The Australian Government has committed to implementing the Pacific Engagement visa (PEV). This is a new permanent resident visa program for nationals of participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
The new Subclass 192 – Pacific Engagement visa will commence in 2024. It will provide up to 3,000 permanent places annually for citizens of participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste and their immediate family members. This is in addition to Australia’s permanent migration program. The PEV will grow Australia’s Pacific diaspora.
On 19 October 2023, the Australian Government passed immigration legislation to enable the use of a ballot for the new PEV.
The ballot ensures that eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals of all skill levels, gender and backgrounds have equal opportunity to apply for a permanent visa for Australia.
PEV eligibility
To be eligible for the PEV, you must:
- Be randomly selected through the PEV ballot
- Be aged between 18 and 45 years
- Have a formal job offer in Australia and
- Meet other visa requirements, including English language, character and health checks.
PEV holders will have access to Medicare, government-funded school and higher education places.
Following passage of the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Australia’s Engagement in the Pacific) Bill 2023 in the Australian Parliament on 14 November 2023, eligible PEV holders will have immediate access to:
- Family Tax Benefit A
- Austudy
- Youth Allowance (student and apprentice)
- Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and
- VET Student Loans (VSL) programs.
Credit: DHA/ I&C