Australia: New Permanent Resident Visa Program for Nationals of Pacific Island Countries and Timor Leste To Be Implemented
April 30, 2024

Update - April 30, 2024: The government will open the program on June 3, 2024 (later than expected). On this date, Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals will be able to apply for the new permanent resident visa program. There will be 3,000 allotted slots for this program and, to be eligible, applicants must secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia and meet health and character requirements. Once granted, these visa holders will have access to a range of benefits, including migrant settlement services, English language programs, public schools, healthcare and financial support. Further details on eligibility and allocation details are available here.
March 21, 2024: The Department of Home Affairs announced that it will implement the new Subclass 192 – Pacific Engagement visa on March 29, 2024. This will provide an additional pathway to permanent residency in Australia for nationals of participating Pacific Island countries (The Cook Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu) and Timor-Leste (including their dependents). Through this program, Australia intends to deepen its connections to the region by growing the Pacific and Timor-Leste diaspora in the country and by encouraging a greater cultural, business and educational exchange.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected]
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.

Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.

Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCIS’s atypical RFEs citing “adverse information” in employment-based petitions.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how obtaining a business investor permit in Luxembourg can provide significant opportunities for accessing European markets and fostering business growth.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.

Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.

Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.

Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.

Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.

Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCIS’s atypical RFEs citing “adverse information” in employment-based petitions.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how obtaining a business investor permit in Luxembourg can provide significant opportunities for accessing European markets and fostering business growth.