Types of humanitarian/refugee visas available for offshore applicants
There are several subclasses of offshore humanitarian/refugee visas:
Subclass 200 Refugee visa
This is for people outside Australia who are subject to persecution in their home country and are living outside their home country. An applicant must show:
- that there are compelling reasons for the grant of the visa;
- that resettlement in Australia is the appropriate course;
- if possible, they are registered with the UNHCR or a local refugee organization;
- if possible, they are proposed by a person or organization in Australia;
- if possible, they fit within one of the priority groups;
- they meet health, public interest, and special return criteria.
Subclass 201 In-country special humanitarian visa
This visa was established to enable Australia to assist in exceptional cases in relation to the government’s priority to resettle people who have been assessed as refugees by UNHCR and referred to Australia. For these reasons, there is no regular allocation of places. With the exceptions of “split family” members and limited Iraqi nationals who are/were employed by the Australian Government in Iraq, “in-country applicants” are unlikely to be granted a Humanitarian visa.
Subclass 202 Global special humanitarian visa
This is for people outside Australia who are subject to substantial discrimination amounting to gross violation of human rights in their home country and are living outside their home country. An applicant must show that they satisfy key conditions for Subclass 200 visa, with the additional requirement that the applicant:
- must show that they are proposed by a person or organization in Australia
Subclass 203 Emergency rescue visa
This is for people outside Australia who are subject to persecution and there are urgent and compelling
reasons for them to travel to Australia (special procedures are established to deal with this on an urgent basis). They can be either inside or outside their home country. These cases are usually referred by the UNHCR or by recognized international organizations. Therefore, if possible, the intending applicant should first contact the relevant body. To be eligible the applicant must show that they satisfy key conditions for Subclass 200 visa with the additional requirement that:
- they are in an immediately life-threatening situation or facing imprisonment within hours or days, eg because you are going to be forced to return to your country or are facing deportation.
Subclass 204 Woman at risk visa
This visa is for women outside Australia who are subject to persecution, or registered as being of concern to UNHCR and are living outside their home country without the protection of a male relative ( If the applicant is married, they will usually be deemed to have male protection) and in danger of victimization, harassment or serious abuse because they are a woman. In addition, an applicant must show that they also satisfy key conditions for Subclass 200 visa. The types of circumstances that a woman must demonstrate to be suffering include violence, sexual abuse, extortion, exploitation, discrimination, or unlawful detention.
How can I help you obtain Australian refugee status and prepare your visa application documents?
From the 12th of March 2014, all requests regarding obtaining refugee status, assessment of individual circumstances, and assistance with the confirmation of refugee status in relation to individuals and their family members are carried out only within the Detailed Migration Consultation in accordance with the requirements of “Code of Conduct sec. 2.6-2.7”. Within the consultation, we will review your circumstances and provide guidance of what is possible and necessary to do in your specific situation in order to prove your status to delegate of the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) and therefore to facilitate a pathway to permanent residence.
As part of the consultation, recommendations will be developed and given regarding a possible immigration strategy, and what exactly can be done specifically in your case for immigration to Australia as a refugee. If you need advice, please follow the link below for a paid consultation.
Based on the information received during the paid consultation, you can make an informative decision and start the immigration process.
All requests for assistance in obtaining refugee status in Australia will be considered by me as the highest priority. If you find yourself in a similar situation, do not hesitate, contact me on this matter.
