Required Documents
-
Identity and citizenship: passport and valid official documents.
-
Job offer: employer contract/letter (based on category and required duration).
-
Financial support (if applicable): proof of funds or sponsorship depending on the case.
-
Health and character: certificates and/or exams if required by the category.
-
English: evidence according to the applicable standard.
Processing Time
Processing times vary by category and workload.
Recommendation: prepare documents in advance to avoid delays.
FORMS
The Samoan Quota (SQ) and Pacific Access Category (PAC) operate through a ballot (lottery). The first step is to register during the official registration period.
BULLETS
-
SQ Registration (Samoa): ballot for Samoan citizens.
-
PAC Registration (Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu): ballot for eligible countries.
-
Forms, guides, and application tracking are managed through the official portal
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR APPLICANTS
-
Not automatic: registering does not guarantee selection or approval.
-
Annual places: SQ up to 1,650 places / PAC up to 650 places (allocated by country).
-
Principal applicant age: 18 to 45.
-
NZ job offer: a key requirement (PAC: valid offer for at least 12 months).
-
You must meet health, character, and English requirements.
-
If your registration is selected, you receive an invitation to submit the formal application
These quotas aim to strengthen ties between New Zealand and Pacific nations. At the same time, community leaders have pointed out that the current system still creates high barriers. That’s why understanding the requirements and preparing your case early can make a real difference.
It is important that you scan this QR code and tell the New Zealand Government why it is essential to reduce barriers for Pacific peoples (for example, proposals such as a Visitor Visa on Arrival).
VISA
This section explains the application process for SQ and PAC in a simple way, including eligibility, documents, and steps. If you meet the requirements and are selected in the ballot, you can submit a formal residency application.
Visa Application Process
-
Register in the ballot during the official period.
-
Random selection by Immigration New Zealand.
-
Invitation to apply (if selected).
-
Formal application + verification of requirements and documents.
Benefits
-
Allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand.
-
In many cases, you can include your partner and dependent children in the process.
Eligibility
Samoan Quota (SQ)
Eligible country: Samoa
Places: up to 1,650 per year
Key requirements:
-
Age 18–45 (principal applicant)
-
A formal and sustainable job offer in New Zealand
-
Meet health, character, and English requirements
Pacific Access
Category (PAC)
Eligible countries: Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, and Tuvalu
Places: up to 650 per year (allocated by country)
Key requirements:
-
Age 18–45 (principal applicant)
-
A valid job offer (minimum 12 months)
-
Meet health, character, and English requirements
