Comments

Hi Kalau, For the benefit of others who have either been selected or know others who have been selected, I'll respond in this thread first. Short answer, is – yes. Draft a cover letter explaining your situation and that you require more time. Upload that letter into your immi account with evidence to support your request before you submit. While the Immigration website has conflicting information about next steps and what docs are required prior to submission, the updated notice is “only passport information for you and any dependents is required at the time of submission”. Other supporting docs, that can also include health assessment can be uploaded "at a later date" provided you show evidence for the delay. See Immigration website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/subclass-pacific-engagement-visa-192

Hi Elvis, DevPol developed a factsheet for the 2024 PEV round. You can visit this link below that also provides a list of official Australian Government websites that you can refer too. https://devpolicy.org/pacific-engagement-visa-factsheet-2024/ It is an annual ballot, so registrations will open up again next year.

Thank you Natasha, good work on this program as well.

An interesting piece. I fully support the call for reforms within the legislature. This is a long overdue call that I always believe will effectively enhance the work of the legislature.

Thankyou Natasha for that in-depth analysis on the results of the PEV (PNG's case)...I think this will improve each year but hey, let's not forget that to thousands of PNGians have paid AUS$25 (K70) just to enter the ballot so let's say if it's 100,000 people, the Australia govt has just made K7 million...

I applied and I'm still waiting since June

Hi Kingtau, Thanks for your comments and questions that are relevant and important to the PNG population. While the PEV Support Service was set up by DFAT to connect ballot winners to employers, there are obvious gaps in outreach and awareness on the Australian side. 1. We don't have enough information about where the jobs are to reduce the burden of making countless job applications. There are jobs beyond PALM that are better suited for semi to skilled individuals. While they can be categorised as employer sponsored, these employers could leverage from the PEV to recruit PNG PEV candidates. See: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list 2. Many Australian employers don't know about the PEV or that they have work rights making it even harder for ballot winners to convince employers to employ them. There is room for improvement by the PEV Support Service to increase their scope of employer partners that appreciate the full breadth of PNG's talent pool that can be absorbed into the Australian workforce. A practical strategy and jobs portal is a way forward to address this gap so Papua New Guineans can also make an initial assessment of their chances of securing a PEV based on the labour market demand in their professions. Incentivising recruitment of PEV candidates among employers is not impossible and remains the prerogative of the Australian Government.

Hi Jethric, You can read the link to the article below that provides a costing. While it is for Papua New Guineans who are back home, you can adjust the figures for your current circumstances since you are already onshore in Australia. https://devpolicy.org/the-pacific-engagement-visa-in-png-a-how-to-guide/

Hi Rocky, According to the PEV website, you can email PNG@pevsupport.com.au. They don't seem to have an physical office in PNG. But, there is the Australian High Commission in Pom that you can visit if you really need to speak to someone who has the authority to speak on behalf of the Australian Government in PNG.

Hi John, As the PEV for 2024 has closed and she was unsuccessful in the ballot, she will have to puruse other visa options to remain in Australia. She can always register for the PEV again when the next round opens in 2025.

Please continue to check the website below when the next round of PEV opens up again so you can register. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/subclass-pacific-engagement-visa-192

Hi Joy, We don't know for certain that a re-draw will take place to replace some of the selected candidates who may have been unsuccessful in securing a visa in this round. What we know, is that this is annual PEV ballot so if you unsuccessful in this round, you can still register again next year when applications open up.