What is the eligibility criteria?
To be considered for the pilot there were eligibility criteria that Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers, their families and their employer were required to meet.
Checklist: worker eligibility criteria
1. Employer approval
Workers participating in the family accompaniment pilot had to meet the eligibility criteria and have the support of their employer. The employer applied on behalf of the worker.
2. Long-term worker
The worker must be a long-term PALM scheme worker that either:
- had been in Australia for at least 10 months on their current contract when they applied, or
- be a returning long-term worker to the same employer.
The worker must have at least 18 months remaining on their visa.
3. Good track record
Workers cannot be on a probationary period or on a performance management plan.
4. Selected countries
Only workers from Fiji, Kiribati, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Vanuatu could apply.
Checklist: family eligibility criteria
1. Immediate family
Only immediate family members are eligible to come to Australia under the pilot. This means a spouse or de facto partner of the worker and dependent children as defined by Australia’s migration legislation. This information will be verified as part of the visa application process.
Spouse
- an individual lawfully married to another individual.
De facto partner
A de facto relationship is one where you and your partner are not legally married to each other but:
- you are committed to a shared life excluding all others
- your relationship is genuine and continuing
- you live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis
- you are not related by family.
Dependent children
To be eligible, the child must:
- be a child or a stepchild from a current or previous relationship
- not be married, engaged to be married, or have a de facto partner
- be either:
- under 18 years of age, or
- over 18 but under 23 and be dependent on the PALM scheme worker or partner. A child is considered dependent if wholly or substantially reliant on the PALM scheme worker or partner for their basic needs, or
- over 23 but unable to earn a living to support themselves due to physical or cognitive limitations and dependent on the PALM scheme worker or partner. The child will need to meet Australia’s visa health requirements, or
- a child of a dependent child.
2. English language skills
The spouse or de facto partner of the worker must have basic or beginner English language skills.
3. Visa requirements
All family members need to meet Australia's visa requirements.
4. Pre-departure briefing
The spouse or de facto partner of the worker must participate in a pre-departure briefing prior to leaving their home country.