Recruitment and immigration for employers and job seekers.
GRIA is now part of Hire Australia.
Last updated 29 October 2026
GRIA has merged with Hire Australia. Hire Australia now handles recruitment, registration and enquiries. Australian Immigration Agency (AIA) is our immigration partner.
Country guide
Hiring talent from Fiji and the Pacific Islands
This guide outlines occupation areas and practical checks when considering candidates from Fiji and the Pacific Islands. Availability and suitability depend on the individual and the role.
Hire Australia now handles recruitment following the GRIA merger. Its recruiters run the search and send employers a shortlist. AIA advises on immigration requirements where sponsorship is needed.
15%one fixed recruitment fee, excluding super, plus GST
15+years of migration experience at AIA
MARAregistered migration agents handle the visa
Experience and skills
Occupation areas to discuss
Skilled and professional
Nurses, teachers, engineers, accountants and ICT professionals, assessed against Australian registration and skills requirements.
Care and support
Aged care and disability support roles, with qualifications and role readiness checked individually.
Hospitality
Cooks, food service workers, room attendants and other hospitality roles.
Agriculture
Farm and packhouse workers, sorting and machinery-support roles.
Trades and technical
Construction, maintenance and technical roles matched to the candidate's demonstrated skills and any licensing needs.
Before a shortlist becomes a hire
Check English and qualifications
English is used in Fiji, but language backgrounds vary across the Pacific and between candidates. Check the communication skills needed for the role, safety procedures and workplace documentation.
Review each person's vocational training and experience. Do not treat overseas training or a care-course description as automatic equivalence to an Australian qualification. Identify any additional role or licensing requirements.
Evidence worth reviewing
- Qualifications, transcripts and relevant training
- Employment history and role-specific experience
- Professional registration or trade licences, where needed
- English communication and any required test evidence
- Current work rights and proposed work location
What it takes
Steps specific to hiring from the Pacific
PALM scheme
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme lets approved employers hire workers from 9 Pacific islands and Timor-Leste: short-term for up to 9 months, or long-term for 1 to 4 years. The first step is temporary activity sponsorship. Our aged care hiring guide covers PALM alongside other options.
Pacific Engagement visa
Citizens of participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste can be selected in a ballot for this permanent visa. Applicants need an offer of employment in Australia, which they can provide after they apply.
Lower 482 visa cost
From 1 July 2026, a lower Skills in Demand (482) visa application cost applies to eligible citizens of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and other listed Pacific countries and Timor-Leste.
Trade skills assessment
For trades such as electricians, carpenters, fitters, cooks and chefs, Fijian passport holders are on the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) list for the Skills in Demand (482) visa. Where this assessment is mandatory, it must be started before the visa application is lodged.
How it works
Plan the match, visa and start
Brief the recruiter
Explain the duties, location, qualifications and practical skills needed. Discuss what the role offers and the candidate's preferences without assuming relocation or long-term intent. Our guide to eligible occupations and roles covers what to prepare.
Check immigration options
After a job match, AIA checks visa eligibility. Skills in Demand (482), Employer Nomination Scheme (186) or a regional pathway may be relevant, subject to the requirements. See the overview of visa pathways and Home Affairs’ current processing times.
Prepare for the workplace
Agree the onboarding needed for local systems, safety, communication and role expectations. Confirm qualifications, registration and work rights before the person starts.
Your questions
Country-specific planning
General information is a starting point. AIA can check the requirements for your circumstances.
What should we check early?
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a separate programme with its own employer and worker requirements. Ask AIA to check whether it is relevant to the proposed hire and whether other visa options are available. A PALM placement is not an automatic pathway to Skills in Demand (482).
What will the visa work cost?
Migration fees are quoted case by case by AIA, in writing. Government fees are charged separately by the Australian Government. Ask AIA for a current eligibility check and written quote for the proposed case.
Can candidates register from this country?
Candidates can register free with Hire Australia, then apply for jobs or join the talent pool. Registration does not guarantee a job, sponsorship or a visa.
Where can I compare other country guides?
See the global talent countries overview for all seven guides.
Official sources
The rules on this page come from these official pages. Requirements change, so check the current version before you act.
- PALM scheme: Employers Australian Government, PALM scheme
- Pacific Engagement visa (subclass 192) Department of Home Affairs
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): Core Skills stream Department of Home Affairs
- Temporary Skills Shortage Program Nominated Occupations, Countries and SARs Trades Recognition Australia
Discuss the skills your team needs
Tell Hire Australia about the role and the work location. Its recruiters will help assess the available candidates.
