The Australian Federal Government has announced that a ‘Pacific Engagement’ visa will be introduced to provide permanent migration to residents of selected Pacific Island countries interested in resettling in Australia.
The exact details of the Pacific Engagement visas are still being negotiated, but it seems that up to 3,000 permanent Australian visas will be granted to citizens of participating countries each year via a ballot selection process.
Applications for the ballot will be able to be submitted through the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) online lodgement portal.
When will the Pacific Engagement Visa come into effect?
It is expected that the ballot to apply for a Pacific Engagement visa for eligible candidates will open at a date in 2024, to be specified by the Australian Government later in the year.
What is the Pacific Engagement (Subclass 192) Visa
The new Pacific Engagement visa will grant Australian permanent residency to participants across the Pacific and Timor-Leste who successfully win the ballot and meet the eligibility criteria for this visa.
The exact participating countries has not been determined, however the Australian Government has stated that eligible countries may include the 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.
The Australian Government has stated that it continues to consult with Pacific countries and Timor-Leste on their interest in participating in the program.
What are the Pacific Engagement Visa Requirements
The exact eligibility requirements for the Pacific Engagement visa have not yet been decided, however it has been proposed that primary applicants may need to meet the following criteria:
- Be aged between 18 to 45 to enter the ballot;
- Be selected through the ballot process;
- Secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia (or their partner/spouse must have a job offer);
- Meet English language, character and health checks;
- Hold a passport for a participating country; and
- Have been born in or have a parent who was born in an eligible country.
Primary visa applicants will most likely be able to include a spouse or de facto partner and legally dependent children in their application.
For advice regarding Australian visas, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@hartmanimmigration.com.au for Australian immigration assistance.
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