The random-selection phase of Australia’s flagship Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) closed on 1 February 2026, marking the end of a five-month ballot that attracted more than 56,000 registrations across 11 Pacific nations and Timor-Leste. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
Up to 3,000 successful registrants will now have 120 days to file their permanent-residence applications, including proof of an Australian job offer paying at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently A$70,000). The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has granted only about 100 visas so far, citing rigorous integrity checks but acknowledging “refinements” are needed to speed processing.
![Pacific Engagement Visa ballot window closes after five-month selection period]()
Applicants report steep document costs—up to A$5,500 in Papua New Guinea—and lost job offers while waiting. Employer awareness also remains low, prompting the government to expand its free PEV Support Service and to stage virtual job-matching fairs this month.
For Australian companies the PEV provides a new, permanent pathway to tap Pacific talent in construction, aged care and hospitality, but HR teams must move quickly to identify roles and issue compliant contracts before the 120-day deadline expires.
Up to 3,000 successful registrants will now have 120 days to file their permanent-residence applications, including proof of an Australian job offer paying at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently A$70,000). The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has granted only about 100 visas so far, citing rigorous integrity checks but acknowledging “refinements” are needed to speed processing.
Applicants report steep document costs—up to A$5,500 in Papua New Guinea—and lost job offers while waiting. Employer awareness also remains low, prompting the government to expand its free PEV Support Service and to stage virtual job-matching fairs this month.
For Australian companies the PEV provides a new, permanent pathway to tap Pacific talent in construction, aged care and hospitality, but HR teams must move quickly to identify roles and issue compliant contracts before the 120-day deadline expires.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
