Australia Allocates 4,000 Places for Permanent Residency to 12 Countries in 2026–27
Australia has announced the number of permanent residency places available to citizens of 12 Pacific nations and Timor-Leste under its Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) programme for the 2026–27 financial year.
The programme provides eligible people from participating countries with an opportunity to settle in Australia permanently. However, applicants must first enter a ballot and be selected before they can proceed with a full visa application.
The allocations differ by country, with Papua New Guinea receiving the largest share. The programme is part of Australia’s efforts to strengthen its long-term relationships with Pacific countries and Timor-Leste.
List of 12 Countries Eligible for Australia’s Permanent Residency Pathway
According to the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the 2026–27 Pacific Engagement Visa allocations are as follows:
| Country | Allocated places |
|---|---|
| Federated States of Micronesia | 50 |
| Fiji | 300 |
| Kiribati | 100 |
| Palau | 50 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1,350 |
| Republic of the Marshall Islands | 50 |
| Samoa | 150 |
| Solomon Islands | 300 |
| Timor-Leste | 300 |
| Tonga | 150 |
| Tuvalu | 100 |
| Vanuatu | 150 |
Papua New Guinea has the largest allocation, with 1,350 places. Fiji, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste each have 300 places, while the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands each have 50.
The Australian government considers several factors when deciding country allocations, including population size, the number of citizens already living in Australia, existing migration opportunities and expected demand.
How Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa Works
The Pacific Engagement Visa is not a standard visa that eligible citizens can apply for directly at any time. Instead, the programme uses a ballot system to determine who can proceed to the visa application stage.
Interested applicants must register during an official ballot period. A random selection process is then used to identify people who may be invited to submit a full application.
Being selected in the ballot does not automatically mean that a visa will be granted. Applicants must still meet the programme’s immigration requirements.
The visa, once granted, allows successful applicants to live permanently in Australia. Eligible holders can also work and study in the country.
Requirements for Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa
According to official Australian government guidance, prospective primary applicants must meet several conditions to participate in the programme.
Applicants must generally:
- Be between 18 and 45 years old when registering for the ballot.
- Hold a valid passport from one of the participating countries.
- Have been born in an eligible country or have a parent who was born there.
- Pay the ballot registration fee.
- Be selected through the ballot process.
- Secure a formal, ongoing job offer in Australia, either personally or through their spouse or partner.
- Meet the applicable English language, health and character requirements.
Applicants selected through the ballot can include an eligible spouse or partner and legally dependent children in their visa application, subject to the programme’s rules.
Because the ballot and visa application are separate stages, prospective applicants should review the official requirements before registering or making relocation plans.
Does the Pacific Engagement Visa Apply to Nigerians?
Nigerians hoping to relocate to Australia should note that Nigeria is not among the 12 countries participating in this particular permanent residency programme.
The Pacific Engagement Visa is specifically designed for nationals of participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. It is therefore not a direct permanent residency route for Nigerian citizens simply because they wish to move to Australia.
Nigerians interested in Australian migration can instead investigate other available options, depending on their qualifications, work experience, occupation, family circumstances and eligibility. These may include skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas and other applicable visa categories.
Where to Find Official Information
Anyone interested in the Pacific Engagement Visa should consult the Australian government’s official information before making decisions or paying an intermediary.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes the participating-country list, annual allocations and programme details. The Department of Home Affairs provides information about the ballot and visa application process.
Official information: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/pacific/people-connections/people-connections-in-the-pacific/pacific-engagement-visa
Applicants should be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed selection or permanent residency. Entry into the ballot does not guarantee selection, and selection does not remove the requirement to satisfy all visa conditions.
Closing
Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa provides a permanent residency opportunity for eligible citizens of 12 Pacific nations and Timor-Leste during the 2026–27 programme year.
With 1,350 places allocated to Papua New Guinea, the country has the largest share of the programme’s available places. However, applicants from every participating country must follow the ballot process and meet the applicable visa requirements.
For prospective migrants, checking the official Australian government guidance is the best way to understand the process and avoid relying on unverified promises about permanent residency.
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