This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements directly with the Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA) before applying. Last updated: 14 September 2026.
To meet png evisa work permit requirements, workers and students must submit distinct document sets via the ICA Sponsor Portal at evisa.ica.gov.pg. Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks, and fees including the Migration Service Fee must be paid together at submission. Work authorisation is tied to a specific employer.
Eligibility and Required Documents for PNG eVisa Work Permits
Employment Visa eligibility requires good character, medical clearance, financial proof, qualifications, and an IPA-registered sponsor. The Employment Visa targets individuals intending to engage in paid employment in Papua New Guinea. Employers must also demonstrate the position cannot be filled by a local candidate and provide evidence of training or proven ability to train the local workforce (certified training certificates or references detailing training delivered).
Applicants must prepare the following documents for digital upload:
- Valid passport – minimum 6 months validity from date of entry (copy of bio page)
- Recent coloured passport-sized photo (digital format)
- Signed employment contract (signed by both employer and employee)
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Medical Examination Report
- Completed and signed New Work Permit Application (Form 1)
- Job Description
- Letter from PNG-based sponsor
- Company Structure / Organisational Structure
- IPA certificate (if applicable)
- PNG Professional Registration (if applicable)
- Maintenance Guarantee Bond
Common mistakes that trigger rejection:
- ❌ Invalid passport scan → ✅ Submit clear colour scan of bio page
- ❌ Missing IPA certificate from employer → ✅ Confirm employer is IPA-registered before applying
- ❌ Paying MSF and Work Permit fee separately on MICA → ✅ Pay fees together at submission (per ICSA: “Do not pay on MICA for a separate receipt”)
- ❌ Outdated medical examination → ✅ Arrange medicals concurrent with work permit lodgement
- ❌ Incomplete Maintenance Guarantee Bond → ✅ Confirm bond amount and format with ICA before submission
Student Entry Permits vs Employment Visas: Key Differences
The png evisa work permit requirements distinguish between workers holding a formal employment offer from a PNG-based employer, and students enrolled at a recognised educational institution. ICSA does not publish student-specific document checklists, fees, or processing timeline. Student applicants should contact ICA directly at [email protected] or via ica.gov.pg.
Known student requirements include an acceptance or enrollment letter from a PNG-accredited institution, valid passport (6+ months), digital passport photo, proof of financial means for study duration, academic certificates, and health insurance (recommended; verify with ICA). The sponsoring institution submits via the ICA Sponsor Portal.
| Feature | Employment Visa (Worker) | Student Entry Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Paid employment in Papua New Guinea | Full-time study at a PNG institution |
| Sponsor | IPA-registered employer | Accredited educational institution |
| Key document | Signed employment contract + Job Description | Acceptance / enrollment letter |
| Work rights | Full authorisation, tied to specific employer | Not automatic; verify with ICA |
| Financial requirement | Maintenance Guarantee Bond (employer-submitted) | Proof of financial means for study duration |
| Processing time | 4-6 weeks standard | Verify directly with ICA |
| Maximum validity | Up to 2 years (renewable) | Verify directly with ICA |
| Visa fee | PGK 100 (visa component) | Not published; contact ICA |
| Application portal | ICA Sponsor Portal | ICA Sponsor Portal (institution-sponsored) |
A PNG Student Entry Permit does not automatically grant work rights. Students must confirm any permitted work conditions with ICA before seeking paid employment.
Online Application Process and Fees via ICA Sponsor Portal
Applications must be submitted online through the ICA Sponsor Portal by the employer, not the applicant. Employer obligations include: registering with ICSA, holding IPA registration, demonstrating the position cannot be filled locally, preparing a sponsorship letter stating applicant details, duration of stay, flight details, and financial maintenance, and submitting the Maintenance Guarantee Bond. PNG Employment Agencies must be registered and licensed by the National Employment Services of the Department of Labour.
Employer logs in
Log in to the Sponsor Portal at https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/SponsorLogin.
Complete and sign Form 1
The New Work Permit Application, signed by both employer and employee.
Upload all required documents digitally
Including passport bio page scan, photo, contract, medical report, police clearance, and the Maintenance Guarantee Bond.
Pay the Work Permit fee and Migration Service Fee (MSF) together
Pay at submission. Fees are levied in US Dollars and converted into PNG Kina.
Submit and track status
Use the reference number issued by the portal. E-lodgement alternative: email [email protected].
