Refugee & Humanitarian Visas
Understand key Australian protection and humanitarian pathways with careful, respectful guidance.
Visa categories
These pathways have strict legal requirements and limited places. The circumstances of each applicant, their location and any eligible proposer are important.
Refugee visa (200)
An offshore resettlement pathway commonly used for people referred by UNHCR who face persecution and meet the relevant criteria.
In-country Special Humanitarian (201)
A limited offshore pathway for certain people who remain in their home country and face persecution or serious human rights abuse.
Global Special Humanitarian (202)
For eligible people outside their home country who experience substantial discrimination and have an eligible Australian proposer.
Emergency Rescue visa (203)
A small, urgent offshore pathway generally for people referred by UNHCR whose life or liberty is in immediate danger.
Woman at Risk visa (204)
An offshore pathway for eligible women without the protection of a partner or relative who are in danger of victimisation.
Protection visa (866)
An onshore permanent protection pathway for eligible people who arrived lawfully and engage Australia’s protection obligations.