Pacific Engagement Visa

Pacific Engagement Visa Australia

The Pacific Engagement Visa is a new gateway for nationals from Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste to establish their lives in Australia. The Pacific Engagement Visa (subclass 192) launched in 2024. The first ballot ran from June 3 to August 1, 2024. The 2025-26 ballot opened July 28, 2025 and closed August 25, 2025. Future ballots will be announced annually by the Department of Home Affairs. This visa will allow future eligible applicants like you to:

• Live and work in Australia on a permanent basis
• Access educational opportunities for yourself and your dependents
• Avail of healthcare benefits through Medicare
• Sponsor relatives for their own journey to Australia

This initiative is expected to grant 3,000 visas every year for all eligible applicants, including partners and dependents. It will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also open up diverse opportunities for individuals looking to make Australia their new home.

PEV includes two streams:

Pacific Engagement stream – open to citizens of eligible Pacific countries and Timor-Leste.

Treaty stream – for Tuvaluan citizens under the Falepili Treaty.

Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192) Requirements

As part of your early preparation for your Pacific Engagement Visa Australia application, it’s essential to learn about the key conditions to see if you qualify, namely:

• You must be between the ages of 18 and 45 at the time of registration.
• You must be a national of a participating Pacific island country or from Timor-Leste
• You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• You must be registered in the ballot and be successfully selected.
• You or your partner/spouse must have a formal ongoing job offer in Australia
• You must meet English language, health, and character requirements.
• You must lodge the visa application within 120 days of being invited.

What is the Pacific Engagement Visa Ballot?

With the primary aim of providing fair and transparent access to the new permanent resident visa program, a Pacific engagement visa ballot entails a random selection process.

Those drawn from the ballot will then be able to apply for PEV. Importantly, candidates need to demonstrate that they satisfy all qualifying requirements before being issued this visa.

How does it differ from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, you ask?

The PALM scheme is a temporary migration program, while the Australian Pacific Engagement Visa will be the permanent resident visa pathway for Pacific island and Timor-Leste citizens. As such, those who are currently engaged in the PALM scheme working in rural and regional Australia will be eligible for this PR visa once it opens up for applications.

Pacific Engagement Visa Countries

Aside from Pacific island nations, countries with limited Australian permanent migration opportunities are being prioritised, including countries that don’t have citizenship rights with the United States, New Zealand, and France.

Meanwhile, the eligible Pacific countries include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Kiribati
• Nauru
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Fiji
• Samoa
• Solomon
• Islands
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga​
• Vanuatu

According to official reports, the AU Government remains in consultation with these Pacific Island countries and is making sure that country allocations are fair and in line with the Department’s objectives for creating this new PR visa.

Settlement Services

In order to help future approved applicants to properly settle in Australia, the Australian Government offers certain settlement services through the Settleme​nt Engagement and Transition Support Program and the Department of Home Affairs-managed Adult Migrant English Program.

Future PEV holders will also have the following benefits, in addition to entitlements granted to permanent residents in Australia:

• Family Tax Benefit A
• Austudy
• Youth Allowance (for Students and Apprentices)
• VET Student Loans programs
• Higher Education Loan Program

However, PEV holders will be subject to the four-year Newly Arrived Resident Waiting period just like other newly conferred permanent residents. This includes income support payments and/or Job Seeker payments.

Pacific Engagement Visa Cost

Entering the ballot is expected to cost $25. Individual registration is valid for an entire year. if selected, a Visa Application Charge (VAC) of AUD$335 for the main applicant and AUD$80 for each dependent. If you registered and weren’t selected during that time, you need to register again for the next ballot. If selected, that’s when you can apply for this visa within the given timeframe and pay to visa application charges (check your visa cost). At this point, you may be required to pay the application fee. Further details will be announced once the program’s commencement draws nearer.

For more information and news updates, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) official website or call our office for up-to-date advice.

Need Help Processing Your Requirements?

Ahead of the Australia Pacific Engagement Visa open date, consider making early consultations with an Australian immigration agency and its team of skilled lawyers and agents for future assistance with your PEV application. Here’s how we can help:

Expertise in Immigration Law

With over a century of experience, our in-depth knowledge ensures your application is accurate and compliant with current immigration policies and guidelines.

Personalised Service

Our Australian immigration consultants pride themselves on offering a highly personalised service for each client who comes to them for expert help.

High Success Rate

Our track record and success stories involving countless clients successfully making Australia their home through a visa grant can speak for themselves.

Transparent Communication

We believe in keeping you not just informed but also involved. We’ll ensure you understand every aspect of your visa application process with our tailored assistance.

Comprehensive Support

From initial consultation to celebrating your visa acceptance, we’re with you at every juncture to provide advice and assistance to ensure an error-free transition.