Refugee and Humanitarian Visa Program — Australia's Commitment to Protection and Support

Australia's Refugee and Humanitarian Visa Program is designed to provide protection to people who are displaced, persecuted, or in humanitarian need. The program offers pathways for vulnerable individuals to resettle in Australia safely, with access to support services and opportunities for a fresh start.

1. Offshore Humanitarian Program (OHP)

• Must be assessed as a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention or meet humanitarian criteria
• Recommended by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Australian diplomatic missions, or referred by the Australian government
• Priority given to those facing persecution, serious human rights abuses, or in urgent humanitarian need
• No specific occupation requirement — focus is on protection needs

2. Onshore Protection Visas

• Must be physically present in Australia
• Must fear persecution or harm in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group
• Must apply for protection visa before or after arrival
• Must meet health, character, and security requirements

• There are no occupation requirements for refugee or humanitarian visas.
• The program focuses on protection and humanitarian grounds rather than employment or skills.
• However, after settlement, visa holders may seek employment in any sector depending on their skills and qualifications.

• Most Refugee and Humanitarian visas grant permanent residency upon grant (except some temporary protection visas)
• Visa holders have full work and study rights in Australia
• Access to Medicare, social security benefits (subject to eligibility), and settlement services
• Must comply with Australian laws and visa conditions
• Temporary Protection Visas have limited work rights and must comply with specific conditions

Refugee and Humanitarian visas generally have no application fee for the primary applicant. Some family or dependent applicants may also be exempt. Health checks and police clearances may be required and are at the applicant’s expense.

Offshore Humanitarian Program:

1. Referral to Australia by UNHCR, Australian missions, or government selection
2. Eligibility assessment and security screening by Australian authorities
3. Medical examinations and police checks
4. Visa grant and pre-departure arrangements
5. Arrival and settlement in Australia with support services

Onshore Protection Visas:

1. Lodgement of protection visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
2. Interview and claims assessment
3. Health and character checks
4. Decision on protection status
5. Visa grant or refusal
6. Appeal rights available through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if refused

• Permanent residency (in most categories)
• Full access to work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and health services
• Settlement support including housing, English language, and employment services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members for migration

• Most humanitarian visas grant permanent residency immediately on visa grant
• Visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship after completing four years' lawful residence, including 12 months as a permanent resident
• Family reunion is supported under humanitarian provisions