How to Apply for Australia Humanitarian and Refugee Visas

What are Australian Humanitarian and Refugee Visas? If you’re coming to Australia seeking protection as a refugee or through humanitarian programs, you may be wondering how to apply for one of these special visas. The good news is that while they’re not easily obtained, the application process is pretty straightforward and will take less than 90 days to process in most cases (though it can take much longer). Here’s everything you need to know about applying for an Australia Humanitarian and Refugee Visa.

However, Within Australia’s Immigration program for refugees, applicants who want protection can apply for several visas depending on their circumstances. For some visas, applicants must stay legally in Australia, while refugee applicants who entered Australia without a valid visa can apply for visa subclass 785 and 790.

What are Humanitarian And Refugee Visas?

The humanitarian and refugee visas category comprises the range of visas issued to those with a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. A visa is issued on the grounds that a person’s life, liberty, or security is threatened, as a result of which they cannot avail themselves of the protection of their country.

Who Is Eligible For An Australian Visa?

You can apply for a visa if you are outside of Australia, the country or its territories, or citizens of New Zealand. It’s not easy to get Australian access, so make sure you know what visa you are eligible for. For example, suppose you want to visit Australia temporarily. In that case, an ETA is correct, but a family reunion visa might be better if you want to move there permanently. Those who need protection because they have experienced persecution and torture in their home country may qualify for refugee status in Australia, which includes permanent residency.

Which Visa Should I Choose?

There are three types of humanitarian visas available. The first type is the long-term-stay (subclass 200) visa. This visa is designed for refugees who are not required to return home because they may be in a life-threatening situation. It can also be used by people who wish to stay in the country on humanitarian grounds.

Which Are the Types of Australian Humanitarian and Refugee Visas?

Meanwhile, We are to discuss some of those take away that are involved in this type of visa in Australia; that is to say, we will elaborate on some of these types of Australia Humanitarian And Refugee Visas. Let's go 

There are several types of Australian visas in the Humanitarian and Refugee Immigration Program:

    Permanent Protection Visa – subclass 866.

 This permanent protection visa is granted to individuals who meet the requirements for refugee status and complementary protection. You must be a legal entrant in Australia under another valid ticket to apply for this visa. Visa holders are allowed to work, study and travel freely with this type of visa.

    Temporary Protection Visa- subclass 785. 

A visa 785 is valid only temporarily, and applicants must have entered Australia illegally to qualify for this visa. If you are granted a temporary protection visa, you cannot travel outside Australia without written permission.

    Safe Haven Protection Visa- subclass 790.

SHEV visa is issued to illegal entrants in Australia only temporarily. Holders of this visa can apply for another visa in Australia if they meet the pathway requirements.

    Refugee Visas- subclass 200, 201, 203, and 204.

 Visas in this category are permanent and issued to persons who need Australia’s protection. You must be outside of Australia when you apply for this visa, and you cannot enter Australia until the specified date in your visa grant notice. Afterward, you can stay in Australia indefinitely and apply for citizenship. You can also get many more when looking for this type of visa. 

Global Special Humanitarian Visa- subclass 202. 

To qualify for this visa, you must be outside of Australia at the time of application and have a sponsor from within Australia. Your sponsor can be an immediate family member or a close relative. This type of visa is permanent, and afterward, you may qualify for Australian citizenship.

Who Is Considered a Refugee?

According to Australia’s Migration Act 1958, an individual is considered a refugee if they are:

• Someone outside their country of citizenship.
• Someone with a “well-founded fear of persecution” cannot return to their home country.

A “well-founded fear of persecution” is considered if the visa applicant:

• Fears for their safety due to these five reasons:

• Race.
• Religious belief.
• Nationality.
• Political opinion.
• Affiliation with a specific group.

• Fear of persecution in all areas in their country.
• Fear of serious harm and systematic and discriminatory conduct due to persecution in their country.

Who Meets the Criteria for Complementary Protection?

Persons who are not refugees may suffer significant harm if they return to their home country and meet the criteria for complementary protection. Considerable damage is defined as:

1.  Risk of losing one’s life.
2. Death sentence.
3.  Torture.
4.  Inhumane punishment.
5. Degrading treatment.

You may be given this visa if you are a family member of someone who is under the complementary protection act.

What Documents Do I Need for a Humanitarian and Refugee Visa?

You will need these documents for a humanitarian and refugee visa in Australia:

1.     Valid Passport.
2.     Visa Application Form.
3.     Photographs and Biometrics.
4.     Family Certificates.
5.     Health Requirements.
6.     Good Character Documents.
7.     Australia’s Values Statement.
8.     Copies of Earlier Visas.
9.     Form 956a or Form 956.
10.     For humanitarian vi, as 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204, you will also need to provide:
11.     Proof of Humanitarian Circumstances.
12.     Two photographs.
13.     Parental Consent Form 1229.
14.     A statutory declaration (if the parental consent form is not applicable).
15.     Form 1257.
16.     Form 842 (only for global visa 202).

