Refugee Visa Australia (Subclasses 200, 201, 203 & 204 Visa)

What is Refugee Visa (Subclass 200, 201, 203 & 204)?

Refugee visas (Subclass 200, 201, 203 & 204) are visa subclasses available in Australia for individuals who seek protection as refugees. These visas provide a pathway for people who are outside their home country and unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution.

Eligibility for the Refugee Visa (Subclass 200, 201, 203 & 204)

Key Features of Refugee Visa (Subclass 200, 201, 203 & 204) for Australia

Applying from Inside Australia?

Refugee Visa (Subclass 200, 201, 203 & 204)

With these visas, you can move to Australia if you are subject to persecution in your home country. These visas allow you and your family to live, work and study indefinitely in Australia.

Under this visa you can live, work and study in AustraliaUnder this visa you can live, work and study in Australia
You usually need to be referred to the Australian Government by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The Australian Government will pay for the travel and other costs before you arrive in Australia, including medical examinations and cultural orientation overseas
Stay in Australia permanently with your immediate family
There is no fee for this visa
The decision process could take many months, or even years. The number of applications the government receives for resettlement each year is far greater than available visas

Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202)

With this visa you can move to Australia if you face substantial discrimination or human rights abuses, and have a proposer, and stay in Australia permanently with your immediate family.

Under this visa you can live, work and study in Australia
You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa and you must be living outside your home country
You must have a proposer
You must enter Australia by the date on your visa
You and your family members must obey all Australian laws

The government will not pay any travel costs for the visa holder
There is no visa application charge for this visa unless you are proposed under the Community Support Program by an Approved Proposing Organisation.
The decision process could take many months, or even years. The number of applications the government receives for resettlement each year is far greater than available visas

Applying from Outside Australia?

Protection Visa (Subclass 866)

This visa is for people who arrived in Australia on a valid visa and want to seek asylum. It lets you stay in Australia permanently, if you engage Australia’s protection obligations and meet all other requirements for the grant of the visa.

Under this visa you can live, work and study in Australia
You can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence through the offshore Humanitarian Program
You must apply for the visa in Australia
You can apply to stay in Australia permanently if you arrived legally on a valid visa and ensure Australia's protection obligations
You must engage Australia’s protection obligations (or be a member of the same family unit of someone who does)
You must have arrived legally in Australia on a valid visa
You must meet all other visa requirements including health, character, and security
The cost of this visa is AUD 40

Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)

This visa is for people who arrived in Australia without a visa, and want to seek asylum. It lets you stay in Australia temporarily if you engage in Australia’s protection obligations and meet all other requirements for the grant of the visa.

Under this visa you are allowed to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily for 3 years
You will have access to government services such as Centrelink
You must apply for the visa in Australia
You must ensure Australia's protection obligations (or be a member of the same family unit of someone who does)
You must meet all other visa requirements, such as health, character, identity and security
The processing fee for this visa is AUD40
The processing times for this visa vary

Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)

This visa is for people who arrived in Australia without a visa and want to seek asylum. It lets you stay in Australia temporarily if you engage in Australia’s protection obligations and meet all other requirements for the grant of the visa.

Under this visa you are allowed to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily for 5 years
You must apply for the visa in Australia
You should engage Australia's protection obligations
You or a member of your immediate family in Australia included in your SHEV application should intend to work or study in a SHEV regional area
You may be able to apply for certain visas in Australia if you meet the SHEV pathway requirements and the requirement for your preferred visa
The processing fee for this visa is AUD40
The processing times for this visa vary

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FAQs

What are the different subclasses of Refugee Visas?

The Refugee Visa includes several subclasses: Subclass 200 (Refugee and Humanitarian), Subclass 201 (In-country Special Humanitarian), Subclass 203 (Global Special Humanitarian), and Subclass 204 (Protection).

How can I apply for a Refugee Visa?

The application process for a Refugee Visa involves submitting the required forms, supporting documents, and evidence to the Department of Home Affairs. Each subclass has its specific application requirements and processes.

Do I need a referral for a Refugee Visa?

Subclass 200 requires a referral by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another eligible referral pathway. Subclass 201 and 203 require proposal and support from an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible organisation. Subclass 204 does not require a referral.

Can I work and study on a Refugee Visa?

Yes, holders of Refugee Visas are generally allowed to work and study in Australia. This enables them to rebuild their lives and contribute to the community.

Can I apply for permanent residency with a Refugee Visa?

Yes, depending on the circumstances and visa subclass, individuals holding a Refugee Visa may have pathways to apply for permanent residency in Australia. These pathways typically involve meeting certain criteria and requirements.