What is Pacific Visa 192?
The Pacific Engagement Visa (subclass 192) is a NEW permanent resident visa which came into effect from 29 Mar 2024. This visa applies for citizens of the participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste and their family members. This visa aims to strengthen Australia’s engagement with the Pacific region by offering skilled workers and professionals a chance to reside and work in Australia permanently.
The countries participating in the 192 visa arrangements include: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
What are the updates for the 192 visa from 01 May 2025?
Two Streams for Visa Subclass 192
From 01 May 2025, the 192 visa will have two streams:
- Pacific Engagement Stream – This stream provides a permanent residence pathway for eligible applicants from the participating Pacific region and Timor-Leste.
- Treaty Stream – Details for this stream are yet to be fully outlined but will likely involve specific agreements between Australia and treaty-partner countries.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants and their partners applying for the Pacific Engagement Stream must demonstrate their English proficiency at the time of application. They can submit one of the approved language tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall band score of 5.0
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): Minimum score of 36
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test): Minimum score of 14
- CAE (Cambridge Advanced English): Minimum score of 154
- OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum grade of B
Notes
- Applicants and their partners will only be assessed on their listening and speaking skills. Reading and writing skills are exempt from assessment.
- The English test must have been taken within three years immediately before the application date.
- If the required test score is unavailable, applicants can also prove their English proficiency through their study or work experience in an English-speaking country.
- If applicants cannot meet these requirements, they must participate in the Australian Migrant English Program (AMEP) after arriving in Australia. This program is free of charge and aims to help migrants improve their English skills to better integrate into Australian society.
Other criteria for Pacific Engagement Visa:
Apart from English requirement, the applicants still need to meet the below requirements:
- Be aged from 18 to 45
- Be a citizen of a participating Pacific Island and Timor-Leste country
- Have a job offer in Australia
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be selected randomly through ballot
Wish to apply for a 192 visa and receive full benefits of a permanent resident in Australia? Contact SOL Migration and our experienced migration agents are here to help!