The Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC for Subclass 600 (Visitor) Visa Applications—Pacific Australia Card Holders) Specification 2025 (LIN 25/007) was issued under subparagraph 1236(2)(a)(iv) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994. The instrument, which commences on 22 March 2025, specifies that holders of a valid Pacific Australia Card (PAC) who apply for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in either the Tourist stream or Business Visitor stream while outside Australia will have a nil first instalment of the Visa Application Charge (VAC).

Purpose and Implementation

• The PAC is issued by the Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) to key leaders from Pacific Island Forum countries and territories, excluding New Zealand.
• The initiative aligns with Australia’s migration strategy, aiming to strengthen people-to-people ties in the Indo-Pacific and facilitate travel for Pacific leaders.
• PAC holders applying for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa outside Australia will be exempt from paying the standard VAC ($195) unless applying in the course of representing a foreign government.

Consultation and Regulatory Compliance

• Whole-of-government consultation was undertaken, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Finance, and Department of Treasury.
• The instrument supports the Government’s Migration Strategy (December 2023), which emphasizes deeper regional connections.
• The Office of Impact Analysis (OIA) determined that a detailed regulatory impact analysis was not required.
• The instrument is exempt from disallowance under section 42 of the Legislation Act 2003, as per section 10 of the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015.

Key Provisions

• Eligibility Criteria (Section 5): To qualify for the nil VAC, the applicant must:
  1. Hold a valid Pacific Australia Card.
  2. Apply for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in the Tourist stream or Business Visitor stream.
  3. Be outside Australia at the time of application.
• Applicants who do not meet these conditions must pay the relevant VAC under subitem 1236(2) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994.

This initiative underscores the Australian Government’s commitment to regional engagement and economic cooperation, promoting seamless travel arrangements for key Pacific stakeholders.

Source: Migration-Class-of-persons-for-NIL-VAC-for-sc600-visitor-visa-applications—pacific-Australia-Card-holders-Specification-2025.pdf 

and Migration-Class-of-persons-for-NIL-NVAC-for-sc600—-Pacific-Australia-Card-holders-specification-2025—-explanatory-statement.pdf