Australia has formally launched the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), providing up to 3,000 Pacific Islanders and Timor-Leste nationals with a straight route to permanent residency in 2025—a historic step to deepen connections with the Pacific!
The visa, which is expected to change the way Pacific countries can migrate, has a special voting method that makes the selection process fair and open. The opportunity to apply will be given to qualified candidates, opening the door to permanent residency, work, and access to important government services in Australia.
Who Can Apply for Australian PEV 2025?
People from eligible Pacific nations and Timor-Leste who want to live and work in Australia can apply for the Australian Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) 2025. Applicants must fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible:
- Age Requirement: You must be between the ages of 18 and 45.
- Nationality: Possess a current passport from Timor-Leste or an eligible Pacific nation.
- Birth Eligibility: You must have been born in a participating nation or have a parent who was born there.
- Registration Fee: You must pay AUD 25 to register to vote.
The worst part is that winning the ballot is only the first step! To move on with their visa applications, chosen candidates (or their spouses) must obtain a formal job offer in Australia and fulfill the prerequisites for basic English proficiency.
Read Also: Documents Required for Australia Visa
PEV Visa Allocations for 2025
With 1,515 spots, Papua New Guinea leads the pack, followed by Fiji (300), Timor-Leste (300), and Tonga (300), according to the Australian government’s breakdown of Pacific Engagement Visa slots for 2025. The distribution of visa slots in the area is as follows:
| Country | Places |
|---|---|
| Federated States of Micronesia | 24 |
| Fiji | 300 |
| Nauru | 150 |
| Palau | 11 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1,515 |
| Solomon Islands | 150 |
| Timor-Leste | 300 |
| Tonga | 300 |
| Tuvalu | 100 |
| Vanuatu | 150 |
How to Get In?
Step 1: Register for the Ballot
- During the official registration time, register using Australia’s ImmiAccount.
Step 2: Wait for Selection
- An automated random draw is used to choose applicants.
Step 3: Secure a Job and Complete the Visa Process
- Candidates must receive a job offer in Australia if they are chosen.
- On March 13, 2025, an employment support event is planned to assist with job placement:
Employment Support Service – Job Preparation
Step 4: Pass Health and Character Checks
- Candidates must receive a job offer in Australia if they are chosen.
- On March 13, 2025, an employment support event is planned to assist with job placement:
Conclusion:
Pacific Islanders and citizens of Timor-Leste who are looking for permanent residency have a game-changing chance with Australia’s PEV 2025. This immigration pathway offers life-changing opportunities for successful applicants and fortifies regional ties through a fair voting process, career support programs, and access to government services. Take advantage of this opportunity to live and work in Australia if you qualify!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV)
Up to 3,000 citizens of Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste may apply for permanent residency in Australia under the new PEV 2025 visa scheme.
How does the selection process work?
Candidates must pay a registration fee of AUD 25 in order to use a ballot method. If chosen, they will need to meet English language standards and have a job offer in Australia.
