The Community Support Program allows Australian businesses and individuals to assist someone in need begin their new life in Australia.
What is a Community Support Program?
The Community Support Program (CSP) is a program that enables people and businesses in Australia to assist someone in humanitarian need begin their new life in Australia after their arrival.
Through the Community Support Program, you can be matched with a person in need and assist them find employment, provide skills/training or provide financial support.
There is a limited number of visas every year which form part of the government’s Refugee and Humanitarian program. Those aged between 18 and 50, with functional English skills, an offer of employment and from a resettlement priority country will be prioritised.
How can I get involved with a Community Support Program?
Australian businesses can become an ‘Australian supporter’ if they possess an ABN and a genuine position available within the business.
Businesses can get involved in the CSP by:
- Suggesting an eligible CSP applicant and making them a job offer
- Seeking assistance to be matched with an applicant
- Employing a CSP visa holder once they arrive in Australia
Australian community organisations, families and individuals can become an ‘Australian supporter’ by:
- Suggesting an eligible CSP applicant
- Seeking assistance to be matched with an applicant
- Working with an Australian business to assist an applicant gain employment
- Providing goods, service or financial support
How can I access a Community Support Program?
To be eligible to apply for the CSP you must:
- Be outside of your home county and outside of Australia
- Be subject to significant discrimination in your home country
- Satisfy all Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202) criteria
- Be aged between 18 and 50
- Have adequate English skills to be demonstrated in an interview
- Have a valid job offer or skills to obtain a job
If you are eligible, you must work with an Approved Proposing Organisation (APO) who will assist you lodge your application and ensure your settlement in Australia.