Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192)

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192 Visa

At a glance (2025–26) Visa?

Stay: Permanent residence from grant.
Places: Up to 3,000 visas per year (includes partners & dependent children).
Ballot window: 28 July – 25 August 2025 (Pacific Engagement stream).
Participating countries: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu.
Ballot fee: AUD25 (non-refundable).
Selection period: Random selection runs 1 Sep 2025 – 1 Feb 2026 (per country).
If selected: You’ll have 120 days to lodge your 192-visa application online.

Note: This page covers the Pacific Engagement stream of subclass 192. Tuvalu has a separate Treaty stream with different settings.

What the 192 visa lets you do

Live and work in Australia permanently; choose where you live and work. Include eligible family.
Access settlement supports, Medicare and AMEP (subject to eligibility).

Who can register for the PEV ballot

You can register if you:

are 18–45 (inclusive) on the day your country’s ballot opens;
hold a valid passport from a participating country;
were born in, or have a parent born in, one of the eligible countries (list above; Australia & New Zealand births are recognised to account for medical travel);
are not a New Zealand citizen;
register once per ballot and pay the AUD25 fee;
can be in or outside Australia when you register.

The ballot gives equal access across all skill levels, occupations and genders by randomly selecting people to apply.

How the PEV ballot works (step-by-step)

Ballot opens – Each country has its own ballot. Dates are published on the Country Ballot Status page.
Register in ImmiAccount during your country’s window and pay the AUD25 fee.
Random selection – If selected, you’ll receive a Notification of Selection email.
Apply for the 192 visa – Use the link in your letter and apply within 120 days.

You can monitor your registration in ImmiAccount; statuses include Received, Selected, Expired, Selection expired, and others.

If you’re selected: visa application requirements

To be granted the Pacific Engagement visa (subclass 192) you must meet visa criteria, which include:

Employment — Provide a formal job offer in Australia (the Government provides a free PEV Employment Support Service to connect you with employers if you don’t have one at application).
English — Meet minimum English (equivalent to IELTS 5.0 in speaking & listening) or sign an English Language Undertaking to participate in AMEP.
Health & character — Standard checks apply.

Important admin points:

Apply with the same passport you used to register; update ImmiAccount if your passport changes.
Registering does not give a bridging visa. Bridging visas only become available after you are selected and lodge your visa application.

Including family

You can include your partner and dependent children in your 192 visa application. Each eligible adult family member may also register separately in the ballot. (Where adoption is relevant, Australia generally recognises formal adoptions that establish legal parental rights; customary adoptions are generally not recognised under migration law.)

Participating countries (2025–26)

Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Vanuatu

Ballot status & selection period:

All country ballots are Active 28 Jul – 25 Aug 2025; random selections will run 1 Sep 2025 – 1 Feb 2026. Check live status on Home Affairs.

Fees

Ballot registration: AUD25 (non-refundable, even if not selected).
Visa application charge: Payable (AUD335) if selected and applying.

Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Is the PEV a permanent visa?

Yes. Subclass 192 grants permanent residence from approval.

Do I need a job offer?

Yes, a formal ongoing job offer in Australia is required before grant.

What English is needed?

Minimum IELTS 5.0 (speaking & listening), or sign an English Language Undertaking to study English through AMEP after arrival.

Does registering give me a bridging visa?

No. A bridging visa becomes available only after selection and after you apply for the 192 visa.

How long do I have to apply if selected?

120 days from the selection date shown in your letter.

Can I register while I’m in Australia?

Yes. You can be in or outside Australia when you register.