202 — 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.