For the lucky 3,000 or so from the nine Pacific countries and Timor-Leste who were randomly selected in a ballot process to apply for Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), the countdown to submit their visa applications by 12 December (17 December for Federated States of Micronesia and Palau) is fast approaching.
The opportunity to start a new life in Australia is dependent on the primary applicant and/or legal partner or spouse’s ability to convince employers to employ them. What happens if they are unable to satisfy the job offer requirement in time?
PNG received the highest quota of 1,350 visas. The success of these ballot winners in securing visas will be the true litmus test of the success of the PEV.
PNG ballot winners who contacted the author via the Devpolicy Blog comments page, direct emails, LinkedIn and Facebook were invited to voluntarily participate in a survey. The invitation was also circulated on a WhatsApp group set up by a third-party PNG-based organisation for PEV ballot winners.
From a sample size of 80+ selected PEV candidates, 33 respondents participated in an online survey. While we cannot be sure the survey is representative, it provides some key insights that deserve immediate attention.
Of all the 33 respondents, only three had received job offers. One, a male, currently in Australia on a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme visa, secured a job offer with their current host employer and recently received PEV visas for himself and his family.
Two female applicants (one single and the other in a de facto relationship with dependants) have secured a letter of offer. Both are pending a visa outcome.
A 1:11 ratio of success is clearly not good enough.
23 of the 33 applicants said that securing a job offer was the hardest part of the process. Another five said that documentation was the most challenging part — for example, getting a passport for dependants and obtaining a police clearance.
The ballot winners have been given 120 days (about four months) to complete their application. When asked if this was enough time to submit a complete application that included a job offer, almost 90% said “no”. When asked what timeframe would be more reasonable, half of respondents said “six months” and one-quarter said “12 months”.
It’s worth noting that the New Zealand Pacific Access Category lottery winners are given eight months to apply. The United States Diversity Visa Lottery winners have 12 months to complete and submit their application – and it does not have a job-offer requirement.
Based on my sample, the cohort of PNG PEV applicants possess skills and experience that should make them highly employable. Almost 40% have Bachelor degrees and around 20% have Masters degrees. Work experience ranges from early career administrative positions to more than 15 years of experience in senior roles in both the private and public sectors. Professions represented include administration, education, nursing, forestry, engineering, banking and finance, retail, logistics, mining, and law.
Several applicants commented that the biggest problem is that employers are not familiar with the PEV and don’t recognise the visa as having work rights.
In November the PEV Support Service began to provide support letters to ballot winners upon request. These letters explain that applicants have work rights, and the letters can be attached to job applications.
70% of respondents said they had received such a letter. While the letters are useful, they should have been sent out in August, when ballot winners were notified of their selection.
Generally, respondents were unhappy about the way the PEV Support Service, which DFAT has put in place to help PEV applicants, is operating. A clear majority responded with unsatisfactory or highly unsatisfactory when asked to rate the Support Service information sessions, the collection of information from applicants to support job applications, and the time it took the Support Service to respond to applicants.
Respondents also noted confusion in the visa instructions regarding timelines and uploading of documents. According to a recent official Australian Government PEV Facebook page, only passport details are needed to submit an application on time. Other documents like a job offer can be uploaded “at a later date” without any time restriction. However, this is not well understood.
Papua New Guinean applicants will have spent at least K2,700 (A$1,010) just to meet the post-ballot costs (health, police and visa fee) and this is for the primary applicants alone. The total costs spent would be much higher for those who have dependants.
A low success rate for the PEV is unfair to this pioneer cohort and not a good look for the Australian Government. Three key changes are needed.
First, the PEV Support Service needs to step up and do more to partner with employers who will recruit PEV applicants and already have experience recruiting from the Pacific. A jobs portal to connect PEV applicants with registered, interested employers would be very useful.
Second, clear and consistent communication is needed to reassure those selected in the ballot that only a passport is needed to submit an application by the deadline. Many applicants continue to think they need a job offer before they can submit a complete application, as well as a police clearance and health assessment. Despite the recent additions, some of the information provided on the PEV Home Affairs website can still be read to imply that all required documents must be provided at the time of submission.
Third, the PNG government needs to prioritise passports and police clearances for PEV applicants and their dependents.
