In a move to strengthen its connection to the Pacific and Timor Leste region, increase cultural, commercial, and educational exchange and foster peace and prosperity, the Australian Government intends to introduce a new permanent residence visa specifically targeted to citizens of select Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste. This article will outline what the Pacific Engagement visa (PEV) is and how it will benefit Australian immigration.
What is the PEV?
The Migration Amendment (Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa) Regulations 2024, which came into effect on 29 March 2024, revises the Migration Regulations 1994 to introduce the PEV. This creates a new permanent residency option under Subclass 192. The visa offers permanent residence in Australia to citizens of select Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste, as well as their immediate family members.
Eligible applicants who are citizens of relevant countries will be randomly selected through a ballot system conducted as part of a visa pre-application process specific to each country. Successful ballot participants for the Pacific Engagement visa will have the opportunity to apply for the visa, subject to meeting criteria related to public interest, including:
- health;
- character;
- security checks;
- English proficiency;
- employment; and
- financial stability.
Participating Countries
The Australian government intends for the following countries to participate in the PEV program, subject to their cooperation:
- 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.
How Does It Work?
Eligible nationals from participating countries can register in an annual ballot, known as the PEV Ballot. An electronic system will then randomly select entrants. The PEV pre-application ballot aims to ensure fair access to eligible individuals from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste by randomly selecting participants to apply for the visa. This ballot system guarantees equity and transparency, allowing individuals of all skill levels, occupations, and genders an equal chance.
The Australian Government will undertake a comprehensive assessment of each participating country’s population size, existing migration opportunities, and factors unique to the particular region in determining visa allocations.
The PEV Ballot has commenced as of 29 March 2024. The fee associated with entering the ballot is AUD $25.
If a registered applicant is not selected, they will need to submit a new PEV Ballot. Once applicants are pre-selected via the PEV Ballot system, they may proceed to apply for the subclass 192 permanent residence visa within the specific timeframe provided.
What Are the PEV Eligibility Requirements?
Applicants must meet specific criteria, including that they must:
- be randomly selected via the PEV Ballot;
- be within a certain age range between 18 and 45 years old;
- hold nationality from a participating country;
- have a formal job offer in Australia where there is no adverse information known of the employer;
- have adequate means or access to adequate means to support themselves (and their family members included in the application) during the first 12 months;
- satisfy tests for English language proficiency, character assessments and health checks;
- have substantially complied with the conditions of their previous visa.
Applicants can be onshore or offshore when applying for the PEV. If the applicant is onshore, they must hold either a:
- substantive visa; or
- bridging visa A, B or C.
Duration of Stay in Australia
The PEV is an Australian permanent resident visa. This means that PEV holders can live, work and study anywhere in Australia. There are no restrictions on:
- work location;
- industry;
- type of work; or
- employer.
A PEV holder can access the resident return visa (RRV) and/ or apply for Australian Citizenship in the future, subject to them satisfying the residence requirements pertaining to each process.
Available Australian Support
Upon obtaining the PEV and first arriving in Australia, PEV holders will benefit from a comprehensive range of support services facilitated by the Australian Government.
Key initiatives include:
- the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support program, providing tailored assistance;
- participation in the Adult Migrant English Program, administered by the Department of Home Affairs; and
- immediate access to essential services such as Medicare, as well as government-funded educational opportunities at school and tertiary levels.
Additionally, PEV holders will have immediate access to various support programs, including:
- Family Tax Benefit A;
- Austudy;
- Youth Allowance (for students and apprentices);
- Higher Education Loan Program (HELP); and
- VET Student Loans (VSL).
However, similar to other permanent residents, PEV holders will be subject to the four-year Newly Arrived Resident Waiting period for income support payments, including the Job Seeker payment.
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How is the Pacific Engagement Visa Different to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme?
The Pacific Engagement Visa and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme serve distinct purposes while complementing each other.
The Pacific Engagement Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for citizens of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, aiming to bolster the diaspora in Australia while maintaining ties to their home nations. It differs from the PALM scheme, which operates as a temporary migration program.
The PALM scheme:
- addresses workforce shortages in rural and regional Australia;
- supports the economic growth of Pacific countries; and
- fosters skill development for returning workers.
Workers under the PALM scheme holding valid temporary visas in Australia will be able to register for the Pacific Engagement Visa ballot when applications open.
Key Takeaways
The introduction of the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) under Subclass 192 marks a significant step towards deepening Australia’s connections with Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste. This visa reflects a commitment to regional engagement and cooperation. Through a transparent and equitable process, eligible citizens of participating countries will have the opportunity to secure permanent residency in Australia, enriching their lives and the communities they join. As the PEV program unfolds, it stands poised to strengthen the bonds of friendship and collaboration across the Pacific region.
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