Australia’s Pacific Engagement visa (Subclass 192) sometimes called the PEV is a new permanent-residence pathway for citizens of participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. It uses a ballot (lottery) selection followed by a visa application, and is designed to strengthen people-to-people links while helping fill labour needs in Australia. This guide gives a clear, SEO-friendly, step-by-step roadmap so you can prepare a successful application in 2025.
Subclass 192 Visa
- The Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement Visa) is a permanent residency visa for eligible Pacific island and Timor-Leste nationals.
- Australia offers up to 3,000 places per year (including family members) through the ballot.
- You must register in the ballot (AU$25 fee), be randomly selected, then accept an invitation and lodge a full visa application within the invitation window.
What is the Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement Visa)?
The Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement Visa, PEV) is a permanent residency visa intended to allow eligible citizens of certain Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It is awarded via an electronic ballot (random selection) that gives people an equal chance to apply.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible to register for the PEV ballot you generally must meet these core criteria:
- Age: 18–45 at time of registration.
- Ballot registration: Register during the open ballot window (AU$25 non-refundable fee).
- Job offer (after selection): If selected in the ballot you (or your partner) must secure a formal, ongoing full-time job offer in Australia relevant to your skills/experience before the visa can be granted.
- Health & character: Meet Australia’s health and character checks (medicals and police certificates).
- English ability: Demonstrate basic English language ability. The rules allow several ways to meet this; in practice applicants often use an approved test like IELTS (requirements vary by components).
Note: the ballot gives equal chance regardless of job skill level; registration does not guarantee an invitation. Always confirm current, country-specific rules on the official ImmiAccount / Department of Home Affairs pages.
Also Check: Australia 5 Year Work Visa with Family (Subclass 494 Visa) August 2025
Step-by-Step: Application Process
Follow these steps in order each step has the practical actions and a short checklist.
Step 1: Prepare and register for the ballot
- Create an ImmiAccount with the Department of Home Affairs (if you don’t already have one).
- Register for the PEV ballot during the announced registration window and pay the AU$25 registration fee. Keep a screenshot/receipt of the payment and registration confirmation.
Checklist before registering: valid passport, national ID, proof of birth / parent’s birth (if applicable), contact email, and any evidence requested by the registration portal.
Step 2: Wait for ballot selection
- Ballot selections are random. If you are selected, you will receive an invitation to apply (official notification through ImmiAccount/contact details).
- Invitations typically have a 120-day validity from the date of selection — you must lodge your full visa application within that window (if this rule applies for your selection; check your invitation letter for the exact deadline).
Step 3: Secure a job offer (if required)
- Once selected you must secure a formal, ongoing full-time job offer in Australia (or your partner must) consistent with the visa conditions. The employer letter should state job title, duties, salary, full-time ongoing nature and start date.
Step 4: Assemble documentation & lodge the visa application
- Upload your full application and all supporting documents via ImmiAccount before the invitation expiry. Typical documents:
- Valid passport and identity documents.
- Formal Australian job offer letter (signed).
- Police clearance certificates (from each country you’ve lived in for a significant period).
- Medical examination reports from an Australian-approved panel physician.
- Proof of English (test results or alternative evidence).
- Birth/marriage certificates and dependent documents (if including family).
- After submission you’ll receive an acknowledgement and can track progress through ImmiAccount.
Step 5: Processing, requests & decision
- Processing times can vary depending on application completeness and health/character checks. The Department may issue additional requests (e.g., S56 character statements, further evidence) respond promptly. Community reports show some applicants received decisions within a few months after submission, but experiences vary.
Step 6: If granted: arrival & settlement
- Once granted, you and any included family members receive PR entitlements: live and work indefinitely, access to Medicare, and a pathway to apply for citizenship once residency requirements are met. Settlement support services are available to help with jobs, housing and community integration.
Documents Checklist
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- National ID / birth certificate (and parent’s birth if required)
- Ballot registration receipt (AU$25)
- Formal job offer letter from Australian employer (signed)
- Police certificates from each country of residence
- Medical check results (panel physician)
- Evidence of English ability (IELTS or other approved test, if needed)
- Marriage certificate / children’s birth certificates (if including family)
- CV and employment references (recommended)
Benefits of Subclass 192 (PEV)
- Permanent residency: live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Healthcare access: eligibility for Medicare (subject to conditions).
- Family included: partner and dependent children can be included.
- Pathway to citizenship: after meeting residence requirements, you may apply for Australian citizenship.
Common challenges & tips
- Competitive job market: obtaining a formal job offer in Australia can take time; network with employers, use Australian job portals and consider recruitment agencies experienced with PEV hires.
- Respond quickly to requests: visa processing delays often arise from slow responses to evidence requests upload documents asap.
- Cost of living: Australia can be expensive depending on location plan finances (housing, transport, initial living costs).
- Keep records: store copies of all registration receipts, invitation letters and correspondence.
FAQs
How much is the ballot registration fee?
AU$25 (non-refundable).
Which countries are eligible?
Eligible participating countries include (but are not limited to) Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Tuvalu. Confirm the full list on the official PEV/Department pages for the current ballot.
Do I need a job before I register?
No you register for the ballot first. If selected you must then secure a required job offer before the visa is granted.
How long are invitations valid?
Invitations commonly specify a deadline (often 120 days) check your invitation letter.