Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You must apply online via ImmiAccount — the Australian Department of Home Affairs' digital portal. From 29 November 2025, all Refugee and Humanitarian visa applications must be lodged online; paper applications are accepted only in limited circumstances. You cannot apply directly; you must be referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or identified by the Australian Government. If you have an immediate family member already in Australia holding a refugee or humanitarian visa, they may propose your application instead.
Standard Offshore Application (UNHCR Referral or Government Identification)
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before you begin, verify that you meet all core requirements:
- You are outside Australia and will remain outside until your visa is granted
- You face persecution in your home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group (as defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention)
- You have been referred by UNHCR for resettlement or identified by the Australian Government
- You meet health and character requirements (or have compassionate grounds for a health waiver)
- You are 18 years or older and willing to sign the Australian Values Statement
- You have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Your circumstances are assessed as compelling — the Australian Government receives far more applications than available visa places each year
If you are unsure whether you meet these criteria, contact UNHCR or an Australian migration agent for guidance.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Compile the following documents before you lodge your application. Incomplete applications cause significant delays.
Identity and Personal Documents:
- Current passport (all pages showing your photo, personal details, and issue/expiry dates)
- National identity card (if available)
- Proof of any name changes (marriage certificate, divorce documents, or official change-of-name documents)
Humanitarian Circumstances:
- Full copy of your UNHCR resettlement registration form (if you have been referred by UNHCR)
- Proof of registration with UNHCR or other international refugee organization
- Written statement in English explaining why you left your home country and why you need resettlement
Family and Relationship Documents:
- Certified copies of marriage certificates or relationship registrations for you and anyone else included in your application (even if they are not joining you in Australia)
- For each dependent child under 18 applying with you: identity documents, proof of your relationship, any visas or residence permits held, marriage certificates or relationship registrations (if applicable), character documents (if applicable), and 2 photographs
- Parental consent from anyone with legal responsibility for a child who is not coming to Australia with you — either Form 1229 (Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under 18) or a statutory declaration
Character Documents:
- Military service records or discharge papers (if you served in any country's armed forces)
- Police certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after turning 16
Photographs:
- 2 recent photographs (45mm × 35mm, head and shoulders only, plain background)
- Print your name on the back of each photograph
Translation and Certification:
- All non-English documents must be translated into English by an accredited translator
- Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
- Translators outside Australia do not need accreditation but must include their full name, address, telephone number, and qualifications on each translation
- All documents — originals, translations, and certified copies — must be certified by an authorized person (typically a lawyer, notary, or official)
Step 3: Create or Log Into Your ImmiAccount
Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and either log into your existing ImmiAccount or create a new account. You will need:
- A valid email address
- A password (at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols)
- Your date of birth
Step 4: Start Your Application
- Log into ImmiAccount
- Click 'New application'
- Click 'Refugee & Humanitarian'
- Click 'Offshore Humanitarian Visa (200, 201, 202, 203, 204)'
- Complete Form 842 (Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa) within the ImmiAccount portal
The form will ask you to provide:
- Your personal details (name, date of birth, contact information)
- Your passport information
- Details of your humanitarian circumstances and why you are seeking resettlement
- Information about all family members (whether they are applying with you or not — you must declare all family members)
- Your health and character history
- Confirmation that you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws (Australian Values Statement)
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
Attach all required documents to your application within ImmiAccount. Ensure each document is:
- Clear and legible (if scanning, use high resolution)
- Properly named (e.g., "Passport_[YourName]_2026.pdf")
- In the correct format (PDF, JPG, or PNG)
Step 6: Review and Submit
Carefully review your application for accuracy and completeness. Once you submit, you cannot edit the form, so double-check all information. Click 'Submit application' when you are ready.
Step 7: Receive Your Application Receipt
The Department will send you an email confirming receipt of your application and providing your application reference number. Keep this number for all future correspondence. The email will also advise you if you need to attend a medical examination or provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Step 8: Attend Medical Examination (If Required)
If the Department requests a medical examination, you will be notified by email or letter. You must attend an Australian Department of Home Affairs-approved medical practitioner. The Department will cover the cost of this examination. Medical checks typically include:
- General health assessment
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
Bring your passport and any documents the Department has requested.
