The Australian Government has announced the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) to boost Pacific permanent migration to Australia and build a stronger Pacific family.
The PEV will grow Australia’s Pacific and Timor diaspora and encourage greater cultural business, and educational exchange.
Up to 3,000 visas will be allocated annually by a ballot process across Pacific countries.
Those selected from the ballot will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Applicants will need to secure a written employment agreement in Australia and meet other migration requirements to be eligible for the visa.
Applicants may include their partner and legally dependent children, as part of the total annual visa allocation.
The PEV is being designed in close consultations with partner governments and Pacific communities to ensure the program meets the needs and priorities of a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Pacific family.
Applications for the ballot will be able to be lodged online with the Department of Home Affairs from July 2023.
The PEV will include the following requirements:
- Applicants will be selected through the ballot process; must be aged between 18 and 45 years.
- Applicants can include their partners and legally dependent children in their application.
- Applicants must have a formal job offer in Australia, also must meet English language, character and health requirements. Government consultations will inform further program settings and details, including ballot and visa eligibility requirements.
Last month New Zealand Immigration confirmed the successful registration numbers for the 2022 Samoan Quota, whereas a total of 1,650 people were named on the ballot.
