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Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026

🇦🇺 AustraliaRefugees1 recorded versionLast change 17 Jul 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

This legislative instrument establishes annual applicant limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas and sets out rules for determining whether a specified limit would be exceeded.

Overview

Effective 17 July 2026, the Australian government has introduced new annual applicant limits for the Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas through the Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026. This measure aims to regulate the number of humanitarian visa grants for this specific subclass.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • People applying for Subclass 202 through the Community Support Program
  • Primary applicants under the CSP
  • Family members included in a CSP application
  • Approved Proposing Organisations
  • Australian supporters working with an APO
  • Migration professionals assisting with CSP applications

What changed in the latest version

Before

The information available did not show any previous rule that set yearly limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas. This means a previous rule could not be found.

After

This legal rule sets yearly limits for people applying for a Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa. It also explains how to work out if a set limit would be reached.

This change in policy is important. For the first time in the available official records, it puts clear yearly limits on the number of people who can apply for a Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa. This means that even people who meet all the requirements may have their applications delayed or refused if the yearly limit is reached. Introducing these limits suggests that the government wants to control the number of humanitarian visas given for this specific type. The exact limits are not explained here. However, their existence changes the situation for future applicants. It could lead to more competition for the available places.

Explained simply

Australia is putting a cap, like a maximum number, on how many people can come to the country each year using a special kind of visa for people who need help because of difficult situations in their home countries. This cap starts on 18 July 2026.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v2Effective 18 Jul 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026

    Australia's Department of Home Affairs has introduced a new rule called the Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026. This rule starts on 17 July 2026. It sets yearly limits on the number of people who can apply for a Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa. The rule also explains how to work out when these limits have been reached. This will directly affect people applying for this visa.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    17 Jul 2026

    The Migration (Annual Applicant Limits for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026 establishes annual applicant limits for Subclass 202 visas, outlining the process for determining if a specified limit would be exceeded.

Other routes in this country

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