Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice.
What is the SHEV?
The Safe Haven Enterprise Visa is a temporary protection visa (5 years) for people who arrived by boat and are found to be refugees. Unlike the TPV (785), the SHEV offers a potential pathway to other visas if you work or study in a regional area for 3.5 years. This encourages settlement in regional areas and provides more certainty than the TPV.
Regional Requirement
To access other visa pathways, SHEV holders must demonstrate they've worked full-time or studied full-time in a designated regional area for 42 months (3.5 years). Regional areas are defined as anywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. After meeting this requirement, you may apply for most visa types (except permanent protection visas), including skilled, family, or student visas.