⚠️ Important Notice — Current Status (2026)
The CSP is currently overcapacity. Processing times can be up to 8 years. Approved Proposing Organisations (APOs) have been asked to pause accepting new Expressions of Interest. All applicants should plan for lengthy waiting periods. Check with individual APOs for the latest updates.
📋 In This Guide
What Is the Community Support Program?
The Community Support Program (CSP) is an Australian government initiative that allows communities, businesses, families, and individuals in Australia to sponsor people in humanitarian need to resettle in the country. It was introduced in March 2018 and operates under the broader Australian Humanitarian Migration Program.
Through the CSP, eligible applicants can obtain a Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202) — a pathway specifically designed for people facing substantial discrimination or human rights violations in their home countries who have employment prospects and community support in Australia.
Unlike traditional refugee resettlement which is purely government-managed, the CSP is a community-driven model: Australian supporters — whether a family member, a company, a religious group, or a community organisation — play an active role in funding and facilitating the application and helping the new arrival settle within their first 12 months.
What Makes CSP Different?
- It is a job-ready resettlement program — applicants must have an employment pathway
- Sponsors in Australia actively participate in funding and support
- Settlement support lasts for 12 months after arrival
- 1,500 places are allocated annually within Australia’s humanitarian program
- Applications are managed through government-appointed APOs
Eligibility Requirements
The CSP is a selective program. Not everyone in humanitarian need will qualify — the program specifically targets people who are employment-ready and can become financially self-sufficient within 12 months of arrival. To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Must be outside your home country AND outside Australia at the time of application.
Primary applicant must be between 18 and 50 years old. Family members can be included if they meet dependency criteria.
Must be experiencing substantial discrimination amounting to gross violation of human rights in their home country.
Must have a job offer or a clear employment pathway that will lead to financial independence within 12 months.
Must demonstrate adequate English skills — sufficient for independent daily living and workplace safety. Assessed at interview.
Must have people in Australia — family, community, or businesses — willing to financially support the application and settlement.
Applicants must also satisfy all criteria of the Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202), including public interest criteria for character, security, and health requirements.
English Language Requirements
English proficiency is a core requirement of the CSP because the program is built around employment readiness. The Department of Home Affairs assesses English skills during the visa interview.
How the English Assessment Works:
- The primary applicant is asked to answer a number of questions in English, without help from an interpreter
- Questions test whether the applicant has adequate spoken English for daily living and employment, including workplace safety
- An interpreter will be available to help with all other interview questions
- There is no formal IELTS or TOEFL requirement — the assessment is practical and interview-based
Applicants are encouraged to practice conversational English before their interview. The English level required is not advanced — it must be sufficient to understand workplace instructions, communicate basic needs, and handle daily life independently.
How the Process Works — 5 Steps
The CSP application journey is managed through an Approved Proposing Organisation (APO) such as IOM. The process has five major stages:
Assessment
- APO identifies and verifies your eligibility
- Assessment of the Australian supporter’s ability to provide financial backing
- Evaluation of employment prospects and pathway
Visa Application Lodgement
- APO assists with completing and submitting the visa application
- Assurance of Support (AoS) assessment completed
- Ensures all visa criteria are met before lodgement
Visa Processing (by Department of Home Affairs)
- APO assists with medical clearances
- Assistance with exit clearances from the country of residence
- Interview preparation — including English language assessment
- This is the longest stage — can take several years
Assisted Travel to Australia
- Pre-departure orientation program (AUSCO)
- Booking of air tickets and transit arrangements
- Transit assistance if applicable
- Reception upon arrival in Australia
Settlement Services for 12 Months
- In-person orientation and cultural adjustment support
- Tailored case management plan with clear goals
- Registration with Australian government services
- Regular monitoring and wellness checks
- Job support — if the initial job doesn’t work out, APOs help find alternatives
Approved Proposing Organisations (APOs)
APOs are organisations appointed by the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs) to manage the CSP application process. You cannot apply for the CSP directly — all applications must go through an APO.
APOs screen applicants, connect them with employers and supporters, manage the visa process, and provide settlement support after arrival. They may charge fees for their services.
