Introducing the Pacific Engagement Visa

The Australian government has announced a new permanent resident visa program, the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), designed to foster deeper people-to-people, cultural, business, and educational ties between Australia and participating countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. The PEV program is scheduled to commence in July 2023 and will permit the allocation of up to 3,000 visas annually. These visas, distributed via a ballot process, include partners and dependent children of Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals.

The eligibility criteria for the PEV stipulate that primary applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 and 45 years to enter the ballot,

• Hold a passport from a participating country,

• Have been born in, or have a parent who was born in, a participating country,

• Be selected through the ballot process,

• Secure a formal full-time job offer in Australia, and

• Meet English language, character, and health requirements.

The design and implementation of the PEV are being executed in close collaboration with Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. This consultative approach ensures that the program aligns with the shared needs and priorities of all involved parties.

The PEV offers a host of benefits that make it a significant initiative in bolstering Australia's relationship with its Pacific neighbours:

1. Facilitating Permanent Migration: The PEV will enable a greater number of Pacific Islanders to migrate permanently to Australia, thereby strengthening the region's multicultural fabric.

2. Growing the Pacific Diaspora: The new visa program will aid in expanding Australia's Pacific diaspora, enhancing the diverse cultural landscape of the country.

3. Enhancing People-to-People Connections: The PEV will foster stronger interpersonal links between Australia and the Pacific, promoting a greater sense of community and mutual understanding.

4. Encouraging Exchange: It will stimulate greater cultural, business, and educational exchange, enriching both Australia and the participating Pacific countries.

The introduction of the Pacific Engagement Visa marks a significant step in Australia's ongoing relationship with the Pacific region. It presents a strategic avenue to fortify ties with our neighbouring countries and contribute to the development of a more prosperous and secure region. This initiative underscores Australia's commitment to fostering enduring partnerships in the Pacific, heralding a new era of increased engagement and cooperation.

Speak to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.