Step 9: Provide Biometrics (If Required)
If requested, you will be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photograph). You will be given instructions on where and when to attend. This is usually done at an Australian embassy, consulate, or approved service provider in your country.
Step 10: Attend an Interview (If Required)
The Department may ask you to attend an in-person or video interview. You will be notified by email or letter with the date, time, and location. During the interview, you will be asked about:
- Why you left your home country
- Why you are seeking resettlement in Australia
- Your family situation and relationships
- Information you provided in your application
- Your health and character history
You may bring a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or interpreter to support you. If you do not speak English fluently, request an interpreter in advance.
Step 11: Respond to Additional Information Requests
If the Department needs more information or documents, they will contact you by email or letter. Respond promptly — delays in providing requested information can significantly extend processing times. If the Department receives information that could result in your visa being refused, they will usually give you the opportunity to comment before making a final decision.
Step 12: Receive Your Decision
The Department will notify you of their decision by email or letter.
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If your visa is granted: You will receive your visa grant number, the date your visa starts, and any visa conditions that apply to you. You will also receive instructions on how to travel to Australia and when you must depart.
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If your visa is refused: You will be told why the visa was refused and whether you have a right to request a review of the decision (through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or via Ministerial Intervention).
Split Family Application (Proposer in Australia)
If you have an immediate family member already in Australia holding a Refugee category visa (subclass 200, 201, 203, or 204), a Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202), a Protection visa (subclass 866), or a Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851), they may propose your application. Your proposer must:
- Have been a member of your immediate family when the Department granted their visa
- Have declared your relationship to the Department before their visa was granted
- Still be a member of your family
- Propose your application within 5 years of their visa being granted
Your proposer's role:
- Your proposer obtains Form 681 (Refugee and Special Humanitarian Proposal) from the Department of Home Affairs website
- Your proposer sends you Form 842 (Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa) to complete and sign
- You complete Form 842, sign it, and return it to your proposer
- Your proposer lodges both Form 681 and your signed Form 842 at an Australian office of the Department of Home Affairs (in Australia)
- You then follow Steps 3–12 above to complete your own ImmiAccount application
Important: If you are applying under the split family provisions, you must still lodge your own application via ImmiAccount. Your proposer's Form 681 supports your application but does not replace it.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application charge | Free |
| Medical examination (if required) | Covered by Australian Government |
| Departure health check (72 hours before travel) | Covered by Australian Government |
| Travel to Australia (assisted passage) | Covered by Australian Government |
| Cultural orientation program (AUSCO) | Free |
Total estimated cost to applicant: AUD 0
Does not include: Document translation and certification (varies by translator and number of documents), police certificates (fees charged by relevant authorities), passport renewal (if required), and any incidental costs such as postage or courier services. The Australian Government covers all major costs associated with resettlement, including medical examinations, health checks, travel, and orientation.
Processing Time
Official Statement: The decision process could take many months, or even years. The number of applications received for resettlement each year far exceeds available visa places. Processing times vary dramatically based on individual circumstances, location, ability to travel, ability to provide documents, and access to Australian government officials.
Factors That Extend Processing:
- Incomplete application form or missing documents
- Need for additional information or clarification
- Time required to verify your information
- Health conditions requiring testing or treatment
- Character assessment complexity
- Your location and ability to attend appointments
- Departmental caseload and capacity
Estimated Timelines:
- Initial assessment and document verification: 2–6 months
- Interview scheduling and completion: 3–12 months (depending on location and availability)
- Health and character checks: 2–6 months (can occur in parallel with other steps)
- Final decision: Highly variable; cases can be decided within 6–12 months or take 2–5+ years
No Status Updates: The Department cannot provide updates on your application. You must wait for the Department to contact you. Keep your contact details current and notify the Department immediately of any changes in your circumstances, address, or phone number.
Document Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire processing period and will remain valid for at least 6 months after your visa is granted. If your passport expires during processing, you must renew it and provide a copy to the Department.
Entry Deadline: Once your visa is granted, you must enter Australia by the date specified in your visa grant letter. If you cannot meet this deadline, you may request a travel facilitation letter, but this is not guaranteed. Missing the entry deadline can result in visa cancellation.