If you’re looking for skilled workers, you’ll be pleased to know that up to 3,000 people from the Pacific region will be able to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year from July 2023. The new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) scheme, which has been modelled on a New Zealand immigration program, comes with a two-step application process: Applicants must register in a ballot and pay a fee of $25. Those selected by the ballot will then need to apply for the visa. To be eligible to apply, a person must have a formal job offer with an employer in Australia, be aged between 18 and 45 years, and satisfy basic English language, health, and character requirements. Applicants can include their partner and legally dependent children in their application. People from independent Pacific Island countries who are not entitled to New Zealand citizenship will be able to apply for the PEV. This includes people from: the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. According to a statement from The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, “The Pacific Engagement Visa will grow Australia’s Pacific diaspora, build on our strong people-to-people links, and encourage greater cultural, business, and educational exchange”. Looking to Speed Up the Visa Application Process? Visa applications are complex. Fortunately, The Ayers Group has been working in this space for over 20 years. We are familiar with all the changing legislation, so we can guide your prospective employee through the visa application process. To find out more or for assistance, contact an expert at the Ayers Group today.