Global Special Humanitarian visa (Subclass 202)
Statutory definition
Subclass 202 is prescribed in Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth). The visa is a permanent visa and is granted offshore. An applicant must be proposed (sponsored) by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, or by an organisation approved by the Minister.
Explanation
The Subclass 202 is one of several visas under Australia's Humanitarian Program alongside the Refugee visa (Subclass 200), the In-Country Special Humanitarian visa (Subclass 201), the Emergency Rescue visa (Subclass 203), and the Woman at Risk visa (Subclass 204).
Unlike the Subclass 200 (refugee) visa, the Subclass 202 is for persons who are not recognised as refugees under the Refugee Convention but who are nonetheless in serious need of resettlement due to substantial discrimination amounting to a gross violation of human rights in their home country or the country where they are residing.
The proposer (sponsor) must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or an approved organisation) and must agree to provide support to the applicant on arrival.
How this term is used
Subclass 202 applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants must be outside Australia and outside their home country at the time of application. The number of Subclass 202 visas available in any year is determined by the humanitarian program cap set in the annual migration program.