The Department is supporting Australia’s response to the crisis in Ukraine and is progressing visa applications from Ukrainian nationals as a priority, particularly for those with a connection to Australia.
Since 23 February 2022, the Department has granted around 4,500, mostly temporary, visas to Ukrainians in Ukraine and hundreds more to Ukrainians elsewhere. As at 19 March, over 800 of these visa holders have since arrived in Australia and more arrive every day.
On 20 March, the Australian Government announced enhanced support for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Applying for a visa to travel to Australia
Anyone wishing to make a new application for a visa to travel to Australia should consider options relevant to their circumstances, including urgency of travel.
Close family members can apply on behalf of their family members in Ukraine.
Refer to the Department’s website for advice on who can help with a visa application, if needed, Using a migration agent. Interpreting services are available at Translating and Interpreting Service to assist with appointments with migration agents.
Ukrainian nationals who do not hold a valid passport should seek advice from the Ukraine State Migration Service or their nearest Ukraine Embassy or Consulate in a neighbouring country. If that is not possible in a particular location, a visa application can be submitted without a valid passport.
If you submit an application without a valid passport, you should provide all available identity documentation with the application. A Departmental officer will contact you to discuss your application.
Only if requested to do so by a Departmental officer, visa applicants outside Ukraine can make an appointment for an immigration medical assessment with a registered panel doctor. A list of panel doctors outside Australia is available on the Department’s website.
Australia recognises that the crisis in Ukraine means some children may be travelling across international borders with only one parent. Australia is committed to ensuring the welfare of children. To travel to Australia, a minor must have permission from both parents.
If you cannot provide this consent, you can make an application with available documentation. A Departmental officer will contact you to discuss your application.
Visa and settlement support in Australia
Ukrainian nationals who have arrived on a temporary visa can seek information about visa options via online enquiry form.
On 20 March 2022, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, announced that the Government will make available a temporary humanitarian visa to Ukrainians forced to flee from Russia’s military invasion, and who have arrived in Australia. This visa will be valid for three years and allow people to work, study and access Medicare, alongside support facilitated by Australia’s experienced Humanitarian Settlement Program providers.
Visa extensions for Ukrainian temporary visa holders already in Australia on 23 February 2022
All Ukrainian nationals who were already in Australia on 23 February 2022, and who held a temporary visa ceasing before 30 June 2022, have been provided with an automatic 6-month extension to the stay period of their visa. Visa holders do not need to do anything to receive the extension.
Ukraine arrivals and their families have access to free interpreting and translating services. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National, 131 450) is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English, and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
The Free Translating Service is also available for translation of documents. Ukraine arrivals are encouraged to call The Migration Translators on 1800 962 100 for more information.
Source: homeaffairs.gov.au, last updated: 20 March 2022.