National APOs (Operate Across Australia)
| Organisation | Website |
|---|---|
| AMES Australia | ames.net.au |
| Cultura | cultura.org.au |
| Eastern Christian Welfare Australia | ecw.org.au |
| International Organization for Migration (IOM) | australia.iom.int |
| Settlement Services International (SSI) | ssi.org.au |
State-Based APOs
| State | Organisation | Website |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Assyrian Australian Association | assyrianaustralian.org.au |
| NSW | Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS) | ims.org.au |
| QLD | Multicultural Australia Ltd | multiculturalaustralia.org.au |
| SA | Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) | amrc.org.au |
| SA | Australian Refugee Association (ARA) | australianrefugee.org |
| VIC | Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre | spectrumvic.org.au |
Who Can Support You in Australia?
Having an Australian supporter is mandatory for the CSP. Supporters provide financial backing and an Assurance of Support (AoS). Support can come from:
Family & Friends
Relatives or personal contacts already living in Australia
Businesses & Employers
Companies offering employment and sponsoring the visa costs
Community & Charities
Religious groups, sporting clubs, community organisations, NGOs
If you don’t personally know anyone in Australia, contact an APO directly — they may be able to match you with members of the Australian community who are interested in supporting people in humanitarian need.
Supporters are responsible for providing an Assurance of Support (AoS), which is a legal commitment to help the new arrival financially during their first 12 months — particularly if they access any government social security payments.
Costs of Sponsoring
The CSP involves significant costs, primarily borne by the Australian supporter. The costs vary depending on family size and the stage of application. The figures below are based on IOM’s August 2025 cost guide and are approximate — subject to change.
Total Estimated Cost by Family Size
| Family Size | Estimated Total Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Single Applicant | $20,320 |
| Two Applicants | $25,170 |
| Family of Four | $34,870 |
| Family of Six | $44,570 |
Cost Breakdown by Stage (IOM — Single Applicant)
| Stage | Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Expression of Interest | IOM Fee | $250 per case |
| Detailed Assessment | IOM Fee | $2,250 (+ $625/extra applicant) |
| Visa Application | IOM Service Fee | $4,500 (+ $1,125/extra applicant) |
| Visa Application Fee I | $570 | |
| Prior to Visa Grant | Visa Application Fee II | $7,270 |
| Settlement Fee | $3,200 (+ $800/extra applicant) | |
| Medical Fees | ~$300 per person | |
| After Arrival | Airfare (approx.) | ~$2,000 per person |
Other Possible Costs
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Interpreter fee (interview) | $30–$60 |
| Medical examination | $300–$500 per person |
| Biometrics | $30–$50 per person |
| DNA testing (if required) | $795–$1,250 |
| Identity / travel documentation | $100–$200 |
| Exit permits | $50–$100 |
| Accommodation (12 months, 2-bed) | ~$400/week |
| Living expenses (12 months) | ~$500/week |
💡 How Supporters Can Fund Costs:
Community organisations, religious entities, sporting groups, businesses, and charities can help a supporter raise the required funds. If crowdfunding is planned, notify the APO first so they can assess the viability of the case.
Settlement Services
Once you arrive in Australia, your APO (e.g., IOM) provides comprehensive settlement support for your first 12 months. The goal is to help you become financially self-sufficient and integrated into the community as quickly as possible.
🎓 Cultural Orientation
Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) program helps you understand Australian society, laws, and customs before and after arrival.
📋 Tailored Case Management
A personalised settlement plan is created for each entrant with clear goals, monitored throughout the 12-month period.
🏛️ Government Registration
APOs assist with registering for essential government services including Medicare, Centrelink, and tax file numbers.
💼 Employment Support
APOs work with employers to ensure workplace conditions meet Australian standards. If a job doesn’t work out, new opportunities are found.
🔍 Monitoring & Wellness
Regular check-ins and wellness checks ensure you and your family are adjusting well to life in Australia.
🌏 IOM Global Network
IOM’s global field office network supports health assessments, departure formalities, and transportation before arrival.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Check whether you meet the eligibility criteria listed above
- Find an APO that operates in or near your location
- Contact the APO to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- If accepted, the APO will screen you and link you with a supporter/employer
- The APO manages your visa application lodgement
- Await Department of Home Affairs processing and attend interview
- Upon approval, complete pre-departure preparations and travel
- Arrive in Australia and engage with 12-month settlement support
If You Don’t Know Anyone in Australia:
Contact an APO directly. APOs can match eligible applicants with Australian community members who want to support people in humanitarian need — even if you have no personal connections in Australia.
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