ARA is an Approved Proposing Organisation (APO) under the Department of Home Affairs Community Support Program (CSP). The Community Support Program enables communities, business owners, families and individuals to propose humanitarian applicants with employment prospects and support them in their settlement journey in Australia. To be considered for the program, the Australian proposer must demonstrate their ability to adequately support the new arrivals to achieve financial self-sufficiency within their first year of settlement in Australia. As an APO, ARA will work alongside the Australian supporter to provide the required settlement services to new arrivals, to ensure they meet the self-sufficiency requirements of their first year in Australia.
ROLE OF THE AUSTRALIAN SUPPORTER
Australian supporters can either nominate a refugee for proposal under the CSP and/or are required to demonstrate their capacity to propose and provide financial support to applicants included in the visa in order for the new arrivals to achieve financial stability within their first twelve months in Australia. The Australian supporter will be required to collaborate with ARA throughout the application and settlement process to ensure efficient and timely lodgement and integration into Australian society. In order to be considered as an Australian Supporter, the person must:
  • not be an illegal maritime arrival who arrived in Australia after the 13th August 2012
  • provide evidence of ability to support all applicants upon arrival in Australia
  • provide financial support and contribute to the payment of all visa application fees and APO fees
  • provide alternative support to applicants including household goods, accommodation and in-kind support
  • provide or source an Assurer of Support to provide financial sponsorship for the application.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
CSP applicants must align with the regional, global and settlement priorities of the Australian Government, and be able to satisfy all Class XB (subclass 202) visa criteria.

Potential CSP applicants are not required to have existing links to Australia, and can be identified by an individual (such as a family member in Australia), a community organisation or a business with an interest in supporting refugees (known as an ‘Australian Supporter’) or by the APO.

The APO will screen potential applicants and Australian Supporters against the requirements of the CSP and ensure suitable support is available for the applicant before proposing the applicant/s by lodging a Class XB (subclass 202) visa application.

The main applicant should:
  • be aged between 18 and 50
  • have adequate English
  • have an offer of employment (or a pathway that leads to employment) or have personal attributes that would enable them to become financially self-sufficient within 12 months of arrival in Australia
  • be from a priority resettlement caseload.
COST OF THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM
In order to support the applicants upon arrival in Australia, the Australian Supporter must demonstrate that they have the capacity to cover all application and settlement costs associated with the CSP.

The Australian Supporter will incur costs for things such as:
  • visa application charges
  • medical and DNA screenings
  • airfares
  • settlement services

An exhaustive list of potential costs incurred is available for all Australian Supporters who are successful with their expression of interest form.
CSP pricing
WHAT CAN THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY DO TO HELP?
As the global refugee crisis continues to intensify around the world, ARA encourages the Australian public to participate and provide support.

You can do this by:
  • providing financial support for new arrivals within the first 12 months of settlement in Australia
  • being a visa sponsor
  • providing employment for a potential visa applicant
  • providing in-kind support upon arrival in Australia
  • providing accommodation or basic needs support.

As one of the key criteria for this visa is an offer of employment, or a pathway which leads to employment, ARA encourages any businesses, partnerships and sole traders to extend their support to our organisation and potential applicants. We welcome inquiries from businesses that are willing to provide employment to applicants with the relevant skills and/or qualifications.

Please note, all employers must be aware that they must comply with all Fair Work Legislation related to matters which affect employment and must adhere to the National Employment Standards within the Fair Work Act 2009.

Please contact our office if you feel your workplace or organisation can assist in providing support to applicants under this program.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

ARA Migration team has reached its capacity for this year with taking on new EOI’s and cannot accept new ones at this time. We will commence accepting new EOI’s at the beginning of 2023

The Expression of Interest (EOI) Form is an initial assessment undertaken by ARA. The Australian Supporter is required to complete the EOI and submit it for assessment with payment. The EOI informs ARA of your intention to participate in the CSP and allows ARA to assess the circumstances of the Main Applicant and the Australian Supporter against the eligibility criteria and requirements of the CSP.

How to lodge an expression of interest

The EOI can be lodged online, via email or in person. All EOI lodgements must be accompanied by a payment of $275.

The EOI is only available in English. If you have trouble submitting the EOI by yourself, please visit ARA’s help desk for assistance. ARA staff can support you in the completion and submission of the form, and provide interpreting services if necessary.
EOI form - Currently unavailable