The Special Humanitarian Program is for people who are under persecution in their home countries. Immediate family' means your children, or your husband or wife. If you are under eighteen, you may apply for a parent to enter in the Special Assistance Category. You must already hold a refugee or special humanitarian visa, and your family must be at risk. No new applicants are being accepted under this category in the 2000 - 2001 period, but existing applications will be finalised.
Onshore applicants arrive unauthorised in Australia and seek asylum from the authorities on arrival.
There are 4,000 places available for people onshore. They have to prove that they are in genuine need of resettlement. Applications and Supporting Documents To apply for a Refugee or Humanitarian Visa, you must apply on Form 842, obtainable from an Australian Embassy or Consulate. There is no charge to apply. When replying, do not send your original documents with the application form.