Registrations for Australia’s anticipated Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is weeks away from opening, but which Pacific nations are eligible? And how does it work?
The Australian government jumped through the final hoop to open registrations to some Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste nationals for its new visa from June 3, almost six months after Parliament legislated it.
The new, first-of-its-kind Australian permanent resident visa will clear the path for up to 3000 people to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year through a ballot process.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong said it’s a move that follows “calls of Pacific leaders” as Australia plays “our part for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) website says it comes after the government has consulted “extensively” with its Pacific partners to ensure the program meets “shared needs and priorities”.
While not all Pacific nations are participating, Minister Wong said discussions are ongoing with other Pacific partners.
So, who is eligible?
Visa allocations for 2024 will be opened to 10 countries;
Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The department has allocated each nation with a number of visas, which is says is based on factors including the nation’s population size, diaspora in Australia, existing migration opportunities, expected demand and “participating country views”. But not anyone from these nations can apply.
Applicants must be aged between 18 to 45-years-old, hold a valid passport for the participating country and have been born in, or a have parent who was born in an eligible country.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, though only the partner of the applicant and their legally dependent children in their application.
How much will it cost?
To apply for the PEV it will cost $A25 (about $PKG59 or $F37).If the application is not successful, a new registration will need to be submitted the following year the ballot opens, which will require paying the fee again. If successful, the buck won’t stop at $AS25.
There will be fees and costs associated with obtaining a permanent resident visa, but also the cost of airfares and the general cost of moving countries.
Can I apply if I’m already in Australia?
Yes, DFAT says an applicant holding a valid visa from inside Australia can apply.
How the ballot works
The applications for PEV will be thrown into an online ballot through DFAT’s ImmiAccount.
The Department says it’s an electronic random ballot process, and those who are drawn from the ballot will have to meet all of the eligibility requirements.
DFAT says the ballot system aims to be fair and transparent by randomly selecting ballot participants.
“This includes providing access to the ballot for existing Pacific Australia Mobility scheme (PALM) workers in Australia.”
If you are a lucky enough to be randomly selected in the ballot, the applicant or their partner must secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia and meet basic English requirements.
Applicants also need to meet health and character requirements before a visa is granted.
What support will I receive if my application is successful?
The PEV includes support from DFAT, which it says is to provide a positive settlement experience to Australia.
If successful, permanent resident visa holder will also have access to Australia’s health care system Medicare, public schools and Commonwealth supported university places.
“The Australian Government has also extended to Pacific Engagement Visa holders access to the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), VET student loans (VSL), Youth Allowance (Student) and Youth Allowance (Apprentice) to support participation in study and training. There are no waiting periods for Pacific Engagement Visa holders to access these benefits,” DFAT’s website said.”
All Pacific Engagement Visa holders will also have free access to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) Program which provides settlement-related information, advice, advocacy and assistance to access relevant services.”
- Seni Iasona is a social media and digital producer for ABC Pacific. Previously, Seni spent three years as a journalist at Aotearoa’s Newshub.
