New Zealand to Draw Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota Resident Visas

Immigration New Zealand will conduct the ballot draw for the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota Resident Visas on May 20, 2026, with results to be published by May 29. A new annual income threshold of NZD $55,404.96 applies to applicants with dependent children invited from this draw.

Immigration New Zealand has announced that the ballot draw for the Pacific Access Category (PAC) Resident Visa and Samoan Quota (SQ) Resident Visa will take place on May 20, 2026. These pathways acknowledge New Zealand's unique relationships with Samoa and other Pacific Access Category countries, offering opportunities for residence.

The results of the draw, including successful registrant reference numbers, are expected to be published on the Immigration New Zealand website by May 29, 2026. This year's quotas will allow for up to 1,100 Samoan, 250 Tongan, 250 Fijian, 75 Kiribati, and 75 Tuvaluan citizens to be invited to apply for residence. Ballot registrations can include multiple individuals, such as families applying together.

A significant update for this year's applicants is the introduction of a new minimum income requirement. Effective from April 30, 2026, those applying for residence under PAC and SQ with dependent children will need to meet an income threshold of NZD $55,404.96 a year. This measure aims to ensure that parents can adequately support their dependents in New Zealand. The income of a secondary applicant partner may also be considered, provided both applicants have an acceptable offer of employment within New Zealand.

Invited registrants will receive a formal letter with detailed instructions on how to apply for their resident visa. Applicants must submit their New Zealand residence application within eight months of receiving this invitation.

While these specific visa categories are for Pacific Island nations, Filipino professionals, skilled workers, and families contemplating migration to New Zealand should observe these policy updates. Changes in income thresholds and application requirements, particularly concerning dependent children, reflect broader trends in New Zealand's immigration settings. Understanding these adjustments can provide insights for Filipinos planning their own migration pathways or for community organizations and advisors supporting Filipino migrants and prospective residents in New Zealand.