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    Important Information and Settlement Journey

    Home Affairs Update - Ukraine visa support

    The Australian Government remains committed to supporting Ukrainians and their family members who are temporarily in Australia as a result of the war in Ukraine.

    The Department of Home Affairs 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 over 8,600 visas to Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and hundreds more to Ukrainian nationals elsewhere. As at 30 June 2022, over 3,800 of these visa holders have since arrived in Australia.

    If you have accepted the offer of a temporary humanitarian stay before 11:59 pm on 31 July 2022, you do not need to do anything further until the department contacts you. Please see Information for Ukrainian nationals who accepted the offer of temporary humanitarian stay before 31 July 2022.

    The Australian Government acknowledges that there will be some Ukrainian nationals who were unable to accept the offer of a temporary humanitarian stay, which ended on 31 July 2022.

    Ukrainians and their families who are in Australia and wish to extend their stay can also access normal visa pathways, including the skilled, family, student and visitor visa programs. If a ‘no further stay’ condition (8503, 8534, 8535 or 8540) applies to a Ukrainian’s current visa, they can apply to have that condition waived by completing a no Further Stay waiver request.

    The department encourages Ukrainian nationals that want to come to Australia or extend their stay to explore their visa options.

    Ukrainian nationals who have arrived on a temporary visa and are unable to access normal visa pathways or cannot return to Ukraine, may apply for a Bridging visa E (subclass 050) or a Protection visa (subclass 866).

    For information more on Bridging visa E or a Protection visa see Other pathways for Ukrainian nationals in Australia.

    Applying for AMES Humanitarian Settlement Program Support

    If you:

    • are a Displaced Ukrainian Citizen already living in the Australian community and;
    • have a subclass 600, 449 or 786 Visa, you may be eligible to receive support from AMES Australia through the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP).
    • This only applies If you have accepted the offer of a temporary humanitarian stay before 11:59 pm on 31 July 2022.
    Please note: you will not be eligible for Humanitarian Support on a Bridging visa E (subclass 050) or a Protection visa (subclass 866).

    In Victoria, please contact HSPIntake@ames.net.au and request to apply.  The HSP Intake team will send you a Referral form, and request copies of your visa grant letters and passports.

    For South Australia, please contact, AMESHSPServiceSA@ames.net.au

    Once you’re registered with AMES:

    We will send your application to the Department of Home Affairs to seek approval for HSP support with AMES.  If you are approved, you will be contacted by an AMES Case Manager.  If you are not contacted within a week, please see instructions below on how to book an appointment with us at AMES.

     

    Booking an appointment with AMES

    If you have already applied for HSP support with AMES and you are wanting to make contact with your case manager, you can book an appointment.  Appointments can be conducted over the phone or face to face. 

    In Victoria

    Coming to the AMES Melbourne office without an Appointment:

    If you come to our CBD office without an appointment, our reception team will book and appointment for you and you will have to return for the scheduled appointment time.  Make sure to call in advance before coming to the office. You can book an appointment using two options:

    1. Send an email to HSPIntake@ames.net.au and request and appointment booking with your Case Manager.Mention in the email if you are happy to be contacted by phone, or if you can come in to our office for a face to face appointment.The address for an office appointment is 506 Elizabeth Street.
    2. You can call the Multicultural Hub reception on 0438 001 537.  The reception team will book an appointment for you.

    In South Australia 

    • Send an email to AMESHSPServiceSA@ames.net.au and request and appointment booking with your Case Manager. The addresses are:
      1.   212 Pirie Street, Adelaide or
      2.   2/859 Commercial Road Salisbury
    •  Or call (08) 7224 8550. The reception team will book an appointment for you.

    Interpreters: If you think you need an interpreter to speak or meet with an AMES staff member, please request this at the time of booking.  There are limited Ukrainian/Russian interpreters available, however we will do our best to call one.

     

    Assistance with AMES Short Term Accommodation (STA)

    If you are living in the Australian community and require assistance with short term accommodation in an AMES managed facility, please contact AMES on the details above and book an appointment to discuss the process.   

     

    AMEP Enrollment (Victoria Only)

    Ukrainian nationals on 449 Visa are eligible to enroll in AMEP.  Once you have your 449 Visa, you can make contact with your local AMEP provider to enroll in AMEP.  If you need to search for your local AMEP provider, you can visit the AMEP - Find a Centre website https://www.melbourneamep.com.au/find-a-centre/

    It is best to call the AMEP provider in advance to explain your situation and then try to book an enrolment.

    When you enroll, you will need to ensure that you have your ID, Visa details and a COVID Vaccination certificate. 

    If you are registered with AMES and you need support to register with AMEP, please contact us to make an appointment.