Subclass 192 · Ballot
Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192)
Permanent residency for people from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, through an annual ballot. Two streams since 1 May 2025: Pacific Engagement and Treaty (Tuvalu).
About the Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192)
The Pacific Engagement visa (subclass 192) lets people of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste live and work in Australia permanently. Places are allocated by ballot, and you can only apply if selected.
Since 1 May 2025 there are two streams, each with its own ballot. The Pacific Engagement stream is for eligible Pacific island and Timor-Leste nationals; its 2026 ballot opened on 1 July 2026 and closed on 29 July 2026. The Treaty stream is for Tuvaluan nationals only, under the Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty.
The Two Streams
For eligible nationals of participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. Register for the ballot when it opens, and apply if selected.
For Tuvaluan nationals only, implementing Australia's obligations under the Falepili Union treaty. It has its own ballot.
Note that being granted a Resident Return visa can end a Treaty stream 192 visa.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice.
Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Permanent residence for Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals.
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
From AUD345 for the main applicant.
The Pacific Engagement stream is for eligible Pacific island and Timor-Leste nationals. The Treaty stream is for Tuvaluan nationals and has its own ballot and requirements.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You can only apply if you were randomly selected in the Pacific Engagement visa ballot and invited to apply.
You must be a citizen of, and hold a valid passport from, a participating Pacific island country or Timor-Leste, and have been born in (or have a parent born in) a listed country. You must not be a New Zealand citizen.
You must be aged 18 to 45 (inclusive) on the date the ballot registration period opens for your country.
You, or your partner included in your application, must have an offer of employment in Australia.
You can apply in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance. If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or meet the other conditions set by Home Affairs.
You must be able to support yourself and any migrating family members, meet the English language requirements, and have complied with the conditions of any previous visas.
You must meet the health and character requirements, and have repaid (or arranged to repay) any debts to the Australian Government. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How it works.
Get expert advice first
Book a consultation with Outlook Immigration. Our registered migration agent will assess your eligibility, confirm this is the right visa for you and explain your options before you apply.
Register for the ballot
Register during the ballot period for your country.
Selection and invitation
If selected, you receive a Notification of Selection letter with the link to apply.
Apply
Apply within the time on your invitation, with evidence of your job offer.
Visa outcome
You will be told the decision in writing.
When you have this visa
Your rights as a permanent resident.
Live, work and study anywhere in Australia, and travel in and out for 5 years from grant.
You must meet all your visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Your conditions are in your grant letter and in VEVO.
You may later be eligible for Australian citizenship.
Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
Eligible people register for an annual ballot, and those selected can apply for permanent residency.
The Pacific Engagement stream ballot opened on 1 July 2026 and closed on 29 July 2026.
A stream for Tuvaluan nationals only, under the Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty, with its own ballot.
Need Help With Your Visa?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
