Australia is considered a safe heaven for refugees and asylum seekers from different parts of the globe. People facing persecution or serious human rights violations in their home countries come to Australia. Through its Refugee and Humanitarian Program, Australia provides permanent visas for individuals and families in need of protection.
The main focus of this guide is to explain the Australia’s Two important visa programs for refugees.
What Are Refugee and Humanitarian Visas?
These visas allow individuals and families facing persecution, violence or discrimination to move to Australia permanently.
Overview
- Stay: Permanently.
- Cost: Free for most categories.
- Benefits: Work, study, access to healthcare, and bring family members.
- Processing Time: Depends upon number of application, but it may take months.
Types of Refugee and Humanitarian Visas
Two main types of visas to protect people are
1. Refugee Category Visas (Subclass 200, 201, 203, 204)
These visas are for people who face persecution in their home countries.
What You Can Do with This Visa
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently
- Access Medicare (public healthcare)
- Attend free English language classes
- Sponsor family members for permanent residence
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Who Can Apply?
You must be outside Australia when applying and must meet the following criteria:
- Be a refugee or face persecution.
- Include family members in your application (spouse, children, or dependents).
Australia Refugee Visa Application Form [842]
2. Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202)
This visa is for individuals facing severe discrimination or human rights abuse but must have a proposer in Australia.
Requirements
Must be outside Australia and your home country.
Be proposed by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an organisation.
Face substantial discrimination or human rights abuse.
Who Can Propose You?
Your proposer can be:
- A family member living in Australia.
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- An organisation approved by the Australian government.
- [List of Approved Proposing Organisations is given below]
Humanitarian Visa Application Online
Benefits of These Visas
What You and Your Family Get
- Permanent residency (PR)
- Access to healthcare through healthcare
- Free English classes to help settle into the community
- Opportunity to sponsor other family members for visas
- Five years of travel flexibility in and out of Australia
Processing Times and Priorities
Why Processing Takes Time
- High demand for limited resettlement places.
- Individual circumstances, such as health or document verification.
- Applications must be complete with accurate information.
ALSO READ
Priority Groups
The Australian government gives priority to:
- UNHCR-referred refugees.
- People proposed by immediate family members in Australia.
- Women, children, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Proposing Organisations (APOs)
Approved Proposing Organisations (APOs) assist with Global Special Humanitarian Visa (subclass 202) applications.
- AMES Australia
- Cultura
- Eastern Christian Welfare Australia
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- Settlement Services International (SSI)
- Assyrian Australian Association
- Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS)
- Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre
- Multicultural Australia Ltd
- Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC)
- Australian Refugee Association (ARA)
Important
- You must declare all family members even if they are not migrating with you
- If you don’t declare them, you might not be able to sponsor them in the future
- If your application is approved, the government will cover medical and travel costs
Final Words
Australia’s refugee and humanitarian visas provide a pathway to safety for those in need. While the process takes time and patience, these visas offer a chance for you and your family to start a new life in a safe environment.