How Do I Apply For a Refugee and Humanitarian Visa?

You may apply for a humanitarian and refugee visa online with your ImmiAccount. To continue with your application, you must first register if you don't already have an account. Once you've opened your online account, you can locate and complete the relevant visa application form.

The application form for most humanitarian visas will include numerous questions on the protection claims; you should be careful to provide the best answers possible.

If you cannot apply online, you may do so by mailing your application. Online applications aren't practical for humanitarian visas (types 200, 201, 203, and 204). Hence paper applications are the sole option.

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Where Do I Send My Application?

To apply for a visa, you must provide proof of identity and submit the completed application form with all relevant information. All applicants need at least 10 points to qualify for a humanitarian or refugee visa. You will also need to show evidence that you have a job offer from an Australian employer, that you are financially independent, or that you have an offer of financial sponsorship from an approved sponsor. If you are applying for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa, there is no requirement for a state or territory government nomination.

Do I Need Any Supporting Documents?

Suppose you are applying on a partner or spousal visa. In that case, you may need to provide documents such as evidence of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, children's birth certificates) and property ownership documents (e.g., tenancy agreement). You can refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for more information about requirements on visa types. Your medical screening should be done before submitting your application. The costs will vary depending on which type of visa you apply for but can be calculated by contacting the Visa Subclass Planning Team at (8:00 am-5:00 pm AEST) 13 18 14.

How Long Is an Australian Humanitarian and Refugee Visa Valid For?

Humanitarian and Refugee Visas are valid for several years:

• A temporary protection visa is valid for three years.
• A haven enterprise visa is valid for five years.

These protection visas are valid indefinitely:

• Protection Visa 866.
• Humanitarian visa 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204.
• Global Special Humanitarian visa 202

How Much Does an Australian Humanitarian and Refugee Visa Cost?

The cost of a humanitarian and refugee visa depends on the visa type:

• Protection Visas- subclass 866, 785, and 790 cost AUD40.
• Humanitarian Visas- subclass 200, 201, 203, and 204 are free.
• Global Special Humanitarian visa- subclass 202 is free of charge unless you are proposed under the Community Support Program.

Can I stay longer?

You can extend your stay by requesting a future humanitarian and refugee visa. For the department to temporarily extend your visa while your new application is being reviewed, you must apply at least three months before the expiration of your present visa.

Only temporary protection visas are affected; those with permanent visas may remain in Australia forever.

How long does it take to obtain an Australian visa for refugees and humanitarian purposes?

Visas for refugees and humanitarians are handled as quickly as feasible. However, unless applicants qualify for the fast-tracking evaluation procedure, it may take months or even years for protection visas to be approved (available only for visa subclass 785 and 790).

Can I Work While on an Australia Refugee and Humanitarian Visa?

As long as your humanitarian visa is still in effect, you can work in Australia (temporary visas). Work is necessary for the safe hatchway to qualify for additional visas.

Can I Attend School on an Australia Refugee and Humanitarian Visa?

If you choose, you may study in Australia on a protection visa. You can enroll in free English language sessions through the Adult Migrant English Program if you hold a worldwide special humanitarian visa, including visas 200, 201, 203, and 204. You can enroll in 510 hours of free classes with other visas.

Can I Bring Family Members With Me to Australia Under a Humanitarian and Refugee Visa?

It depends on what type of humanitarian visa you are applying for; you can sponsor family members to come to Australia if you have:

• A protection visa 866.
• A humanitarian visa 200, 201, 203, and 204.
• A global special humanitarian visa 202.

For other humanitarian visas, you can only include other family members if they are with you at the time of the application in Australia. However, you must submit any additional documentation for any family member that applies with you for humanitarian and refugee visas.

Is a Protection Visa a Humanitarian Visa?

Protection visas and hand humanitarian visas belong to the humanitarian and refugee migration scheme, bute they are the same visa. The visas will differ depending on how long they are valid, the requirements, the cost, who is eligible for a protection visa, and who is eligible for a humanitarian visa.

Conclusion

It may take some time, but it is worth the wait! To apply for an Australian Humanitarian and Refugee Visa, you need to demonstrate that your situation is so bad that you need help. The best way to do this is by linking your cause with an exceptional service such as education, or health cIt would help if you also needed a sponsor. The process can take up to four years. To start, you will need to complete Form 12B, which can be found on the Immigration Department website. Fill out Section 1 of this form which includes information about whose sponsoring you and how they are related to you. Submit this form along with any other supporting documents (e.g., medical report)