Print this page
On this page

The Australian Government provides a wide range of support services and benefits to Pacific Engagement Visa holders to help with the cost of studying, training and raising a family in Australia.

As permanent residents, you and your family can live, work and study anywhere in Australia. 

You and your family will have access to Australia’s universal public health system (Medicare), Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), government-funded schools, and Commonwealth-supported university places. 

The Australian Government is providing a range of services to help you settle in Australia through the:

You will have normal waiting periods waived for a range of Australian Government benefits and payments. To receive these payments, you will still need to meet the other eligibility criteria. These benefits and payments are:

You will also have access to the below loans to help you study if you meet eligibility criteria: 

Settleme​nt support

Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program

Starting a new life in a new country is a challenge. Newly arrived migrants often need extra help and support to connect and stay engaged in their new community.

The Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program provides PEV holders with free settlement-related information, advice, advocacy and help to engage with and use mainstream and other relevant services.

SETS activities can include, for example, employment readiness sessions, digital literacy support, homework clubs, conversational English classes, health workshops, delivering training and information on Australian laws, values and sources of support to address a range of settlement issues, driver training classes and activities to reduce social isolation.

To find your local SETS provider, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.

Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)

Learning English will help you to fully participate in life in Australia. You will learn new skills that help you work and make friends. ​ Pacific Engagement Visa holders have access to the free Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) when you arrive in Australia, if eligible.

Flexible learning options are available, including:

  • face-to-face classes including full-time, part-time, evening and weekend classes
  • online for free at AMEPOnline, or on the new app available on the App Store or Google Play
  • distance learning

If you have children under school age, free childcare can be arranged while you attend classes. 

You must register for the AMEP within six months of arrival, start your course within 12 months and complete your course within 5 years. If you have completed an ‘English Language Undertaking’ form, you will need to enrol in AMEP when you arrive in Australia, if eligible. 

Find out more about the AMEP and your eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)

TIS National services are available anywhere in Australia 24 hours a day, every day of the year – just call 131 450 and say the language you need. 

TIS National can offer services in some Pacific languages. Using a professional, certified interpreter improves understanding, access, and quality of service. 

TIS National provides interpreting services to a wide range of agencies and businesses throughout Australia. TIS National can connect to our registered agency clients including:  

  • state and federal government departments – including Home Affairs
  • utility companies
  • telecommunication companies
  • emergency services
  • legal services
  • settlement and community service providers.

The Free Interpreting Service is delivered by TIS National to eligible agency groups. The services you can access that are part of the FIS include: private medical practitioners, pharmacies, real estate agencies, city/shire councils, registered trade unions, parliamentarians, eligible non-government organisations (for approved casework and emergency services) and eligible allied health professionals (in selected LGAs).

If you need a free interpreter, you can call TIS National or ask your eligible service provider to organise one for you.

 

Free Translating Service

TIS National also delivers the Free Translating Service. This service is available to PEV holders and visa people settling permanently in Australia. 

If your personal documents are not in English, you can request up to 10 free document translations within the first 2 years of an eligible visa grant date.

Having personal documents is an essential first step for many migrants settling in Australia to help you access other key support services. 

Find out more about any of the services delivered by TIS National, including the Free Interpreting Service and the Free Translating Service by visiting the TIS National website.

Government payments and concessions 

If you are granted a Pacific Engagement (subclass 192) visa, you may be eligible for some payments and concessions. These can include Child Care Subsidy, Family Tax Benefit, Austudy and Youth Allowance (Student and Australian Apprentice). 

Medicare is Australia’s universal health care system. Medicare helps to cover part or all of the costs of medicines, medical services, and hospital care for Australians and eligible migrants. To find out what is covered (and not covered) by Medicare, visit the Medicare website. 

As a Pacific Engagement Visa holder, you will be eligible to enrol in Medicare once you arrive in Australia on the Services Australia website.

You can also find information in your language on the Services Australia website.

Your children may also be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) – if eligible, you will receive a letter advising you of this. 

Detailed information about the CDBS can be found on the Services Australia website - Child Dental Benefits Schedule - Services Australia.

It is important to check CDBS eligibility and balance before you book your children in for a dental visit. 

Under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, or PBS, the Australian Government subsidises the cost of medicine for most medical conditions. The PBS is a scheme that is available to all Australian residents who hold a current Medicare card. When you visit the pharmacist, you will need to provide your Medicare card.

Find out more about the Scheme on the PBS website.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a payment from the Australian Government to help with the costs of raising children. You may be eligible for FTB if you have your children with you in Australia. Only families earning below a certain income are eligible for FTB.

There are two parts to Family Tax Benefit: 

  • FTB Part A is paid per child 
  • FTB Part B is extra help to single parents or families with one main income. 

If you are eligible, how much you will get depends on your family’s circumstances, for example how much your family earns, whether your children are up to date with their immunisations and how old your children are.

If you get Family Tax Benefit, you may also be eligible for Rent Assistance, Multiple Birth Allowance and the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement.

Find out more about Family Tax Benefit, including the full eligibility criteria, on the Services Australia website. You can also find information in your language on the Services Australia website.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment to help families with the cost of childcare.

If you are eligible, CCS is paid directly to the approved provider or preschools your children may attend. This reduces the amount you have to pay. CCS does not cover the total cost of childcare. You will usually need to pay a portion of the fees. 

You may also get CCS if your children attend before or after school care. 

The amount of CCS you get depends on a number of things, such as how much your family earns, what type of childcare you use, and how old your children are. 

Find out more about Child Care Subsidy, including the full eligibility criteria, on the Services Australia website. You can also find information in your language on the Services Australia website.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) has 4 different loan schemes that provide financial support to tertiary level students. 

  • Student contributions (HECS-HELP)
  • Tuition fees (FEE-HELP) 
  • Student service and amenities fees (SA-HELP)
  • Overseas study expenses (OS-HELP).

Find out more about HELP loans on the Department of Education website.

The VET Student Loan (VSL) program helps eligible students pay tuition fees for approved vocational education and training (VET) courses. You must be studying for a diploma or higher qualification. Find out more about VET student loans on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.

You must repay the loan once your income reaches a certain level via deductions from your pay.

More information about repaying study and training support loans is available on the Australian Taxation Office website 

Youth Allowance is a payment from the Australian Government available to young people who are students or apprentices. 

Find out more about Youth Allowance for Students and Australian Apprentices, including the full eligibility criteria, on the Services Australia website.

Austudy provides financial support for people aged 25 or older studying an approved course or doing an Australian Apprenticeship. You must meet income test requirements, and how much you get is determined by your earnings.

Find out more about Austudy, including the full eligibility criteria, on the Services Australia website.