Subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204
Refugee Visas (Subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204)
Permanent resettlement in Australia for people subject to persecution in their home country. Applied for from outside Australia. No visa application charge.
About the Refugee Visas (Subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204)
The Refugee category visas let people who are subject to persecution in their home country move to Australia with their family to live, work and study permanently. They include the Refugee (200), In-country Special Humanitarian (201), Emergency Rescue (203) and Woman at Risk (204) visas.
You must be living outside Australia to apply. Demand for resettlement is far greater than the places available each year, so decisions can take many months or even years.
With this visa you can
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study
- Propose family members for permanent residence
You must
- Be living outside Australia
- Face persecution in your home country and need resettlement
- Meet health and character requirements
The Four Refugee Visas
For people outside their home country who face persecution and need resettlement.
For people still living in their home country who face persecution.
For people facing urgent and immediate threats to their life or safety.
For women without the protection of a male relative who are at risk of victimisation, harassment or serious abuse.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice.
More Protection & Humanitarian
Refugee Visas (Subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Permanent resettlement for people facing persecution.
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently
- Bring eligible family members
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
You must be outside Australia. You cannot apply for these visas in Australia.
There is no visa application charge.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You cannot apply for these visas while you are in Australia.
You must need resettlement because you face persecution in your home country, or meet the criteria for the specific refugee visa.
You must meet the health and character requirements, and have repaid (or arranged to repay) any debts to the Australian Government. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How it works.
Get expert advice first
Book a consultation with Outlook Immigration. Our registered migration agent will assess your eligibility, confirm this is the right visa for you and explain your options before you apply.
Prepare your application
Gather identity documents and details of your claims and family members.
Apply
Lodge your application from outside Australia.
After you apply
Demand for places is far higher than the number available, so decisions can take a long time.
Before you travel
If granted, you may complete a departure health check and the Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) program.
When you have this visa
Settling in Australia.
Eligible refugees can receive support through the Humanitarian Settlement Program after arrival.
Live, work and study in Australia permanently and travel for 5 years from grant.
You may later be eligible for Australian citizenship.
Refugee Visas (Subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
No. You must be living outside Australia. People in Australia may consider a Protection visa.
It can take many months or years, because demand far exceeds places.
No.
Need Help With Your Visa?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
