Refugee, Protection & Humanitarian Visas
Which visas are available?
If you are seeking the protection of the Australian government due to persecution or substantial discrimination you have faced in your home country, you may be able to apply for a refugee, protection or humanitarian visa.
Which visa should I apply for?
If you are seeking protection in Australia, the type of visa that you can apply for will depend on your location and how you entered Australia.
- if you are in Australia and arrived lawfully:
- Permanent Protection Visa (Subclass 866)
- If you are in Australia and arrived unlawfully:
- Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)
- Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)
- If you are outside of Australia:
- Refugee Visa (Subclass 200)
- In-Country Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 201)
- Global Special Humanitarian Programme Visa (Subclass 202)
- Emergency Rescue Visa (Subclass 203)
- Woman at Risk Visa (Subclass 204)
What are the main requirements?
If you are applying from within Australia, generally you may be eligible for a refugee, humanitarian or protection visa if you cannot return to your home country because you fear that you will be persecuted because of your race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group or because you fear significant harm.
If you are applying from outside Australia, generally you may be eligible for if:
- you are living within or outside your home country
- you are subject to substantial discrimination in your home country amounting to a gross violation of your human rights
- you are proposed by an Australian citizen or Permanent resident, an Eligible New Zealand citizen, or an organisation based in Australia
What are some of the common issues or reasons for refusals?
Some of the more common reasons for refugee and protection visa refusals include:
- inability to demonstrate persecution or substantial discrimination;
- complex requirements relating to past immigration issues;
- statutory bars for those you have entered unlawfully into Australia;
- insufficient or incorrect documentation provided to support key requirements for the visa.
Whether you are in or outside of Australia, our team of dedicated and highly experienced lawyers can assist with your application for a protection visa based on your claims for protection. We can review your claims and advise you in relation to your application. We also understand that the application process can be highly stressful for you and will facilitate the application process for you.
Want to find out which visa is suitable for you?
Fill up our Visa Eligibility Assessment form so we can make an assessment and provide you with advice on your possible visa options.
