The Australian Community Support Program (CSP) offers an opportunity for Australian communities, businesses, and individuals to support refugees to settle in Australia. This Humanitarian Visa program is designed to ease the financial burden on the Australian government while involving community groups in providing direct support to refugees, including employment and housing assistance. Below is a comprehensive guide on how Afghans can apply for the CSP, the eligibility requirements, and the application procedure.
Overview of the CSP
The CSP is a pathway for individuals and families in refugee situations to resettle in Australia with the sponsorship and support of an Australian community group or business. Unlike government-funded refugee programs, the CSP places responsibility on private individuals or organizations to help resettle refugees by ensuring they receive accommodation, employment, and access to community services.
The CSP allows refugees to resettle in Australia if they meet specific requirements and have a sponsor ready to assist in their transition. The program aims to improve refugee integration, help them find jobs, and reduce the financial strain on the public system.
Eligibility Requirements for the CSP
To apply for the Community Support Program, applicants must meet certain criteria. Here’s what both sponsors and applicants need to know:
For Applicants (Refugees)
- Third Country: The applicant should be outside your home country and outside Australia
- UNHCR Status: You must be recognized as a refugee or in need of humanitarian protection.
- Age Requirement: You should generally be under 50 years of age.
- Health and Character Requirements: You will need to pass health, character, and security checks.
- English Language Skills: While not mandatory, having some level of English proficiency will help improve your prospects of successful resettlement.
- Skills and Employment Prospects: You should possess skills that are in demand in the Australian labor market, or you must show potential to secure employment quickly after arrival.
- Financial and Health Support: You should not require significant ongoing financial or medical assistance.
For Sponsors (Community Groups)
- Capacity to Provide Support: Sponsors must demonstrate that they can provide financial, social, and emotional support to the refugee for at least 12 months.
- Housing and Employment Assistance: Sponsors must ensure refugees have access to housing, employment opportunities, and essential services such as healthcare and education.
- Financial Contribution: Sponsors are responsible for covering the visa application and processing fees, travel expenses, and other costs related to the refugee’s resettlement.
Step-by-Step Guide to CSP Application
Step 1: Identify a Sponsor
- To apply for the CSP, you must have an approved Australian sponsor, which can be a family member, community group, employer, or charity organization. These sponsors are responsible for ensuring that you can settle in Australia and will support you for 12 months after your arrival.
- If you do not have a sponsor, you may seek out organizations that facilitate sponsorships for refugees under the CSP. You may reach out to an Approved Proposing Organization (APO) to assist in lodging the application.
Key Responsibilities of Sponsors:
Sponsors play a key role in ensuring the success of the CSP. Here are the obligations that sponsors must meet:
- Housing: Sponsors must secure suitable accommodation for the refugee and ensure they can live comfortably.
- Employment: Sponsors are expected to help the refugee find employment. This includes connecting them with local employers and providing necessary job training or mentoring.
- Social Integration: Sponsors should assist with social integration, including helping the refugee access language courses, healthcare, and education services.
- Financial Support: Sponsors must provide financial support for up to 12 months after the refugee’s arrival. This includes covering basic living expenses if the refugee is unable to find employment immediately.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
To apply for CSP, the applicant must collect all necessary documents. These documents help demonstrate the refugee status of the individual and the ability to meet the program’s criteria.
Essential Documents Include:
- Passport (for the primary applicant and family members)
- Tazkera (Afghan national ID)
- Birth Certificate (for all family members)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Refugee Card from UNHCR (if residing in a third country as a refugee)
- Visa or Resident Card of the Third Country (if applicable)
- Statement of Asylum (a letter explaining why the individual fled their home country, such as Afghanistan)
- Photos (passport-size photos of the applicant and family members)
- Spouse and Children’s Information (including birthdates, Tazkera, and photos)
Step 3: Preparation of Application Forms
Once all documents are gathered, applicants must complete the required forms:
Form 681: This is the sponsorship application form filled by the sponsors or APO. Form 681 - Sponsorship for a Refugee or Special Humanitarian Visa
Form 842: This is the visa application form filled by the applicant (the refugee). Form 842 - Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa
It is crucial to fill out these forms accurately and provide all the requested information. To know how to fill out the forms, please watch the videos on YouTube.
Step 4: Submission of Application Forms to the DHA
If you wish to apply for the CSP, you must work with an Approved Proposing Organization (APO).