As Australia’s first and historic migration policy exclusively for the Pacific and Timor Leste, the PEV was always going to present new challenges and learnings. Rather than making this first PEV round a failure, clearer communication that gives the pioneer cohort more help and time to find their first Australian job is both common sense and essential for achieving overall success.
Natasha Turia is presenting a Three Minute Aid Pitch titled ‘2025: the perfect time for an Australia-PNG Engagement Visa’ at the Australasian AID Conference at 4.30pm AEDT on 5 December. This conference session will be available via the Devpolicy Youtube livestream.
Hi Benedette, came across this article and saw your comment. My Hubby got selected this week so I started my research and reaching out to people who have been selected. There was another lady I came across on LinkedIn, her hubby was selected. They got a job offer too in Sydney but I guess at this stage everyone is waiting for the Visa? Everyone has completed medical check-up, police clearance etc.
Great article.
“Professions represented include administration, education, nursing, forestry, engineering, banking and finance, retail, logistics, mining, and law”…. these are industries. “Professions” should be engineers, doctors, nurses, etc.
Australia PEV compared to NZ, the latter is more organised. Organised in sense that applicants can actually upload CVs and profiles. This makes it easier.
Hi Natasha,
Thank you for your insightful piece — it’s important for all parties involved to take note of your observations. While the entire process could have been facilitated more effectively, I believe that some individuals managed to navigate it. The information you’ve diligently gathered should help improve the process moving forward.
In my case, we have met all the requirements (including the additional requirements immigration requested from my family) and my spouse was suppoused to start work on December 16th. After several follow-ups with immigration and requests for them to expedite the visa grant process at the earliest opportunity, we are still waiting. All of our documentation was submitted well before the end of November, so the delay has become a significant concern.
Following three phone calls with immigration, we were advised that our application is with the processing team and to regularly check our immigration account and emails; however, we have not received any updates. This prolonged wait has caused considerable uncertainty and stress for the family. We are also hopeful that the employer does not terminate the contract because of this delay.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my experience after reading your article.
Than you Natasha for this insightful information, thankfully there is a second draw on the 6th of January 2025, PNG has been granted an additional 165 PEV. For those who have been selected in the initial first draw and have not met the requirements exceeding the 28 days grace period, are their spaces will also be available for the second draw?
How do I apply in Mt. Hagen, PNG?
Hi Natasha, I’m originally from Enga, PNG and married to a Tuvaluan and got my Tuvalu citizen through my wife , I recently moved here to Tuvalu in 2022 to settle with my wife and four kids . We got this opportunity last year and we tried both in the Tuvalu ballot. My wife didn’t make it and I received a notification of selection. Before starting to do our documentation I thought it’s going to be costly. But when we go through our documentation I realised how cheap everything here and easy to obtain such documents as police clearance and passports costs. Full health examination is cost $30 for adults and free cost for kids under 18. We both secure our job offers from one company in Bundaberg, Australia and it commence when we arrived in Australia. Our medical examinations was finalised from the Bupa medical visa services last week, so we are now waiting for our visas. I’ve been searching through the Australia home affairs page about processing time and I can’t find a processing time for the Pacific engagement visa. Would you mind give me a hint about how long we gonna wait for our visas? Thank you very much Natasha. I find your article very informative and I would to subscribe for more news from you. You have a blessed day. God Bless.
Hi Joel,
Congratulations on your selection for the PEV! Thank you also for sharing your experience with paying for the associated costs that work out to be cheaper for you and for many others who are in Tuvalu compared to those who are PNG based.
It’s great that you and your wife were also able to secure jobs which remains a significant challenge for many who are still job hunting.
As for visa turnaround time, there is no updated information of the Home Affairs website under “Visa Processing Times” for subclass 192 so unfortunately everyone will just have to wait for whenever a visa decision is made. See https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times
Keep monitoring your immi account for updated information is the best advice I can offer at this time.
Regards,
Natasha
Dear Natasha,
I have been selected for PEV and secured a job in Melbourne 2 months ago but due to the fact the visa is still pending for further assessment, I lost the job. Australian Home Affairs contacted me last month for me to provide documents from my daughter’s father which I have. Recently I secured a job again and lost it because the visa is still pending. Do I really need to secure an employment or should I wait for the visa to be granted then I look for employment?
