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Move to Australia from Syria

Last updated: 24 May 2026

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Why Syrians move to Australia

Syria has been a significant source of humanitarian migration to Australia, particularly since the conflict that began in 2011. Australia has resettled thousands of Syrian refugees, and the community has grown substantially. Alongside humanitarian pathways, skilled Syrian professionals also pursue migration through standard visa channels.

Popular visa pathways

  • Subclass 200/201/202 (Humanitarian/Refugee): Australia has resettled significant numbers of Syrian nationals through its humanitarian program.
  • Subclass 189/190 (Skilled Migration): Syrian engineers, doctors, IT professionals, and pharmacists.
  • Subclass 500 (Student): Syrian students at Australian universities.
  • Family reunion visas: Family connections drive significant migration.

Syrian community in Australia

Sydney (particularly western suburbs) and Melbourne have growing Syrian communities. Mosques, churches, community organisations, and Arabic-language services support new arrivals. Syrian restaurants and businesses are becoming more common.

Practical tips

  • If you arrived through the humanitarian program, access settlement services early. They provide English classes, employment support, and help navigating Australian systems.
  • Syrian medical and engineering qualifications from pre-conflict universities (Damascus, Aleppo) are assessed by the relevant Australian authority.
  • Arabic language skills are an asset. NAATI accreditation can earn community language points for skilled migration.

Visa options for Syria citizens

Subclass 482
Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional Visa
Subclass 500
Student Visa
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 417
Working Holiday Visa
Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate Visa
Subclass 188
Business Innovation and Investment Visa
Subclass 858
Global Talent Visa
Subclass 600
Visitor Visa
Subclass 309
Partner Visa (Offshore)
Subclass 820
Partner Visa (Onshore)
Subclass 143
Contributory Parent Visa
Subclass 407
Training Visa
Subclass 462
Work and Holiday Visa
Subclass 887
Skilled Regional Visa
Subclass 191
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
Subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
Subclass 870
Sponsored Parent (Temporary)

FAQ: Moving from Syria

Does Australia still resettle Syrian refugees?

Yes. Australia continues to resettle Syrian nationals through its humanitarian program. Both UNHCR referrals and community-sponsored pathways exist. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current programs.

Are Syrian qualifications recognised in Australia?

Syrian qualifications from recognised universities are assessed by the relevant Australian authority. Engineering goes through Engineers Australia (CDR pathway), and medicine through the AMC. Document verification may require additional steps.

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Important: Australian.com provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Only a registered migration agent (MARA) or Australian legal practitioner can provide immigration advice. Information is current as of the date published but immigration law changes frequently. Verify all details with the Department of Home Affairs.