Australia | New permanent resident visa ballot date

Australian authorities announced that the new Pacific engagement visa will open its first ballot on June 3.

Key Points:

• As BAL previously reported, Australian authorities introduced a new permanent resident visa program called the Pacific engagement visa for nationals of participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste.
• It will provide 3,000 permanent placement visas annually to Pacific island and Timor-Leste nationals and their immediate family members (partners and dependent children).

Additional Information: The new permanent resident visa program will fall under the subclass 192 category. The allocation of Pacific engagement visas will be determined by a ballot process each year, and those selected will then be able to apply for permanent residence. The inaugural ballot application process will be completed online on June 3, and individuals must meet certain requirements to qualify. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 45, have a formal job offer in Australia, hold a valid passport, and be born or have a parent born in a participating Pacific island country or Timor-Leste. Individuals must also meet the financial capacity, English language, character and health check requirements and complete payment of the 25 AUD (about US$16) registration fee. The Department of Home Affairs anticipates that the first visa applications will be assessed in early July.

BAL Analysis: Government officials stated that the new permanent resident visa program will grow Pacific migration in Australia and strengthen cultural, business and educational exchanges.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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