They will have until 20 September to apply, in what Amnesty International describes as a significant ‘game changer’

Manus and Nauru refugees in Australia on medical grounds can apply for US move

Refugees who were previously detained on Manus or Nauru but are now in Australia can apply for US resettlement.

The “significant” shift, which was revealed in an immigration document, suggests the US could eventually reach its 1,250 cap on cases.

It comes as Papua New Guinea authorities move all but 15 refugees from Manus Island to the capital, Port Moresby.

In an information notice from the US refugee admissions program (USRAP), the US government has said it plans to finish all initial interviews with refugees on Nauru and Manus Island by 20 December.

“If you are currently residing in Nauru, Papua New Guinea or Australia and believe you are eligible for the USRAP, but have not engaged in the process, you must confirm your intention to initiate an application by September 20, 2019 by notifying your designated Status Resolution Officer,” it said.

Anyone who has has placed their application on hold also has until 20 September to notify the USRAP.

Graham Thom (@drgrahamthom) Interesting update from the US on resttlement off Manus and Nauru, they have now opened resettlement to those who have been transferred to Australia for medical reasons, however they only have till 20 September to apply @amnestyOz pic.twitter.com/sjAV7DLHTD

The apparent softening of the rules appears to present US resettlement as an option for the first time to the estimated 1,000 people currently in Australia from Manus or Nauru for medical treatment or accompanying a family member getting medical treatment.

Amnesty International Australia’s Graham Thom described the shift presented by the USRAP document as a significant “game changer”.

“From Amnesty International’s perspective, these people are Australia’s responsibility and they should be allowed to stay here, but the reality is the 1,000 or so here are in limbo,” said Thom.

“This gives them an opportunity for permanent protection … For them it’s a very real chance at a new future.”

Previously USRAP applicants had to follow strict requirements, including flying from Manus Island to Port Moresby for interviews and back again, even if they wanted to stay in Port Moresby. Families on Nauru also reported that they were not able to apply collectively unless they were all in attendance, even if some were in Australia for medical care.

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In 2016, the Australian government struck a deal with the Obama administration for the US to resettle up to 1250 refugees who were sent to Manus Island and Nauru by Australia under its offshore processing regime.

One of the deal’s architects, former assistant secretary of state Anne Richard, last year told Guardian Australia it was offered in the hope Australia would “do more” to help refugees generally, and because of US concerns about the conditions in the detention centres.

The process has been slow, causing concern among refugees, and prompting speculation from the Australian government that the US was unlikely to reach its offered cap of 1,250.

However Thom said the document suggested they might still be aiming to get there.

“It’s very responsible from the US and showing a lot of good faith, at a time when they are drastically cutting back their resettlement program.”

As of 22 August, just 619 refugees had been resettled in the US, including 330 from Nauru and 279 from Papua New Guinea.

Another 10 people have been moved to the US from Australia, but they are understood to have gone through the assessment process while in offshore settings, before coming to Australia for medical care.

Guardian Australia understands there are fewer than 10 men in PNG who are going through the assessment process for US resettlement, and about 90 who have been approved but are still waiting in Port Moresby to leave.

The PNG government has moved nearly all the remaining asylum seekers and refugees from Manus Island to Port Moresby.

About 15 remained on the island on Friday, after three transfers – of 35, 42, and 12 people in the past two weeks.

The transfers were announced by the PNG government as a voluntary option, but at least some of the group were relocated without consultation.

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Once in Port Moresby, they have been told they’ll be given accommodation, a weekly allowance, and access to healthcare and assistance in finding work.’

“Relocation to Port Moresby is not permanent settlement in PNG,” PNG’s Immigration and Citizenship Authority said.

“The ICA continues to encourage refugees to consider settling in PNG.”

Refugees in Port Moresby are spread across a number of hotels. Those receiving medical care are at the Granville, under guard but with some freedom of movement. Another group is at the Citi Boutique but has been subject to restrictions including being allowed out for just two hours every second day.

Those at the Lodge 10 hotel have mostly been accepted for US resettlement and are going through final medical checks and waiting for departure arrangements.

Another 53 men are believed to still be in the immigration detention centre annexed to the Bomana Prison, detained as unlawful non-citizens. They have been determined not to be refugees, but about half were never assessed, having refused to take part in the process several years ago.

The Australian and US governments have been contacted for comment.