Joint Media Release
Australian High Commission and the Government of Tuvalu
Groundbreaking Falepili Mobility Pathway visa ballot reopens for Tuvaluans
The Falepili Mobility Pathway visa ballot reopens for Tuvaluan citizens on 1 May 2026.
Today, 16 April 2026, the Australian High Commission and the Government of Tuvalu are pleased to announce that the second ballot for the Falepili Mobility Pathway will open to online registrations from Tuvaluan citizens on 1 May 2026, closing 1 June 2026.
This second program year (2026-27) will again offer up to 280 visa places via an electronic ballot system. Tuvaluans who register in the ballot will have an equal chance of being selected to apply for a Falepili visa.
The Falepili Mobility Pathway Support Service will be available for program participants to support them to understand the visa process, find employment and deliver important predeparture and mobilisation support.
The Service provides additional supports to promote mobility with dignity, including connecting visa holders with key services in Australia such as Medicare and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It also provides assistance to help find appropriate housing, enrol children in schools, all contributing towards positive settlement outcomes in Australia.
There was strong interest in the inaugural ballot and we are pleased that more than 100 people have now moved to Australia. We are already seeing the ways Tuvaluans are making the pathway work for them, their families and their communities in Tuvalu.
The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty is continuing to deliver for the people of Tuvalu and Australia, and is a strong example of what we can achieve when we work together.
Quote attributable to Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, The Hon Feleti P. Teo OBE:
For the second year, the Falepili Mobility Pathway provides Tuvaluans with an exceptional opportunity to live, work and study in Australia and to bring back new skills, experience, and income to further Tuvalu’s development.
Quote attributable to Australia’s High Commissioner to Tuvalu, H.E. David Charlton:
As we approach the second year of the Falepili Mobility Pathway, it’s a great opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the success of the inaugural year. As the Prime Minister has said, this is not just about one way traffic. The circular nature of the program provides a great opportunity for Tuvaluans to strengthen their skills and diversify economic opportunities.
More information of the Falepili Mobility Pathway is available at:
Department of Home Affairs Website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/pacific-engagement/subclass-192-treaty-stream/ballot-registration/overview
The Falepili Mobility Pathway Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/falepilimobilitypathway
The Government of Tuvalu’s Media Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tuvalugovernmentmedia
The Falepili Union Treaty: https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-tuvalu-falepili-union-treaty.pdf