Before you leave
To find out about Australian history, culture, society and values, read the Life in Australia booklet.
You must arrive in Australia by the date specified in the letter we sent you when we granted your visa.
Other support
You can get help from the following organisations and programs:
Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) Program
This 5-day program is free and open to all humanitarian visa holders over the age of 5. It is delivered overseas, to give you an understanding of life in Australia before you arrive.
Visit the Department of Social Services website for information about the AUSCO program.
Humanitarian Settlement Program
This service will contact you when your visa is approved. It is free and runs across Australia. The focus is on helping you to learn English and to gain education or work skills.
Visit the Department of Social Services website for information about the Humanitarian Settlement Program.
Departure health check
You, and any family members travelling with you on the visa, may be required to have a health check in the 72 hours before you leave for Australia.
The Australian Government will cover the cost of your health check.
The departure health check includes:
- checking that you are healthy enough to travel
- a physical check up
- a pregnancy test
- tests for communicable diseases
- vaccinations if needed, such as for measles, mumps and rubella
- treatment of parasites and infestations if needed
You must agree to follow up on any health conditions after you arrive in Australia.
Check your travel documents
You must have:
- a valid visa to enter Australia
- a valid travel document such as a pasport or ImmiCard
At the Border
Completing an Incoming Passenger Card
All people arriving in Australia must complete the Incoming Passenger Card. You will get a card on board.
In Australia
What can you do when you have this visa
- stay in Australia permanently
- work and study in Australia
- enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare
- propose family members for permanent residence
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- if eligible become an Australian citizen
- attend 510 hours of English language classes for free
What you must do on your visa
You and your family members must obey all Australian laws.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about include:
- changes to your phone number, email, address or immicard
- changes to your relationship status
- the birth of a child
See what to do if your situation changes.
Travelling on your visa
You can travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date we grant the visa. After 5 years you will need a Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclass 155) to re-enter Australia. To see when the 5 years ends, use VEVO.
Proving you have a visa
To obtain evidence you have a visa and show your conditions to someone, use VEVO.
To prove you have been to Australia, request your international movement records by completing Form 1359 – Request for international movement records (195KB PDF).
Working
You are protected by Australian workplace law. See your workplace rights and entitlements.
Bringing family
As an Australian permanent resident, you might be able to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
To find a visa for your family member, explore visa options.
You can also propose a family member for a Subclass 202 Global Special Humanitarian visa
Becoming an Australian citizen
After a certain time, you might be eligible for Australian citizenship. Find out more about becoming an Australian citizen.
For citizenship purposes, your permanent residency starts on the day you entered Australia on this visa.
After you leave
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
You must have a valid travel document to leave Australia. Check your VEVO.