Australia: Australia's Pacific Engagement Visa program opening on 3 June 2024

Australia's government will open registrations for the Pacific Engagement Visa program on 3 June, aiming to strengthen connections with Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste.

The Pacific Engagement Visa is a new permanent resident visa for participating countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste which will deepen connections between Australia and the region.

The program allows up to 3000 nationals annually to migrate to Australia as permanent residents, chosen through an online ballot system.

Applicants must secure a job offer in Australia and meet health and character requirements for visa approval.

Countries currently participating in the Pacific Engagement Visa include the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Visa allocations for 2024 are as follows:

Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing relations with the Pacific and Timor-Leste through the program.

Minister Pat Conroy highlighted the program's role in fostering cultural, economic, and educational exchanges within Australia.

Minister Andrew Giles emphasised the program's aim to address the under-representation of Pacific island and Timorese nationals in Australia's permanent migration system, aligning with the Government's Migration Strategy.

Click here for further reading on the program.

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