{"id":"F2020L01420","name":"Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Instrument (LIN 20/169) 2020","slug":"migration-arrangements-for-protection-refugee-and-humanitarian-visas-instrument-lin-20-169-2020","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":130654,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2020L01420-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Instrument (LIN 20/169) 2020","content":"![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.png)\n\nLIN 20/169\n\nMigration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Instrument (LIN 20/169) 2020\n\nmade under subregulation 2.07(5) and items 1401, 1402, 1403 and 1404 of Schedule 1 of the\n\nMigration Regulations 1994\n\nCompilation No. 6\n\nCompilation date: 29 November 2025\n\nIncludes amendments: F2025L01435\n\nAbout this compilation\n\nThis compilation\n\nThis is a compilation of the Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Instrument (LIN 20/169) 2020 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 29/11/2025 (the compilation date).\n\nThe notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.\n\nUncommenced amendments\n\nThe effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nApplication, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments\n\nIf the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nModifications\n\nIf the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.\n\nSelf‑repealing provisions\n\nIf a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.\n\n1 Name\n\nThis instrument is the Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Instrument (LIN 20/169) 2020.\n\n3 Authority\n\nThis instrument is made under the following provisions of the Migration Regulations 1994:\n\n(a) subregulation 2.07(5);\n\n(b) items 1401, 1402, 1403 and 1404 of Schedule 1.\n\n4 Definitions\n\nNote A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in section 5 of the Migration Act 1958, including the following:\n\n(a) approved form;\n\n(b) visa.\n\nIn this instrument:\n\ninternet application has the meaning given by regulation 1.03 of the Regulations.\n\nRegulations means the Migration Regulations 1994.\n\nwritten notice means a notice in writing from the Department notifying a person they can make a visa application, including instructions about how to return the form to the Department.\n\n7 Protection (Class XA) visa\n\n(1) For the purposes of item 1401 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations, an application for a Protection (Class XA) visa must be made using form 866 (Internet) as an Internet application.\n\n(2) If the application cannot be made in accordance with subsection (1) and the Department has given written notice authorising the person to do so, it can be made using form 866 and posted with sufficient prepaid postage to:\n\nProtection Visas\n\nDepartment of Home Affairs\n\nGPO Box 9984\n\nSYDNEY NSW 2001.\n\n8 Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visa\n\nFor the purposes of item 1402 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations, an application for a Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visa by a kind of applicant mentioned in column 1 of an item in the table must be made:\n\n(a) using the form mentioned in column 2 for the item; and\n\n(b) in one of the places and corresponding manners mentioned in column 3 for the item.\n\n| ItemNo | Column 1Applicant                                                                                                 | Column 2Form                      | Column 3Place and manner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| ------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1      | An applicant whose entry to Australia has been proposed in accordance with approved form 681                      | 842 (Internet) and 681 (Internet) | The application must be made as an Internet application;If the application cannot be made in accordance with paragraph (a) and the Department has given written notice authorising the person to do so, it can be made using form 842 and 681 and:(i) posted with sufficient prepaid postage, to:Special Humanitarian Processing CentreDepartment of Home AffairsGPO Box 9984SYDNEY NSW 2001; or(ii) made via the online portal at the following address: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/humvisaapplication |\n| 1A     | An applicant whose entry to Australia has been proposed in accordance with approved form 1417                     | 842 and 1417                      | Application must be:(a) posted with sufficient prepaid postage to:Special Humanitarian Processing CentreDepartment of Home AffairsGPO Box 9984SYDNEY NSW 2001; or(b) made via the online portal at the following address: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/humvisaapplication                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |\n| 2      | Applicant who is covered by subitem 1402(3B) of Schedule 1 to the Regulations and who has received written notice | 842                               | Application must be made in accordance with the instructions in the written notice                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |\n| 3      | Any other applicant                                                                                               | 842 (Internet);842                | (a) The application must be made as an Internet application.(b) If the application cannot be made in accordance with paragraph (a), and the Department has given written notice authorising the person to do so, the application may be made using form 842 and:(i) posted with sufficient prepaid postage to a Departmental office; or(ii) emailed to the Department; or(iii) made at a diplomatic, consular or migration office maintained by or for the Commonwealth and located outside Australia.      |\n\n9 Temporary Protection (Class XD) visa\n\n(1) For the purpose of item 1403 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations, an application for a Temporary Protection (Class XD) visa must be made using form 866 (Internet) as an Internet application.\n\n(2) If the application cannot be made in accordance with subsection (1) and the Department has given written notice authorising the person to do so, it can be made using form 866 and posted with sufficient prepaid postage to:\n\nProtection Visas\n\nDepartment of Home Affairs\n\nGPO Box 9984\n\nSYDNEY NSW 2001.\n\n10 Safe Haven Enterprise (Class XE) visa\n\n(1) For the purpose of item 1404 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations, an application for a Safe Haven Enterprise (Class XE) visa must be made using form 866 (Internet) as an Internet application.\n\n(2) If the application cannot be made in accordance with subsection (1) and the Department has given written notice authorising the person to do so, it can be made using form 866 and posted with sufficient prepaid postage to:\n\nProtection Visas\n\nDepartment of Home Affairs\n\nGPO Box 9984\n\nSYDNEY NSW 2001.\n\n  \n\n> Note: Endnotes\n\n> Note: Endnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nThe endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.\n\nThe following endnotes are included in every compilation:\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nAbbreviation key—Endnote 2\n\nThe abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.\n\nLegislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4\n\nAmending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.\n\nThe legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.\n\nThe amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.\n\nMisdescribed amendments\n\nA misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nIf a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.\n\n> Note: Endnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\n| ad = added or inserted                         | orig = original                     |\n| ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |\n| am = amended                                   | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)  |\n| amdt = amendment                               | /sub‑subparagraph(s)                |\n| c = clause(s)                                  | pres = present                      |\n| C[x] = Compilation No. x                       | prev = previous                     |\n| Ch = Chapter(s)                                | (prev…) = previously                |\n| def = definition(s)                            | Pt = Part(s)                        |\n| Dict = Dictionary                              | r = regulation(s)/rule(s)           |\n| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament          | reloc = relocated                   |\n| Div = Division(s)                              | renum = renumbered                  |\n| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | rep = repealed                      |\n| effect                                         | rs = repealed and substituted       |\n| F = Federal Register of Legislation            | s = section(s)/subsection(s)        |\n| gaz = gazette                                  | Sch = Schedule(s)                   |\n| LA = Legislation Act 2003                      | Sdiv = Subdivision(s)               |\n| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003         | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |\n| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment       | SR = Statutory Rules                |\n| cannot be given effect                         | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)             |\n| mod = modified/modification                    | SubPt = Subpart(s)                  |\n| No. = Number(s)                                | underlining = whole or part not     |\n| o = order(s)                                   | commenced or to be commenced        |\n| Ord = Ordinance                                |                                     |\n\n> Note: Endnote 3—Legislation history\n\n| Name                                                                                                                             | Registration     | Commencement                | Application, saving and transitional provisions |\n| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |\n| Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Instrument (LIN 20/169) 2020                             | 12 November 2020 | F2020L0142013 November 2020 | section 5                                       |\n| Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian visas) Amendment Instrument (LIN 21/079) 2021                   | 16 November 2021 | F2021L0156217 November 2021 | -                                               |\n| Migration (Arrangements for Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visas) Amendment Instrument (LIN 22/060) 2022                    | 8 June 2022      | F2022L0075010 June 2022     | -                                               |\n| Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment Instrument (LIN 23/013) 2023                   | 13 February 2023 | F2023L0010114 February 2023 | -                                               |\n| Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment Instrument (LIN 23/049) 2023 (No. 2)           | 23 August 2023   | F2023L0111128 August 2023   | -                                               |\n| Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment (Internet Lodgement) Instrument 2025           | 25 June 2025     | F2025L007501 July 2025      | -                                               |\n| Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment (Expanding Internet Lodgement) Instrument 2025 | 26 November 2025 | F2025L0143529 November 2025 | -                                               |\n\n> Note: Endnote 4—Amendment history\n\n| Provision affected             | How affected                                                       |\n| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| s. 2.........................  | rep. LA s48D                                                       |\n| s. 4.........................  | am. F2021L01562, am. F2025L01435                                   |\n| s. 5.........................  | rep. F2025L01435                                                   |\n| s. 6.........................  | rep. LA s48C                                                       |\n| s. 7.........................  | am. F2021L01562, rs. F2023L01111                                   |\n| s. 8.........................  | am. F2021L01562, am. F2022L00750, am. F2025L00750, am. F2025L01435 |\n| s. 9.........................  | am. F2021L01562, rs. F2023L00101, rs. F2023L01111                  |\n| s. 10......................... | am. F2021L01562, rs. F2023L00101, rs. F2023L01111                  |","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument's scope has been expanded and adjusted since 2020 through multiple amendments listed in the endnotes. Later instruments (including 2025 amendments titled to expand internet lodgement) broaden the requirement or availability of online lodgement and update which forms and applicant categories must use internet channels, while preserving Department discretion to permit alternate lodgement methods."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple visa subclasses each tied to specific approved forms (ss 7–10; s 8 table)","Conditional exceptions requiring a written notice from the Department to allow non-internet lodgement (s 7(2), s 8, s 9(2), s 10(2))","Varied alternative lodgement channels listed (postal addresses, email, diplomatic/consular offices, online portal) increasing procedural permutations (s 8 table)","Extensive amendment history and incremental changes to lodgement scope across several instruments (endnotes: legislation and amendment history)","Dependencies on external definitions and provisions (Migration Act s5 definitions; Regulations/reg 1.03 for 'internet application')"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument specifies the exact forms and methods for lodging Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian visa applications. Most applications must be made online using specified forms (for example form 866 or 842); postal, email or consular lodgement is allowed only if the Department gives written authorisation. It affects visa applicants (who must use the prescribed lodgement channels) and the Department (which decides when alternative lodgement is permitted), shifting compliance costs onto applicants and concentrating procedural discretion in the Department (see ss 7–10, s 8 table)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument remains tightly focused on its original purpose: prescribing forms and lodgement methods for protection and humanitarian visas. While it has been amended multiple times (7 amendments since 2020) to expand internet lodgement requirements and refine submission methods, it has not expanded into substantive visa criteria, eligibility requirements, or policy matters beyond procedural mechanics."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple conditional pathways for each visa class (internet default vs. written notice exception)","Nested table structure in section 8 with three columns and multiple sub-items creating permutations of form/place/manner combinations","Cross-references to Migration Regulations 1994 (Schedule 1, items 1401-1404) and Migration Act 1958 definitions","Amendment history shows repeated restructuring (sections 7, 9, and 10 have been repealed and substituted multiple times)","Specific form numbers (866, 842, 681, 1417) that are external to the instrument itself","Dual legislative basis (subregulation 2.07(5) and multiple Schedule 1 items)"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument prescribes the paperwork and submission rules for Australia’s protection and humanitarian visas, specifying which forms to use and that most applications must be lodged online. It covers applicants in Australia and overseas, temporary protection and safe-haven pathways, and family sponsorships.\n\nIt affects refugees, asylum seekers, their sponsors and advisers; getting the form or method wrong can render an application invalid, so the rules are the practical “how-to” for accepted lodgement."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/migration-arrangements-for-protection-refugee-and-humanitarian-visas-instrument-lin-20-169-2020","history":"/api/acts/migration-arrangements-for-protection-refugee-and-humanitarian-visas-instrument-lin-20-169-2020/history","analysis":"/api/acts/migration-arrangements-for-protection-refugee-and-humanitarian-visas-instrument-lin-20-169-2020/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/migration-arrangements-for-protection-refugee-and-humanitarian-visas-instrument-lin-20-169-2020/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/migration-arrangements-for-protection-refugee-and-humanitarian-visas-instrument-lin-20-169-2020/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/migration-arrangements-for-protection-refugee-and-humanitarian-visas-instrument-lin-20-169-2020/documents"}}