Australia has announced to launch a new permanent resident visa program in 2024, i.e. Pacific Engagement visa (PEV). The Australian Government is committed to introducing this new PR program, specifically catering to nationals from participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
The imminent Pacific Engagement visa, categorized as Subclass 192, is scheduled to commence in 2024 with an aim of providing up to 3,000 permanent spots every year for citizens hailing from the mentioned Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, along with their immediate family members. This venture serves as an addition to Australia's existing permanent migration program and is expected to contribute to the expansion of Australia's Pacific diaspora.
Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV)
The introduction of the new Pacific Engagement Visa is expected to boost permanent migration from the Pacific and Timor-Leste, raising a larger diaspora in Australia. This measure aims to build up interpersonal connections, promote cultural, business, and educational exchanges.
An yearly allocation of up to 3,000 visas for Pacific islanders will be determined through a ballot process across participating countries. Individuals selected in the ballot will have the chance to apply for permanent residence in Australia.
The development of the Pacific Engagement Visa comprise close co-operation with partner governments and communities from the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This makes certain that the program aligns with shared needs and objectives, contributing to a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Pacific family.
Prospective candidates can submit their ballot entries online through the DHA once the ballot opens.
Also read- How to Apply for Australia PR Visa?
Find below the a few most common questions about this new visa program:
When will the Pacific Engagement Visa ballot commence?
The ballot is expected to kick off in 2024, once all legislative and administrative prerequisites for the visa are finalized, and Pacific governments and Timor-Leste have had enough time to review the concluding arrangements.
What is the Pacific Engagement Visa?
The Pacific Engagement Visa is a upcoming permanent resident visa designed for participating countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Yearly, up to 3,000 visas, covering partners and dependent children, will be assigned through a ballot process to nationals from Pacific and Timor-Leste. This visa program aims to expand the Pacific and Timor-Leste diaspora in Australia, fortify Australia’s healthy people-to-people connections, and promote enhanced cultural, business, and educational exchange.
Which countries will be involved?
Preference will be given to countries with limited permanent migration prospects to Australia, as well as those without citizenship rights with New Zealand, France, and the United States. Eligible countries may include Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Australian Government continues ongoing consultations with Pacific countries and Timor-Leste to gauge their interest in participating in the program.
How will country allocations be determined?
Visa allocations will be done based on various factors, including population size, diaspora in Australia, existing migration opportunities, anticipated demand, and the perspectives of partaking countries. Decisions on allocations will be made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Further discussions with Pacific partners will be conducted to make certain their inclusion and to ascertain country allocations, aligning the program with shared needs and objectives.
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Who will be eligible for the Pacific Engagement Visa?
To be eligible for the Pacific Engagement Visa, primary applicants will need to:
- be aged between 18 to 45 to enter the ballot
- be selected through the ballot process
- secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia (or their partner/spouse must have a job offer)
- meet English language, character and health checks
- hold a passport for a participating country
- have been born in or have a parent who was born in an eligible country.
Candidates can include a partner and legally dependent children in their application. Further program settings and details, containing ballot and visa eligibility requirements will be made available closer to the start of the program.
What is the Pacific Engagement Visa ballot?
The ballot is an electronic random selection process, with those drawn from the ballot then able to apply for a Pacific Engagement Visa. Candidates will need to show that they fulfil all relevant criteria before being granted a visa.
The ballot has an aim to provide eligible individuals from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste fair and transparent access to the program by randomly selecting ballot participants. This includes providing access to the ballot for existing Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) workers in Australia.
What is the cost to enter the Pacific Engagement Visa ballot?
The charge for entering the ballot is expected to be $25.
If the registered person is not selected, a new registration will need to be submitted for participants to enter the next ballot.
Applicants selected through the ballot will be able to apply for the visa within a specified timeframe. This will require paying the related visa application charge.
Will visa holders be able to live and work anywhere in Australia?
Yes. This visa is a permanent resident visa and thus applicants will be free to choose where they live, work and study in Australia. There are no confines on work location, industry/type of work or employer.
What settlement support will be available?
The Pacific Engagement Visa program will include measures to support a positive settlement experience.
Supports include help to find work in Australia and access to a range of benefits to assist with the cost of raising a family and ease the financial burden of education and training.
Eligible Pacific Engagement Visa holders will have access on arrival to the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), VET student loans (VSL), Youth Allowance (Student), Youth Allowance (Apprentice), and Family Tax Benefit Part A. This is in addition to the supports and benefits available to permanent residents upon arrival in Australia, including access to Medicare and public schools.
All Pacific Engagement Visa holders will also have access to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) Program which provides settlement-related information, advice, advocacy and assistance to access relevant services.
How will participants be supported to find employment and prepare for life in Australia?
The Australian Government will found a service in the Pacific to connect successful candidates with employers in Australia, providing access to a variety of roles at a range of skill levels.
The resource will also guide successful candidates via the visa application process, deliver culturally and language related program outreach, and inform applicants about life in Australia.
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Rajneesh Kumar
5 February, 2024 
