Visa Information and Support

Visa rules can change, and every person’s circumstances are different. This page brings together official information for Ukrainians in Australia and explains where people in the Northern Territory can seek practical or professional help.

Important: UAANT is a community organisation. We do not provide immigration legal advice, assess eligibility, prepare visa applications, or guarantee an outcome. For advice about your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.

The Permanent Pathway for Subclass 786 Visa Holders

The Australian Government has announced a permanent pathway for eligible Ukrainian holders of the Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (subclass 786) through the Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851).

According to the Department of Home Affairs:

• the pathway is considered case by case;
• it applies to eligible Ukrainian subclass 786 visa holders who accepted the Australian Government’s offer of temporary humanitarian stay before 31 July 2022;
• a person must first receive an invitation from the Minister before applying;
• the Resolution of Status visa has no application charge;
• visa holders should keep their contact details current in ImmiAccount or through the Department’s update form.

Read the current Home Affairs information about the Resolution of Status pathway →

Requesting Priority Consideration

Home Affairs also provides a public request for priority form for certain subclass 786 visa holders, including eligible Year 12 students and people with urgent or compassionate circumstances.

Submitting the form does not guarantee priority or a visa outcome. Home Affairs states that it considers a range of factors and will contact a person if further information is required. Do not use this form if you have already received a Letter of Offer or if your request concerns overseas travel.

Open the official request-for-priority form →

Please read the instructions on the Home Affairs page immediately before submitting anything, as eligibility criteria and procedures may change.

A Collective Advocacy Effort

The permanent pathway followed sustained advocacy by displaced Ukrainians, community leaders, state associations, and national Ukrainian-Australian organisations. Larger associations carried much of the national engagement with government.

UAANT contributed the Northern Territory perspective by sharing local concerns, communicating the needs of subclass 786 visa holders, and supporting coordinated representations through the wider Ukrainian-Australian network. This was a collective achievement, and we are grateful to everyone who worked persistently for a fair and lasting outcome.

Important Travel Warning

Home Affairs states that a subclass 786 visa does not permit a holder to leave and re-enter Australia: the visa ceases when the holder departs Australia. Anyone considering overseas travel should contact Home Affairs before departure and obtain advice from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.

The travel contact published by Home Affairs is 449.786.travel.requests@homeaffairs.gov.au.

Where to Get Help in Darwin

Melaleuca Australia

Several UAANT members also work professionally at Melaleuca Australia. In those professional roles, they are part of a specialist settlement team that helps people understand their needs and connect with relevant government services, health and education providers, foundations, and other community organisations.

Melaleuca is the Humanitarian Settlement Provider for the Northern Territory and has a dedicated Ukraine Support service. Depending on a person’s circumstances and program eligibility, its team may assist with settlement needs such as housing, health appointments, financial support, employment, education, and referrals to other services.

• Address: 24 McLachlan Street, Darwin NT 0800
• Ukraine Support: ukraine@melaleuca.org.au
• Phone: (08) 8985 3311
• Website: Melaleuca Ukraine Support

UAANT is proud of the contribution our members make through Melaleuca and of the strong relationship between our organisations. Requests for professional settlement assistance should be made through Melaleuca’s official contact channels so its team can assess the person’s needs and program eligibility.

Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT)

MCNT supports people and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds and can help community members identify relevant local services.

• Address: Shop 15, Malak Shopping Centre, Malak Place, Malak NT 0812
• Phone: (08) 8945 9122
• Website: mcnt.org.au

Contact MCNT directly to confirm which settlement, form, referral, or emergency-relief assistance is currently available.

Registered Migration Advice

Only appropriately authorised professionals can provide immigration assistance in Australia. Always check a migration agent’s registration through the official Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) register.

Search the official register of migration agents →

Some registered agents work for non-commercial organisations and may provide free assistance to people who meet their eligibility requirements.

How UAANT Can Assist

UAANT can:

• share links to official government information;
• help explain which organisation may be appropriate to contact;
• connect people with settlement organisations and community networks;
• raise recurring community concerns through our advocacy networks.

UAANT cannot tell you which visa to apply for, interpret migration law for your case, complete an application on your behalf, or promise that a request will be approved.

For non-urgent community assistance, email uaant.inc@gmail.com. Do not send passports, identity documents, health records, or other sensitive documents unless an authorised professional has provided a secure method and specifically requested them.