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.
A 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 comprises 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.
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:
