Introducing the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) to strengthen Pacific partnerships

Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste nationals will be able to apply for a new permanent resident visa program announced by the Australian Government.

As part of the Pacific Engagement (subclass 192) (PEV), Australia and the Pacific Islands seek to strengthen their cultural, business, and educational ties.

The key announcement

• As part of Australia’s permanent migration program, subclass 192 has been introduced.
• Pacific Islanders and Timorese citizens and their immediate family members will be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the new Subclass 192.

PEV pre-application ballot

Immigration legislation was passed by the Australian government on 19 October 2023 for the new Subclass 192.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, applicants of all skill levels, occupations, and genders can participate in the ballot. PEV will be allocated through a ballot process every year, and those selected can apply for permanent residency.

Home Affairs has announced the following:

• The PEV pre-application process will be completed online, with the filing window expected to open in July 2024.
• There will be a $25 fee for entering the ballot, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• In the event the registered participant is not selected, the person will need to re-register for the next ballot.

Pre-application ballot participants must meet the following requirements:

• An applicant must be between 18 and 45 years old (partners and legally dependent children are welcome to apply).
• You must be a citizen of a participating country
• Online registration is required, along with payment of registration fees.

PEV Eligibility

The applicant must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for the PEV:

• A random selection will be made through the PEV balloting
• You must be between the ages of 18 and 45
• They must have a formal job offer in Australia (or their partner/spouse must have one)
• In addition to English language proficiency, character, and health requirements, you must also meet other visa requirements.

As the Department of Home Affairs will make further announcements ahead of the program’s commencement in 2024, please keep an eye on updates regarding eligibility requirements for the PEV.

Settlement services

Government support and services will be available to PEV holders.

Settlement support will be provided as follows:

• Settlement Engagement and Transition Support program
• Adult Migrant English Program managed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Furthermore, the PEV holders will have access to:

• Medicare
• Places at government-funded schools and colleges.

Eligible PEV holders will have immediate access to:

• Family Tax Benefit A
• Austudy
• Youth Allowance (student and apprentice)
• Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
• VET Student Loan (VSL) programs.

Final thoughts

It is wonderful news for the growing diaspora in Australia, fostering connections and strengthening ties between communities and encouraging cultural, business, and educational exchanges.

There are no restrictions on where visa holders can live, work, and study under the PEV. The Department of Home Affairs will release more information as it becomes available.

It is expected that the ballot will begin in 2024, once all remaining legislative and administrative arrangements for the visa have been made.

This is an incredible opportunity, so stay informed!