Pacific Engagement Visa: Your 120-Day Window Starts Now

Look, if your name came up in the January or February 2025 Pacific Engagement Visa ballot, congratulations. But here is the part that catches people out: you have exactly 120 days from your Notification of Selection letter to submit your application. Miss that window, and the opportunity disappears.

I have seen people celebrate getting selected, then scramble at the last minute because they did not realise how quickly that deadline arrives. Do not let that be you.

What the Pacific Engagement Visa Actually Gets You

The Subclass 192 is not a temporary visa. It is permanent residency in Australia. That means:

• Live, work, and study anywhere in the country

• Medicare access for you and your family

• Public schooling for your children

• Childcare subsidies

Only 3,000 visas are offered each year through the ballot, and that number includes partners and dependent children. If you were selected, you beat significant odds. Now you need to follow through.

How to Submit Your Application

Use the link in your Notification of Selection letter or log into your ImmiAccount. When you lodge, you must include:

• A copy of your passport

• Passport or identification for all eligible family members

• Your spouse and dependent children on the same application

Here is what trips people up: you cannot add family members after you submit. If you have a partner or children, they need to be on the initial application. No exceptions.

You do not need every supporting document ready on day one. But the sooner you provide employment evidence, health checks, and character clearances, the faster the Department can process your case.

What You Need to Qualify

Being selected is not automatic approval. You still need to meet the requirements:

• A confirmed job offer in Australia, similar to skilled visa requirements

• English language proficiency

• Health and character clearances for everyone on the application

Each participating country has support services to help with job readiness and relocation. Use them.

What It Costs

Visa fees are $325 for the primary applicant and $80 per dependent. Budget separately for flights, initial accommodation, and settlement expenses once you arrive.

Which Countries Are Eligible

The early 2025 ballot included selections from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, and other Pacific nations. If you received a Notification of Selection letter, your country is confirmed.

What Should You Do Now

Count back from your notification date. Work out exactly how many days you have left. Then start gathering documents and securing that job offer.

The 120-day deadline is not flexible. The Department will not extend it because you were busy or did not realise.

If you need help getting your PEV application together, book a consultation and we will work through exactly what you need to submit.