Pacific Engagement visa (subclass 192)
A new permanent visa allocated by random ballot for nationals of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste with a job offer in Australia.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Citizens of participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste (plus a separate Treaty stream for Tuvaluan nationals) who are selected in the annual ballot and have an Australian job offer.
Eligibility requirements
- Register in the annual Pacific Engagement visa ballot (a small registration fee applies) and be randomly selected - selection is required before you can apply.
- Be a citizen of an eligible participating country and hold a valid passport from that country (Pacific Engagement stream) or be a Tuvaluan national (Treaty stream, under the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union).
- Be aged 18 to 45 at the time of application.
- Have a genuine offer of ongoing employment in Australia (the primary applicant needs a qualifying job offer).
- Meet Functional English requirements.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Launched in 2023-24 and a notable new permanent route. From 1 May 2025 it has two streams: the main Pacific Engagement stream (ballot for Pacific island and Timor-Leste nationals) and a Treaty stream for Tuvaluan nationals under the Falepili Union. Ballot windows open annually (the 2025-26 main ballot closed 25 August 2025) - check current ballot dates and the eligible-country list on Home Affairs.
Other Australia routes
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
PermanentThe flagship 'no sponsor needed' permanent visa: score enough points, get invited, then live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
PermanentPoints-tested permanent residence with a state/territory nomination that adds 5 points and can rescue a borderline score.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
ProvisionalA 5-year regional provisional visa worth a big +15 points, designed as a stepping stone to PR via subclass 191.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
PermanentThe permanent-residence finish line for 491 (and old 494) holders who have lived and earned in regional Australia for three years.