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Migration (Specification of Commonwealth Priorities for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 202

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

Current rules

The new priorities are in force from 18 July 2026. They apply to applications for a Subclass 202 visa made on or after the commencement of the instrument. For relevant CSP applications, the Commonwealth priorities now focus on: Age → English → Financial self-sufficiency The priorities apply to the primary applicant, not automatically to every family member included in the application.

Overview

The Australian Government has enacted the Migration Amendment (Realigning the Community Support Program) Regulations 2026, which modifies the Migration Regulations 1994. This legislative instrument, in effect since 17 June 2026, reconfigures the Community Support Program. Further details on the specific changes to the programme are expected in the full legislative text.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Main applicants for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visas who are proposed by an Approved Proposing Organisation
  • People preparing new Community Support Program applications from 18 July 2026
  • Approved Proposing Organisations that are checking possible applicants
  • Migration professionals who are preparing Community Support Program applications
  • Australian government officials who are checking relevant Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa applications

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before this rule, there was no specific Australian Government rule that set out these priorities for the Community Support Program. The Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa and the Community Support Program already existed. But the new rule now formally states the Australian Government's priorities for people proposed by an Approved Proposing Organisation.

After

The new priorities began on 18 July 2026. They apply to Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa applications made on or after this date. For relevant Community Support Program applications, the Australian Government's priorities now focus on: Age English language ability Financial independence These priorities apply to the main applicant. They do not automatically apply to every family member on the application.

This change helps the Australian Government. It gives them a clearer way to choose certain people within the Community Support Program. For people who might apply through the Community Support Program, this means three things. Age, English language ability, and the chance of becoming financially independent are now clear Australian Government priorities. These priorities apply to main applicants proposed by an Approved Proposing Organisation. This is important for people who are thinking about using the Community Support Program. Their age, English language ability, and job prospects may now be important. This is because their application will be checked against these Australian Government priorities. The change also means applicants should not use old information about the Community Support Program. That old information will not include the priorities that began in July 2026.

Explained simply

Australia has set new rules about who gets priority for a special kind of visa called the Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202). These new rules, which start on 18 July 2026, decide which people get helped first under a programme that supports refugees and humanitarian entrants. It's like a new 'pecking order' for who gets these visas.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 18 Jul 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Migration (Specification of Commonwealth Priorities for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026

    Australia's Department of Home Affairs has introduced a new rule. It is called the Migration (Specification of Commonwealth Priorities for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026. This rule took effect on 18 July 2026. It sets out the Australian Government's priorities for the Community Support Program. This programme is for people applying for a Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) visa. The rule does not say what these priorities are. But it confirms they now exist. This changes how these visas will be assessed.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    17 Jul 2026

    The new legislative instrument 'Migration (Specification of Commonwealth Priorities for Subclass 202 (Global Special Humanitarian) Visas) Instrument 2026' now specifies the Commonwealth priorities for the Community Support Program, administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

Other routes in this country

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