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa fee | PGK 100 | Standalone visa component |
| 1-Year Work Permit + Visa | From K 4,300 | Government fees (approximate; verify with ICA) |
| 3-Year Work Permit + Visa | From K 9,300 | Government fees (approximate; verify with ICA) |
| Restricted Employment Visa (REV) | From K 1,700 | Short-term specialist work |
| MSF (Business Short-Term Multiple-Entry) | US$350 | Levied in USD, converted to PGK |
| Online Lodgement Fee | US$50 | If applicable |
| 1-Year WP Renewal + Visa Extension | From K 7,752 | Government fees |
| 3-Year WP Renewal + Visa Extension | From K 12,640 | Government fees |
| Filipino OEC Add-on | From K 6,598.75 | Mandatory for Filipino nationals (per ICSA public notice 10.03.2025) |
| Embassy & Admin Fee | K 150 | EU, Switzerland, Norway (Brussels embassy) |
Processing times: standard work permit 4-6 weeks (per Department of Labour); accelerated 3-4 weeks; full end-to-end process up to 3 months; REV approximately 10 working days.
Post-arrival requirements: all arrivals must submit the PNG Digital Arrival Card online up to 72 hours before arrival (mandatory per ICSA public notice dated 06.08.2026). Any change of circumstance during or after the application must be reported to ICA immediately and may affect visa eligibility or result in an additional MSF charge. Visa extensions can be processed in PNG without leaving the country, depending on visa type and personal circumstances.
Maintenance Guarantee Bond and Processing Timelines
The Maintenance Guarantee Bond is a corporate bank guarantee submitted by the PNG employer to ensure the worker does not become a financial burden on the state. It is filed together with the Employment Visa and Work Permit application and must be arranged by the sponsoring company, not the individual applicant. Confirm the exact bond format and amount with ICSA via ica.gov.pg before submission. It cannot be replaced with a personal bank statement.
The Restricted Employment Visa (REV) targets non-nationals with specialised or technical skills not available in Papua New Guinea. REV holders may stay a maximum of 30 days per visit, enter on a single-entry basis, and use up to 4 entries over a 12-month period. The png evisa work permit requirements do not permit extension or change of status for REV holders.
FAQ: PNG eVisa Work Permit Requirements
What documents do I need for a PNG work permit eVisa in 2026?
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a digital passport-sized photo, a signed employment contract, a Police Clearance Certificate, a Medical Examination Report, a completed Form 1, a job description, a sponsor letter, company structure documents, and a Maintenance Guarantee Bond. An IPA certificate may also be required.
What are the PNG eVisa requirements for international students?
Student requirements include an acceptance or enrollment letter from a PNG-accredited educational institution, a valid passport with 6 months validity, a digital passport photo, proof of financial means, and academic certificates. As ICSA does not detail student-specific documents, confirm requirements directly with ICA at [email protected] before applying.
Do I need a sponsor to apply for a PNG work permit eVisa?
Yes, a sponsor is mandatory. Your employer must be registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) and submit the application through the ICA Sponsor Portal. The sponsor must also provide a letter stating applicant details, duration of stay, flight details, and financial maintenance.
How long does it take to get a PNG work permit eVisa?
Standard processing time for a work permit is 4-6 weeks according to Department of Labour guidelines. Accelerated processing may take 3-4 weeks. The full end-to-end process, including work permit and visa issuance, can take up to 3 months. Restricted Employment Visas take approximately 10 working days.
How much does a PNG eVisa work permit cost?
The standalone Employment Visa fee is PGK 100. A 1-year Work Permit and Visa package starts from K 4,300 in government fees. The Migration Service Fee (MSF) and Work Permit fee must be paid together at submission. Fees are levied in US Dollars and converted into PNG Kina. Amounts are approximate; verify current fees with ICA.
Can international students work part-time in Papua New Guinea?
A PNG Student Entry Permit does not automatically grant work rights. Students must verify their eligibility for any paid employment directly with ICA before seeking work.
What is a Maintenance Guarantee Bond for PNG work permits?
It is a mandatory corporate bank guarantee submitted by the PNG employer to ICSA during the Employment Visa application. It confirms the sponsoring company will financially support the worker. It cannot be replaced with a personal bank statement.
Can I apply for a PNG work permit eVisa online from the UK?
Yes, but the employer or sponsor must submit the application through the ICA Sponsor Portal. Workers cannot apply directly. Alternatively, e-lodgement is available by emailing the required documents to [email protected].
Are there special requirements for Filipino nationals?
Yes. Per ICSA public notice dated 10.03.2025, Filipino nationals must purchase an OEC add-on alongside the Work Permit and Visa package. The government fee starts from K 6,598.75. Sponsors and employers should verify current requirements with ICA before applying.
What is the PNG Digital Arrival Card?
It is a mandatory online form that all arrivals must submit up to 72 hours before entering Papua New Guinea, per ICSA public notice dated 06.08.2026. Complete it online before your flight.
Can I convert a student visa to a work permit in PNG?
Change of status depends on visa type and personal circumstances. Some visa types, such as the Restricted Employment Visa, do not permit change of status. Contact ICA for guidance specific to your situation.
What is the Restricted Employment Visa (REV) for PNG?
A short-term visa for specialists with technical skills not available locally. Maximum stay: 30 days per visit, single entry, up to 4 entries per 12-month period. Government fee from K 1,700. Cannot be extended or changed to another visa type.
