A refugee's visa application would be fast-tracked if they paid a potential $19,000 fee and their family in Australia promised to cover health and welfare costs, under proposals the Abbott government is weighing to cut resettlement costs.

Refugee advocates say the measures, based on a pilot established by the former Labor government, would shift the cost burden onto desperate families in Australia and prioritise people with financial means over those in greater need.

Refugee Council of Australia chief Paul Power says the proposals advantage refugees who have relatives in Australia with financial means. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection rejected suggestions migrants could "buy" a visa, and said the program offers the government another way to reunite refugees with their families.

A government discussion paper outlines a proposed community support program whereby refugees and those in similar situations could apply for a humanitarian visa if family or friends in Australia provided "significant financial support" towards their resettlement.