Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota draw takes place on 24 July 2024

The PAC and SQ residence pathways recognise the special relationship between New Zealand and Samoa and the Pacific Access Category countries of Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Fiji.

This year 1,650 Samoan citizens, 250 Tongan, 250 Fijian citizens, 75 Kiribati and 75 Tuvaluan citizens will be granted residence under each category.

Sufficient registrations in the ballot will be drawn to meet these quotas. Registrations for the ballots can contain more than one person, for example if a family are included under the same registration.

New income threshold

The minimum income requirement for those applying for residence under PAC and SQ with dependent children will be NZD$53,515.28 from 1 August 2024.

This will apply to those who are invited to apply for residence following this ballot draw. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that parents can adequately support children in New Zealand. The income of a secondary applicant partner may also be considered, as long as both applicants have an acceptable offer of employment in New Zealand.