Refugee Visa (subclass 200–204)

Permanent Humanitarian Resettlement for Refugees Outside Australia

Australia’s Refugee Visa Program offers permanent protection to individuals outside Australia who are subject to persecution or serious human rights violations in their home country. These visas are part of the Humanitarian Program and include Subclasses 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204, each tailored to different refugee circumstances.

Key Benefits

• Permanent Residency: Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
• Access to Medicare: Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Family Reunification: Sponsor immediate family members to join you in Australia
• Settlement Support: Receive help with housing, employment, education, and community integration.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Refugee Visa, you must meet the following:

General Requirements

• Be outside Australia (offshore).
• Be subject to persecution or substantial discrimination in your home country.
• Be referred by the UNHCR or proposed by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or organisation.
• Meet health, character, and security.

Visa Subclasses

1. Subclass 200 – Refugee Visa
   • For individuals subject to persecution and referred by the UNHCR.
   • Priority is given to those in urgent need of resettlement.
2. Subclass 201 – In-Country Special Humanitarian Visa
   • For people still in their home country but facing persecution.
   • Must be unable to leave and require urgent protection.
3. Subclass 202 – Global Special Humanitarian Visa
   • For those outside their home country facing gross human rights violations.
   • Must be proposed by an eligible person or organisation in Australia.
4. Subclass 203 – Emergency Rescue Visa
   • For individuals in immediate danger and needing urgent evacuation.
5. Subclass 204 – Woman at Risk Visa
   • For female applicants subject to gender-based violence or discrimination.
   • Must be without protection from family or community.

Visa Conditions

• Permanent Residency: You can live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions.
• Travel Facility: Travel freely for 5 years from the visa grant date. After that, apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
• Family Inclusion: You may propose immediate family members to join you under the split family provision.
• Settlement Services: Access to housing, education, employment, and language support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)