I remember that I stated in the PEV site that successful applicant must secure employment before the visa will be granted.
Hi Bernadette,
Sorry to hear of your situation. It’s understandable your frustrations pending a visa decision that has impacted on your job security. Unfortunately, a valid 12-month job offer is a current PEV requirement.
While trying to email Immigration to follow up can be pointless, there is no harm in uploading a separate letter of urgency into your immi account explaining your situation and requesting an estimated visa decision turnaround time so you and your prospective employer can plan accordingly.
I hope this helps and continue to persevere.
Thanks,
Natasha
Hi Natasha we also applied and still waiting for an email. Does it mean we should apply again for the 2nd round?
Hi Eileen,
The 2024 PEV round closed 1st August. If you did not receive a “notification of selection” then you are unsuccessful for this round. You can register again next year when the ballot opens for 2025.
Thanks,
Natasha
This article is very informative.
I am interested.
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
If you did not receive a “notification of selection” inviting you to apply for the PEV, then you are unsuccessful in this round.
Please continue to follow the official PEV Facebook page that will announce when application open for 2025.
Hello Natasha,
I’m new here and curious about this program as reading through the blog. Is the application still open or already closed? if it is still open then please, I’m interested to it. How can I apply online, since I’m abroad. Your help will be highly appreciate, thank you.
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.
I am in the process of Health examinations and is not cheap for a family of 4 including myself, investing time and effort is essential but when tackling raising living costs is way much struggle. My question is if I don’t meet the 28 days deadline for Health examinations is it possible I request a further extension date for Health check? RSVP to me email thanks.
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
I’m living in Australia at the moment and I was engaged with one of the poultry company. In the application I was including my 2 kids and wife. What actual amount of money do I need to prepare if I were drawn in the ballot? Thank you.
I am interested to work and make a living to support myself and my family here in Papua New Guinea
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/
I met all requirements but find it hard to see the right person and office location in POM.
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 Natasha, my status on my PEV application shows: ‘You will be included in the next random selection.’ I’m just curious—does this mean there will be a second selection conducted to fill the spots left out from the first selection?
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.
Dear Ms Turia
I am just curious and perhaps you could throw some light. My daughter is on a graduate visa 485 and been a full time employee in Sunshine Coast (QLD), last 3 years. The visa expires in 10 days time so she is preparing to leave Australia while her application process for a 491 visa is being organised. She put her name in the ballot but I she was unlucky not to be drawn. Is there any relieve. what can you advise.
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.
Hi Leah,
Only the PNG PEV cohort reached out to me first, hence this country’s experiences feature in this article.
But, I don’t believe that PNG’s experiences are unique from others. It is quite challenging even for the average Australian to secure a job so it will remain a shared experience across all PEV participating countries.
Extending the scope to include other countries is possible. Provided other candidates reach out first as there are privacy protocols that restrict access to contact information of selected candidates.
Thanks
Natasha
Thank you Natasha, good work on this program as well.
I would love to secure a job in Australia. I’m a licensed Electrician, with over a decade of Heavy industry electrical maintenance experiences.
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
this article is useful. could be generated in a daily newspaper article ❤️🙏
Terrific article Natasha. Excellent points: please dont stop making them!
Hi Natasha, thanks for this. I am wondering whether mismatch between the demand for skills from Australian labour market and the type of skills supplied by Papua New Guineans. Basis for this is that GDP Per working hour (2017 USD PPP) in Australia is 61.44, while the same metric for Papua New Guinea is 5.7.(1). This is a massive difference in labour productivity. Is there any consideration given to this earlier before people head off to the ballot box? Is there any specific sector outside working in farms and age care that skills for PNG can target and compete with labour in Australia’s labour market? In addition to providing adequate time, PEV should provide subsidies to firms in Australia that recruit PNGeans and upskill them so that they meet industry demand in Australia. If left entirely to market forces, there is a risk that PNG-origin labour could struggle to compete for jobs in Australia’s labour market due to this massive productivity differential.
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_labour_productivity
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.
Thank you, Natasha.
Hi Natasha,
How are other Pacific Island Country applicants in recent PEV round experiences in securing jobs in Australia under this scheme? Was there any data collected in your sample on other Pacific Island Country PEV applicants experiences in the process of securing Australian employers in comparison to PNG PEV applicants?