The Australian Government has introduced the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), a new permanent resident visa aimed at strengthening connections between Australia and the Pacific region. This initiative offers up to 3,000 visas annually to nationals from participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste through a ballot process.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Pacific Engagement Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Age: Applicants must be between 18 to 45 years old.
2. Nationality: Hold a valid passport from a participating country.
3. Birthplace: Applicants or their parents must have been born in an eligible country.
4. Job Offer: Secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia (either the primary applicant or their spouse/partner).
5. Language: Meet basic English language requirements.
6. Health and Character: Fulfill health and character requirements.
7. Registration Fee: Pay a $25 registration fee to enter the ballot.
Participating Countries
The countries currently participating in the Pacific Engagement Visa program include:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
How to Apply
1. Register for the Ballot: Prospective applicants must first register for the ballot online through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount. The ballot involves an electronic random selection process.
2. Ballot Selection: If selected in the ballot, applicants can then proceed to apply for the Pacific Engagement Visa.
3. Submit Application: Complete the visa application, including details of the job offer, English language proficiency, and health and character checks.
4. Include Family Members: Applicants can include their partner and legally dependent children in their application.
The Pacific Engagement Visa aims to provide fair and transparent access to the program, fostering greater cultural, business, and educational exchange between Australia and the Pacific region.
For more information and updates, visit the:
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/pacific/peopl e-connections/people-connections-in-the-pacific/pacific-engagement-visa.
- Pacific Engagement Visa | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/pacific/people-connections/people-connections-in-the-pacific/pacific-engagement-visa
- Pacific Engagement Visa frequently asked questions https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/pev-palm-faq.pdf
