â€¢ Annual targets set by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, who also decides on breakdown of source countries, in consultation with experts â€¢ Asylum seekers can apply offshore through the UNHCR, such as through being registered in a refugee camp â€¢ People can apply from offshore through the Special Humanitarian Program if they: - have an Australian sponsor - can show a link to Australia - can prove fear of persecution at home â€¢ To apply onshore, asylum seekers must already be in Australia or arrive by plane with another visa (eg student or tourist visa) â€¢ Arrivals by boat are sent for processing on Nauru or PNG's Manus Island and will not be resettled in Australia if deemed to be refugees 
2014-15 BY THE NUMBERS: 13,756 visas granted through the Refugee and Special Humanitarian Program 11,009 to offshore applicants 2747 to onshore applicants TOP 5 COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN FOR OFFSHORE REFUGEE APPLICATIONS: Iraq 2335 Syria 2232 Myanmar 2029 Afghanistan 1813Democratic Republic of the Congo 384