Once the forms are filled out and signed by both the sponsors and the applicant, the completed application is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs. It’s advisable to send the forms through your Sponsor or an Approved Proposing Organization (APO) to ensure all details are correct and the application is processed efficiently.
The APO will submit the forms on your behalf to the government for further processing.
An APO will:
- screen you against the eligibility requirements
- link you with secure employment
- help lodge your visa application
- support you throughout the application process
- ensure you receive settlement services once you arrive in Australia
If you have Australian supporters who would like to support you, they should contact an APO.
If you do not know any people in Australia who are able to support you, but believe you meet all other CSP eligibility requirements, you can contact an APO directly.
APOs may be able to match you with members of the Australian community who are interested in supporting people in humanitarian need.
Step 5: Medical and Biometrics for Security Check
After the application is submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will request the applicant and their family members to undergo medical and biometric procedures for security checks. This step ensures that the individuals meet Australia’s health requirements.
Required Checks Include:
- Medical Examination: Conducted at authorized medical centers.
- Biometrics: Fingerprints and photographs may be taken.
- Additional Documents: The government may request additional proof of identity or security clearance.
Step 6: Participation in the Interview
As part of the assessment, applicants are usually invited to an interview in Australia’s embassy or consulate in a third country. The interview will evaluate the applicant’s refugee claim, background, and ability to integrate into Australian society. It is important to prepare for the interview and provide clear, consistent information about your situation.
Step 7: Result of the CSP Application
After all assessments are complete, the applicant will be notified of the outcome of the application. If successful, the applicant will be issued a visa to travel to Australia. If the application is unsuccessful, the reasons will be explained, and applicants may have the option to appeal or reapply in the future.
Only a certain number of visas are granted under the CSP every year. The CSP currently has extended processing times and may take at least four years from the date of lodgment. All applicants should expect lengthy processing times. Times can vary depending on:
- the particular circumstances of the applicant
- the applicant’s location
- the applicant’s ability to travel, provide documents or access to Australian government officials.
All applicants under the CSP must meet the visa criteria and satisfy public interest criteria for character, security and health before we can grant them a visa.
Step 8: Obtaining a Visa
If approved, the applicant and their family members will be granted a Permanent Humanitarian Visa (subclass 202) under the CSP. This visa allows the holder to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
Satisfy all Class XB (subclass 202) criteria of the Global Special Humanitarian visa. More information on visa conditions can be found here: Permanent Humanitarian Visa (subclass 202)
Step 9: Travel to Australia
Once the visa is issued, the applicant can begin planning their travel to Australia. The sponsor or APO will help coordinate travel arrangements. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) often assists in arranging flights for humanitarian visa holders.
Important Resources: IOM Travel Assistance for Refugees
Step 10: Permanent Residency
Upon arrival in Australia, the visa holder will receive their Permanent Residency Card, which grants them the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. The sponsor will assist the new arrivals with obtaining their work permits, finding employment, and settling into their new life.
Holders of a permanent humanitarian visa are automatically eligible to work in Australia.
Cost of Applying
The CSP is not a free program. Both the refugee applicant and the sponsor must cover various costs, including:
- Visa Application Fees: Approximately AUD 19,000 for the principal applicant.
- Medical Exams and Travel: Refugees will need to undergo medical exams and pay for their travel to Australia.
- Support Costs: Sponsors are responsible for financially supporting the refugee for the first year, covering costs such as accommodation, food, and other basic necessities.
Application Forms and Useful Links
Below are key resources and forms required for the Community Support Program:
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: CSP Guide
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Form: EOI for CSP
- Visa Application Form (Subclass 202): Visa Form
- Health Requirements for Applicants: Health Examinations
Conclusion
The Community Support Program (CSP) offers an opportunity for Australians and organizations to make a lasting difference in the lives of refugees. By sponsoring and supporting them through this process, sponsors help refugees build a new life and integrate into Australian society. The CSP application process involves several steps, from recruitment to visa issuance, but with proper guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience for both sponsors and refugees.
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For more information
For more information on immigration, resettlement, education and scholarship programs, and other opportunities available to Afghans worldwide, as well as details on the humanitarian services provided by international organizations in Afghanistan and procedures for obtaining civil documents from governmental institutions, please visit Beporsed's website and social media pages.