192 Pacific Engagement Visa coming into effect on 3 June 2024
Are you a national of the Pacific island countries and Timor Leste? If so, we have some exciting news for you!
A new visa called the subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa is set to come into effect on 3 June 2024.
This visa is specifically designed to facilitate engagement and cooperation between Australia and the Pacific region. In this article, we will explore the key details of this visa and what it means for eligible Pacific island and Timor Leste nationals.
There are two important steps to complete:
- Ballot registration
- 192 Visa Application
Eligibility Criteria for the 192 Pacific Engagement Visa – Ballot Registration
To be eligible for the 192 Pacific Engagement Visa Ballot Registration, you must meet certain criteria:
- be a citizen of a participating country
- hold a valid passport issued by one of the participating countries
- be aged between 18 and 45 inclusive
- be born in, or have a parent that was born in one of the participating countries (Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, PNG, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu)
- be selected in the PEV ballot to apply
- not be a citizen of New Zealand
- pay the ballot registration fee AUD25
Who are the Participating Countries?
- Micronesia
- Fiji
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Additionally, your eligible family members (spouse, de-facto partner, children) can also register in the ballot separately. If you are selected in the ballot, you can apply for the visa and include your family members in your visa application.
PEV Ballot Registration – Application Process and Requirements
192 Pacific Engagement Visa – Pre-application ballot
On 19 October 2023, the Australian Government passed immigration legislation to enable the use of a ballot for the new 192 Pacific Engagement Visa.
The ballot ensures that eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals of all skill levels, gender and backgrounds have equal opportunity to apply for a permanent visa for Australia.
The 192 Pacific Engagement Visa – Ballot Registration Process must follow these steps:
- ballot opens and it is important to know when the ballot is open for your country as each country will have a seperate ballot
- register in the ballot
- ballot selection, registration is randomly selected
- use invitation link to complete and submit PEV application
The ballot registration fee is AUD 25. After you submit and pay for your registration, the Department of Home Affairs will send an email confirming your registration in the ballot.
If you have been randomly selected in the ballot to apply for the 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, you must apply for your visa on or before the date provided in your Notification of Selection email.
You will have 120 calendar days from the date of selection to complete and submit a visa application online.
If you are not successful in the ballot, the registration will expire after the Department of Home Affairs finalise the ballot selection process.
You will be able to register in the next ballot process, assuming that you still meet the visa requirements.
Eligibility criteria for Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa
To be eligible for the 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, you must meet certain criteria:
- if you are in Australia, you must hold a valid visa at the time of application or a bridging visa A, B or C
- if you are in Australia, you have complied with previous visa conditions
- paid back any debt to the Australian government
- be a citizen of a participating country
- must not be a citizen of New Zealand
- must be aged between 18 and 45 inclusive
- have an offer of employment in Australia
- have financials to support yourself and your family members for your first 12 months in Australia
- meet English language requirements
- meet health and character requirements
- sign the Australian values statement
English language requirements for 192 Pacific Engagement Visa
You will meet the English language proficiency if you, or your spouse or de facto partner:
- graduated from secondary schooling in a Pacific island country or
- entered Australia on a visa with work rights where you have worked in Australia for a period that adds up to 12 months or more or
- studied in Australia at a secondary school level or higher for a total period that adds up to 12 months or more or
- spent a total period that adds up to 12 months or more working or studying in one of the following countries:United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand; or
- have completed an English language test, and achieved the required result, in either the 3 years before:
- the date of submitting a valid visa application or
- we decide your visa application, if you did not give evidence of an English language test at the time you applied.
Alternatively, if you or your eligible family members cannot meet the English level requirements, you can complete a PEV Undertaking. This is an agreement that you make with the government to take part in an English training program, AMEP, after you arrive in Australia.
Benefits of the 192 Pacific Engagement Visa
Upon approval of the 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, you can:
- live in Australia permanently
- live, work and study anywhere in Australia
- sponsor eligible relatives
- access Medicare
- apply for Australian citizenship when you satisfy the residency requirements
- access Higher Education Loan Program and other study benefits
Tips for a Successful 192 Pacific Engagement Visa Application
Applying for a visa to Australia can be a detailed and sometimes complex process. Here are five essential tips to help ensure your visa application is successful:
- Understand the Visa Requirements:
- Research Thoroughly: Make sure to research the specific type of visa you are applying for. Australia offers various visas including tourist, student, work, and permanent residency visas, each with distinct requirements.
- Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for your visa category. This can include age limits, health and character requirements, and financial proof.
- Prepare Complete Documentation:
- Document Checklist: Use a checklist to ensure you gather all necessary documents. Common documents include a valid passport, visa application forms, photographs, financial statements, relationship evidence, work reference letters.
- Certified Copies: Some documents may need to be translated. Ensure you have the correct translations as per the visa requirements.
- Accurate and Consistent Information:
- Detail Accuracy: Provide accurate and truthful information throughout your application. Inconsistencies or false information can lead to delays or even visa denial.
- Consistent Data: Ensure that all information matches across different documents (e.g., name spellings, dates).
- Meet Health and Character Requirements:
- Health Checks: Depending on your visa type, you may need to undergo a medical examination by a panel physician.
- Character Assessment: You might need to provide police certificates from all countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years. Ensure these documents are up to date and correctly submitted.
- Timely Submission and Follow-Up:
- Submit Early: Start your application process well in advance of your planned travel dates to account for any unforeseen delays.
- Track Application: Respond promptly to any additional information requests from the immigration department.
By following these tips, you can enhance your chances of a smooth and successful visa application process to Australia.
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