Benefits of the Pacific Engagement Visa and the new English Requirements for SC 500 and SC 485 applicants
Highlights:
Important details about the new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV)
New English requirements for Student Visa (SC 500) and Temporary Graduate Visa (SC 485)
The Australian Government unveiled a new permanent residency visa program, available to citizens from select Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste.
Pacific Engagement Visa (subclass 192) (PEV)
Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) aims to expand the diaspora in Australia, foster stronger people-to-people connections, and promote greater cultural, commercial, and educational interchange.
PEV Pre-Application Process
The Subclass 192 visa program mirrors the "green card" system employed in the United States. Australia intends to establish a lottery to enable 3000 foreign employees to enter the country each year, with the victors being granted a route to citizenship.
Start Date: Applicants must finalize the PEV pre-application process online, with the filing window anticipated to commence in July 2024.
Fee: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade anticipates a $25 ballot entry fee.
If not selected: In the event of non-selection, individuals must submit a new registration to participate in subsequent ballots.
Eligibility: Be between 18 and 45 years old; Be a national of a participating country; Complete an online registration form and pay a registration fee.
PEV Eligibility Criteria
Being selected from the ballot process does not mean that applicants already obtained the subclass 192 visa (PEV), this is just part of the PEV criteria. Aspiring applicants should wait for further announcements as the more detailed process will be introduced ahead of the program’s commencement in July 2024. Here are the initial criteria to be eligible for the subclass 192 visa (PEV):
Be randomly selected through the PEV ballot
Be between 18 and 45 years old
Have a formal job offer in Australia (or their partner/spouse must have a job offer)
Meet other visa requirements including, English language, character, and health checks
Benefits of being a PEV holder
PEV holders will have access to a range of support and services:
Settlement Engagement and Transition Support program
Adult Migrant English Program managed by the DHA
Medicare
Government-funded schools and higher education places.
Family Tax Benefit A
Austudy
Youth Allowance (student and apprentice)
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
VET Student Loan (VSL) programs
New English requirements for Student Visa (SC 500) and Temporary Graduate Visa (SC 485)
Last March 23, 2024, updated English language proficiency standards were enforced for both Student Visa (subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
| Visa Type | Previous IELTS Requirements | New IELTS Requirements | ELICOS Course Requirement | Foundation/Pathway Programs Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (SC 500) | IELTS 5.5 | IELTS 6.0 | From IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 | IEALTS 5.5 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (SC 485) | IELTS 6.0 (with min. 5.0 per component) | IELTS 6.5 (with min. 5.5 per component) | N/A | N/A |
The main reason for these changes is to ensure a higher level of English proficiency among visa holders, aligning with the evolving standards of education and employment in Australia. Also, proficiency in English enhances migrants’ educational experience and equips them to fully understand their workplace rights, safeguarding them against possible exploitation.
How we can help you?
Since these changes are yet to be finalized, securing expert guidance becomes a crucial element in your visa application. At Think Visa, we specialize in processing visas in these complex situations. By ensuring that all the essential documents are submitted, our team of skilled migration consultants can help you get through the process. Start your migration process with people you could trust.
