Vanuatu citizens are eligible to apply for Australia permanent resident visa under Pacific engagement visa scheme. Every year some 3000 visas will be made available for pacific countries. This visa is a permanent resident visa and therefore applicants will be free to choose where they live, work and study in Australia. There are no restrictions on work location, industry/type of work or employer. The Pacific Engagement (subclass 192) visa regulations came into effect on 29 March 2024.
To be eligible for the Pacific Engagement Visa, primary applicants will need to:
- be aged between 18 to 45 to enter the ballot
- be selected through the electronic ballot process (costs $25 to participate)
- secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia (or their partner/spouse must have a job offer)
- meet English language, character and health checks
- hold a passport for a participating country.
The ballot will officially open mid-2024.
This visa is a permanent resident visa and therefore applicants will be free to choose where they live, work and study in Australia. There are no restrictions on work location, industry/type of work or employer.
Applicants can include a partner and legally dependent children in their application.
Visa allocations will be based on several factors including population size, diaspora in Australia, existing migration opportunities, expected demand and participating country views.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet all relevant criteria before being granted a visa.