PR Pathway via the Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192)
The Pacific Engagement Visa (subclass 192) is a direct permanent residence visa: if granted, you receive PR straight away without an intermediate temporary visa. It is a very specific stream, for eligible citizens of certain Pacific countries and Timor-Leste, selected through a ballot (random selection) combined with having a job offer in Australia. This article explains the pathway so the PR map is complete; it is not a lodgement guide and does not replace individual advice.
Who is this pathway for?
The 192 pathway is for citizens of the participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste, selected through the ballot and holding a valid job offer in Australia. Because the core condition is citizenship of a participating country, this stream usually does not apply to most general applicants.
We include 192 so the map of visa groups is complete — so you know this pathway exists and who it is for, even if it is not an option for you. If you are looking for a PR pathway and are not a citizen of a participating country, the skilled, sponsored or family streams in the PR overview map are more likely to suit.
Where it starts
The 192 pathway starts with citizenship of a participating country and registering for the ballot round. If you are not in this group of countries, the later steps do not apply. For that reason, the first thing to check is whether your country is on the participating list — this information is on the official Home Affairs page.
Steps to permanent residence
Step 1 — Register for the ballot. People eligible by citizenship register for the ballot during the registration window.
Step 2 — Be selected at random. Selection happens through the ballot (random selection). Registering does not guarantee selection.
Step 3 — Hold a job offer in Australia. Those selected need to meet the conditions, which include a requirement for a job offer in Australia.
Step 4 — Lodge the visa application. After selection, you lodge the formal 192 application with documents proving the conditions.
Step 5 — PR is granted. If the application is approved, you receive the 192 visa — a direct permanent visa.
Fees and figures to check
The fee and all the figures for the 192 pathway change over time, so this article does not state fixed figures. Check directly on the official Home Affairs page:
- The main application charge for the main applicant and the charge for accompanying dependants — check on Home Affairs.
- The program quota and the participating countries in the current round — check on Home Affairs.
- The ballot registration window and the application processing time — check the latest figures on Home Affairs.
Safety principle: because this is a round-based, quota-based program, do not rely on old information — always confirm the current round on the official source.
The deciding factors
The first deciding factor is citizenship: if you are not a citizen of a participating country, this pathway is not open. After that comes the luck of the ballot — registering does not mean being selected — and meeting the accompanying conditions such as the job offer. This is one of the few PR pathways with a random element at the selection stage, so it cannot be “planned with certainty” the way points-tested streams can.
Risks and common mistakes
- Assuming you are eligible when you are not a citizen of a participating country. This is the core condition — check it first.
- Thinking that registering guarantees selection. The ballot is random; have a backup plan.
- Missing the ballot registration window. The program opens in rounds; missing it means waiting for the next round.
- Relying on an old quota or country list. These change — confirm against the official source.
When to consult an RMA
If you are in the group of participating countries and are considering the 192 pathway, a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registered with OMARA can help confirm eligibility, prepare the job-offer documents and avoid deadline mistakes. If you are not eligible by citizenship, an RMA can also help you quickly determine that this stream is not suitable and move to more realistic pathways. An RMA assesses your actual circumstances — this article does not.
Learn more
- Map of Australian visa groups
- Overview map of the PR pathways
The 192 pathway is a direct PR stream but very specific by citizenship and with a ballot element. For many applicants it is not an option — but knowing it exists helps you see the PR map more fully. Always confirm the conditions against the official source.
Last updated: 13/06/2026. Migration rules change frequently — always check the official source.