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202 — Global Special Humanitarian Visa
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
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202 — Global Special Humanitarian Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Permanent residency

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Global Special Humanitarian Visa.

The Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202) grants permanent residence to people outside their home country facing substantial discrimination amounting to a gross violation of human rights. It requires a proposer — an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or approved organisation — to support the application.

Holders can live, work, and study in Australia permanently, access Medicare, and pursue citizenship. The proposer supports initial settlement. Applications are free, but demand far exceeds available places and processing can take many years — most applications are unsuccessful.

This visa is ideal for people with humanitarian need and an Australian connection who fall outside the strict UN refugee definition but have a willing proposer able to support their resettlement.

Australia

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

155/157 — Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157)
Australia flagAustralia

155/157 — Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1 day – 3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be outside Australia and outside their home country.

Must be subject to substantial discrimination in their home country that amounts to a gross violation of human rights.

Must be proposed by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, qualifying New Zealand citizen, or an approved organization.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Must be able to provide evidence of the discrimination faced.

Must sign the Australian Values Statement if 18 years or older.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form 842 (Application for an offshore humanitarian visa).

Form 681 (Refugee and special humanitarian proposal form).

Identity documents (passport, birth certificate).

Evidence of substantial discrimination or human rights violations.

Evidence of the proposer's status (citizenship or permanent residency).

Police clearance certificates.

Health examination reports.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Permanent residency in Australia
  • Work and study in Australia
  • Access to Medicare (public healthcare)
  • Ability to propose family members for permanent residence
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship if qualifying
  • Access to free English language classes

Worth Knowing

  • Must be outside Australia and your home country at the time of application
  • Requires a proposer to support the application and settlement
  • Subject to annual visa caps and prioritization
  • Applicants and proposers are responsible for travel costs unless covered by specific programs

Application Process

1

A proposer must complete and submit the proposal form (Form 681)

2

Use the transaction reference number (TRN) from the proposal to apply for the visa via ImmiAccount within 60 days

3

Provide required documentation and evidence

4

Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process the application

5

Undergo health checks as requested by the Department

Application Forms

Go to application portal
842—
681—
842
Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa
—
842Fill online
681
Refugee and Special Humanitarian Proposal
—
681Fill online
842
Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa
—
842Fill online
681
Refugee and Special Humanitarian Proposal
—
681Fill online
842
Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa
—
842Fill online
681
Refugee and Special Humanitarian Proposal
—
681Fill online

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