The Pacific Engagement Visa is a new permanent resident visa for participating countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste which will deepen connections between Australia and the region. Up to 3,000 visas, inclusive of partners and dependent children, will be made available annually to Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals through a ballot process.
The inaugural Pacific Engagement Visa ballot will open on June 3, 2024.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a Pacific Engagement (subclass 192) visa, primary applicants will need to first be randomly selected in the ballot.
To register for the ballot, applicants must:
- be aged between 18 to 45
- hold a valid passport for a participating country
- have been born in, or have a parent who was born in, an eligible country
- pay a $25 registration fee.
If randomly selected in the ballot, the primary applicant or their spouse/partner must secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia and meet basic English language requirements. Applicants will also need to meet health and character requirements before being granted a visa. Applicants can include a partner and legally dependent children in their application.
Participating Countries
Countries currently participating in the Pacific Engagement Visa include the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Visa Allocations
Visa allocations are based on several factors including population size, diaspora in Australia, existing migration opportunities, expected demand and participating country views.
Visa allocations for 2024:
| Country | Allocations |
|---|---|
| Federated States of Micronesia | 50 |
| Fiji | 300 |
| Nauru | 100 |
| Palau | 50 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1350 |
| Solomon Islands | 150 |
| Timor-Leste | 300 |
| Tonga | 150 |
| Tuvalu | 100 |
| Vanuatu | 150 |
Pacific Engagement Visa ballot
Applications for the ballot will be able to be lodged online with the Department of Home Affairs once the ballot opens. The ballot involves an electronic random selection process. Those drawn from the ballot are then able to apply for a Pacific Engagement Visa. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet all relevant criteria before being granted a visa.
The ballot aims 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.
The charge for entering the ballot is $25.
If the registered person is not selected, a new registration will need to be submitted for participants to enter the next ballot.
Further information about the ballot and visa application process is available via the Department of Home Affairs.
Pacific Engagement Visa Support and Settlement Support Service
The Australian Government has established a support service in participating countries to encourage informed participation and drive positive settlement outcomes. The Pacific Engagement Visa Support Service will undertake program outreach in participating countries to inform prospective applicants about the process and requirements for entering the ballot and obtaining a visa. The service will also help visa applicants selected in the ballot connect with Australian employers and prepare for life in Australia.
As permanent residents, visa holders will have access to Australia’s universal health care system Medicare, as well as public schools and Commonwealth supported university places.
- Eligible Pacific Engagement Visa holders will also have access to a range of benefits to assist with the cost of raising a family and to ease the financial burden of education and training.
- This includes access to Family Tax Benefit (FTB) A and B which is a payment that helps eligible families with the cost of raising children, and the Child Care Subsidy which helps with the cost of child care.
- The Australian Government has also extended to Pacific Engagement Visa holders access to the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), VET student loans (VSL), Youth Allowance (Student) and Youth Allowance (Apprentice) to support participation in study and training.
- There are no waiting periods for Pacific Engagement Visa holders to access these benefits.
- All Pacific Engagement Visa holders will also have free 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.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.