionate or compelling reasons. If you leave Australia without approval, you risk losing your visa. Speak to a lawyer before you make any travel plans.
If your TPV expires before you apply for a new one, your legal status in Australia may be affected. You should apply for a further TPV, a SHEV, or the RoS visa (subclass 851) before your current visa runs out. Do not wait until the last minute. Contact CIA Lawyers as soon as possible if your visa is expiring.
If the Department refuses your TPV application, you may have the right to apply for a review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Time limits for lodging an ART appeal are strict - usually 21 days from when you receive the refusal notice. Contact a lawyer immediately if your application is refused. Missing the deadline means losing your right to appeal.
You are not legally required to have a lawyer. However, protection visa cases are among the most legally complex in the Australian immigration system. Your application involves explaining why you face serious harm in your home country, which requires careful preparation and the right evidence. Mistakes or gaps in your claims can lead to a refusal. Having an experienced immigration lawyer helps you put your best case forward from the start.
Other Services we provide in Sydney
- Civil Law
- Appeals & Reviews
- Family law
- Criminal Law
- Traffic Law
- Sports Law
- Commercial law
Talk to a TPV Lawyer in Sydney Today
If you need help with a Temporary Protection Visa (subclass 785), CIA Lawyers is here to help.
We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation. You can speak to our team, understand your situation clearly, and decide how to move forward - with no pressure and no upfront cost.
Strong Local Presence in Sydney
Based in Sydney, CIA Lawyers provides immigration legal services across Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Western Sydney. Our team regularly works within Australia’s legal and migration framework, with experience appearing before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), the Federal Court and other relevant jurisdictions. Being locally based means we understand how migration matters are handled within New South Wales and at the federal level. We are familiar with court procedures, tribunal expectations and Department of Home Affairs processes, allowing us to prepare cases thoroughly and represent clients with confidence.