The Australian Government has created a new Treaty stream within the Pacific Engagement visa (192 visa) as part of their commitment under the AustraliaโTuvalu Falepili Union Treaty.
This new stream allows eligible citizens of Tuvalu to live in Australia, work without restriction, and study either on a temporary or indefinite basis.
This initiative includes 280 visa places, separate from the Pacific Engagement Visaโs existing 3,000 places and provides an indefinite travel facility, enabling free movement between Tuvalu and Australia.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply under the Treaty stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be selected through a ballot process.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time the ballot registration period opens.
- Hold a valid Tuvaluan passport at the time of registration.
- Be born in Tuvalu or have a parent or grandparent who was born there.
- Be a citizen of Tuvalu, and that citizenship must not be gained through investment.
- Not be a New Zealand citizen.
- Apply by the deadline listed in the ballot selection notice.
What are the visa application charges (VAC)?
The Treaty stream visa application charges (VAC) is lower than those under the standard Pacific Engagement stream. This makes the visa more accessible for eligible Tuvaluan citizens and their family members.
Updated visa conditions and requirements
- Applicants must still meet public interest criteria, including character and national security checks.
- Health criteria are slightly different in the Treaty stream โ applicants cannot be granted the visa if they have a communicable disease or condition. However, standard health checks are not required unless this condition applies.
- Family members applying together must meet the same health criteria.
- Family members not applying for the visa do not need to meet health criteria.
- People granted a Pacific Engagement visa (192) under the Treaty stream and their eligible family members will, have unlimited travel rights. They can enter and live in Australia indefinitely after the visa is granted.
When does this come into effect?
All these changes come into effect from 1 May 2025. Treaty stream visa applications submitted on or after 1 May 2025, provided the related ballot selection also happened on or after that date will have these updates applied. If the applicant was selected through a ballot before 1 May 2025, previous regulations will still apply.
Need guidance? We can help!
If youโd like to understand how this new visa may apply to you or someone you know, or if youโre a business or organisation looking to support potential applicants, our team here at Absolute Immigration can help you navigate the process.
Contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to learn how we can support your goals through tailored immigration advice.
