Applying for Resettlement in Australia
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An application for entry under the refugee and humanitarian visa class must be made on a form 842, Application for an offshore humanitarian visa.
In addition, applications from people who wish to be considered under either the split family or the Special Humanitarian Program provisions of this visa class must be accompanied by a Form 681 Refugee and special humanitarian proposal, that has been completed by a proposer.
Refugee and Humanitarian visa applications that are accompanied by a proposal form and made by persons from any country in Africa or the Middle East must be lodged at a designated departmental office in Australia. The Lodgement Information Sheet Lodging a Class XB Visa Application in Australia has details on the specific countries and the office addresses to which the applications must be sent.
See: Lodgement Information Sheet, Lodging a Class XB Visa Application in Australia(87KB PDF file)
The following refugee and humanitarian visa applications must be lodged at the nearest Australian mission overseas:
- applications that are not accompanied by a proposal form and made by people in any country in Africa or the Middle East; or
- applications made by people outside these countries, whether the application is accompanied by a proposal form or not.
Those who wish to be considered under the Refugee category may also apply through the nearest office of UNHCR.
See: Form 842 Application for an offshore humanitarian visa (89KB PDF file)
Use of a migration agent
People applying for an offshore humanitarian visa may use a migration agent. This is not a requirement and it is not usual under the offshore resettlement program. A list of registered migration agents is available from the Migration Agents Registration Authority or departmental offices.
See:
Migration Agents Registration Authority
Office and Contact Details in Australia
Settling in Australia
Beginning a Life in Australia books are designed to assist newly arrived migrants to settle in Australia. There is a booklet produced for each State and Territory and they are available in English and 23 community languages.
See: Beginning a Life in Australia books
Australian values - Life in Australia
A new Australian Values Statement requirement is being introduced on 15 October 2007.
From 15 October 2007, all applicants aged 18 years and over will be required to sign an Australian Values Statement when applying for selected visas. The values statement requires applicants to confirm that they will respect the Australian way of life and obey the laws of Australia.
All applicants for a protection visa will be required to sign the Australian Values Statement in their application form.
Applicants for an offshore Humanitarian visa will be required to sign the values statement at interview. Australian values will be explained at that time.
See: Australian Values
For more information on Australian values:
See:
Life in Australia book
Australian Values Statement – Provisional and Permanent
Fact Sheet 7 Life in Australia – Australian Values
The Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) Program
The AUSCO Program is a pre-embarkation course for refugee and humanitarian entrants providing an introduction to aspects of Australian life to enhance entrants' settlement prospects
See:
Fact Sheet 67 The Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) Programme
Information for refugees and other humanitarian entrants includes details of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy and services.
See: Information for refugees and other humanitarian entrants