Introduction of Pacific Engagement Visa Australia 2024

On October 18,2023, the Australian Senate made an announcement to enable the implementation of the Albanese Government’s commitment of offering a new Pacific Engagement visa. It is a permanent visa that allows you to live, work and study anywhere in Australia.  The goal of the Pacific Engagement (PEV) is to strengthen ties between Australia and the Pacific region in terms of culture, commerce, and education.

“The Pacific Engagement Visa will strengthen people-to-people links, and encourage greater cultural, business and educational exchange.”

-Hon Penny Wong (Minister for Foreign Affairs)

Under this initiative, the Australian Government is anticipated to offer 3,000 visas each year offering permanent residency to the citizens of Timor-leste and Pacific island countries. A pre-application ballot will be used to randomly select applicants for the Pacific Engagement Visa according to the legislation. After winning the ballot, candidates would need to meet further requirements.

Therefore, if you are from eligible countries, it is important to understand the requirements and application process for a Pacific Engagement visa. Read this blog post as it provides valuable insights into the Pacific Engagement visa 2024,  But before heading towards the details, let’s first understand what is a Pacific Engagement visa?

What is a Pacific Engagement Visa?

It is a new permanent visa that allows candidates of eligible countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste to stay in Australia permanently. With the help of the Pacific Engagement Visa, the Pacific and Timor-Leste community in Australia will expand, strengthening interpersonal ties and promoting commercial, cultural, and educational engagement.

“Major Update: Starting in 2024, there will be a new Subclass 192 visa for Pacific Engagement.” 

Which Countries are Eligible for a Pacific Engagement Visa?

The Australian Government will give preference to countries which have restricted prospects for permanent migration and citizenship entitlements with New Zealand, France, or US. Moreover, the visa allocation will depend on a number of variables, such as population size, available migration options, anticipated demand, and participating nations perspectives.

The eligible countries 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.

Eligibility Criteria for Pacific Engagement Visa

Before applying for pacific engagement visa, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements;

• Your age must be between 18-45 to participate in the ballot for a pacific engagement visa.
• In order to lodge an application for this visa, it is compulsory to be selected by the Department through a pre-application ballot process.
• You must have a documented, ongoing job offer in Australia.  Alternatively, your spouse or partner must have a job offer. 
• You must meet the English language proficiency requirements.
• You need to satisfy the character and health requirements.
• You must possess a valid passport from an eligible participating country. 
• You must have a parent who was born in an eligible country or you were born there.

Children who are legally dependent on their applicants as well as a spouse may apply. Moreover, the Department will release further details including pre-application ballot and eligibility requirements near the commencement of the program.

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Application Process for Pacific Engagement Visa

The Australian government approved immigration laws to allow for ballot usage for the Pacific Engagement visa (Subclass 192) on October 19, 2023. Ballot refers to a computerized selection procedure and candidates chosen through this method can then apply for a pacific engagement visa. However, applicants need to provide proof that they meet all applicable requirements before applying for the visa.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the ballot guarantees a balanced and transparent procedure, providing equal accessibility to participants of all genders, skill levels, and occupations.

“A ballot ensures we do not deprive the Pacific of skills and talent by providing broad access to the program for Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens.”

-Hon Pat Conroy (Minister for International Development and the Pacific)

It includes giving accessibility to employees of current Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) to participate in the ballot. The distribution of the Pacific Engagement visa (PEV) will be decided by a ballot method each year, and those who are chosen can then apply for permanent residency.

The Department of Home Affairs has released a statement that:

• The applicants must finish the PEV pre-application process online. The filing window is projected to start in July 2024.
• It is anticipated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that the fee for participation in the ballot will be $25.
• Complete the registration form carefully and then submit the designated registration fees.
• If the Department doesn’t select a registered applicant, he will have to re apply for entering the next ballot.

What is the Difference between PEV and PALM?

The pacific engagement visa (PEV) provides a clear pathway to permanent residency to eligible residents of countries across Pacific island and Timor- Leste. On the other hand, the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) is a temporary immigration program that works to meet the skills shortage in regional Australia. PALM helps in building the economic and social connection with Pacific countries. 

However, the candidates of the PALM program who are living in Australia on temporary visas can also apply for a pre application ballot of pacific engagement visa.

Post- Arrival Settlement Support two PEV Holders

The Australian Government will offer a variety of services and assistance to assist PEV holders in relocating to Australia. These services will assist you in providing numerous facilities including finding a job and easing the financial stress. The settlement services include:

• Adult Migrant English Program
• Settlement Engagement and Transition Support Program

PEV members will be eligible for Medicare, government-funded schooling, and postsecondary institutions. On November 14,2023, the Australian Government passed a bill stating that the PEV visa holders will have access to following services;

• Austudy
• Youth Allowance 
• Family Tax Benefit A
• VET Student Loans (VSL) programs
• Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) 

Pacific engagement visa holders will have to wait the same four years as other permanent residents during the Newly Arrived Resident Waiting Period. This holds true for all income support benefits, such as the Job Seeker payment.

Here is a piece of advice for you: The Australian visa application process is very challenging and may get worse if the applicant has not enough knowledge. Therefore, understanding the eligibility criteria and basic steps of the application process is very crucial.

“Staying informed is the key and you must seek professional advice in this regard.”

How Can The Migration Help You?

The Migration is a registered organization that has a team of MARA-certified agents in Australia. We provide authentic and genuine consultation according to your eligibility, qualification, skills and work experience. We understand the importance of skills assessment and assist you in getting a positive outcome of your visa application. 

Therefore, don’t waste your time, effort, or money on inefficient or unreliable services; instead, schedule a consultation right now to get the greatest outcomes for your migration objectives. Your journey towards your dream destination is just a click away.

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FAQs

Does the Pacific Engagement visa allow candidates to reside and work anywhere in Australia?

Yes. Since this is a permanent resident visa, visa holders are allowed to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. There are no limitations on the employer, industry, or type of job or work location.

What is the new visa for Australia 2024?

The Australian Government has introduced a new visa called the “Skills in Demand visa” with a three-tiered pathway system for temporary skilled migration. The validity period of Skills in Demand visa will be four years for all streams.

How will PEV visa holders be supposed to find work in Australia?

The Australian Government will set up a service in the Pacific to link employers in Australia with qualified candidates, giving them access to a wide range of positions at different skill levels. Additionally, the resource will provide successful applicants with guidance during the visa application process, outreach programs that are appropriate to their culture and language, and information on Australian living.

Contact Us for More Information 

Undoubtedly, the Pacific Engagement visa provides an excellent opportunity to a number of candidates and encourages cultural, economic and educational exchanges between Pacific countries and the Australian community. The  poll is anticipated to start in 2024 after the completion of all pending administrative and legislative measures related to visa applications. However, the Department of Home Affairs has not yet announced the further conditions and laws.

As more information becomes available, you’ll need to keep an eye out for any more announcements from the Australian Government. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge about the latest changes regarding the pacific engagement visa. You can also contact us at the official website of The Migration for more information as we offer genuine and authentic consultation. Remain educated and prepared for this fantastic chance with us.