Your Guide to Asylum Seeker Support in the ACT: Where to Go and What to Do

If you are an Oromo asylum seeker in Canberra, a network of support is available—from free legal advice and settlement services to healthcare and community connections. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

The First Step: Legal Advice and Your Asylum Application

Your immigration status is the most urgent concern when you arrive in Australia. Understanding your rights, the application process, and having proper legal representation can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

Crucial context: Research shows that asylum seekers who are legally represented are seven times more likely to receive a positive outcome at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and six times more likely to be successful on judicial review .

Free Legal Services

Refugee Legal provides specialist legal assistance to asylum seekers and refugees, including those in the ACT, helping with protection visa applications and appeals .

The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) was established in October 2024, replacing the former Immigration Assessment Authority. Unlike the previous system where asylum seekers arriving by boat were denied a full merits review, the ART now gives all asylum seekers the right to a hearing and the opportunity to present their case in person .

Companion House also provides immigration advice and application assistance .

If you are in immigration detention, UNHCR can monitor places of detention and raise concerns with the Australian Government. You can contact UNHCR via email at aulca@unhcr.org .

The ACT Services Access Card: Your Key to Support

Canberra has a unique system to help asylum seekers access essential services. The ACT Services Access Card is a vital tool that allows you to access a range of free or discounted services while you are waiting for your protection visa decision .

To be eligible, you must have a Protection Visa Acknowledgement letter from the Department of Home Affairs .

What the card gives you :

ServiceBenefit
Public TransportConcession fares on buses and light rail
Energy Bills$750 off your electricity or gas bill (Utilities Concession)
HealthcareFree medical and health care through Canberra Health Services, including dental, mental health, and surgery at ACT public hospitals
EducationFree school fees for your children at ACT public schools; free English language and vocational classes through the Canberra Institute of Technology
Public LibrariesFree borrowing and internet access
Legal HelpFree legal help to write a will

How to get the card: Visit Companion House between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. The card is valid for 12 months and can be renewed if you are still waiting for a protection visa .

Settlement Support: Getting Established

Key Service Providers

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) Australia is a key SETS program provider in the ACT, offering settlement support to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants. You can contact them on (02) 6248 8577 .

St Vincent de Paul Society (Canberra/Goulburn) provides refugee support and settlement assistance. They are also a SETS program provider in the ACT .

Companion House is a central hub for asylum seeker support in the ACT. They provide medical assistance, counselling for children and adults, and immigration advice and application assistance .

Financial Support During Your Application

While financial support for asylum seekers is primarily a Federal Government responsibility, the ACT Government provides discretionary funding to assist destitute asylum seekers who hold an ACT Access Card and have no other income .

This funding is administered by a partnership of Companion House, Canberra Refugee Support, and St Vincent de Paul to help with rent and living expenses .

Healthcare: Accessing Medical Support

Emergency Care

In a medical emergency, call 000 for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department at an ACT public hospital .

General Healthcare

With an ACT Services Access Card, you can access free medical and health care through Canberra Health Services, including dental, mental health, and surgery at ACT public hospitals .

Companion House also offers medical assistance and counselling for people who have sought refuge from persecution, torture, and war-related trauma .

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan

1. Apply for an ACT Services Access Card

Visit Companion House (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday–Friday) with your Protection Visa Acknowledgement letter .

2. Seek Legal Advice

Contact Companion House to be connected with immigration legal assistance. The ART now offers all asylum seekers a fair hearing, and legal representation dramatically improves your chances .

3. Connect with Settlement Services

Contact MARSS Australia or St Vincent de Paul for settlement support .

4. Access Healthcare

You are eligible for free public hospital care through Canberra Health Services with your ACT Services Access Card. Companion House also offers medical assistance .

5. Explore Education and Training

With your ACT Services Access Card, you can enrol in free English language and vocational classes at the Canberra Institute of Technology .

Message of Hope

Seeking asylum is a journey of courage. You have already taken the most difficult step by seeking safety. In Canberra, you are not alone—a network of legal experts, healthcare providers, community organisations, and support services is ready to help you rebuild your life with dignity.

Key Contacts

ServiceContact
ACT Services Access CardCompanion House – visit 9am–5pm weekdays
Companion Houseinfo@companionhouse.org.au
MARSS Australia(02) 6248 8577
UNHCR (emergency)+61 408 619 052
Legal Aid / ART AdviceCompanion House can refer you
Emergency000

“You are not invisible. You are not alone. You belong.” – Kwame Selormey, CEO of Melaleuca Australia, on the launch of Refugee Legal NT