How It Works
Ballot First, Then Apply
The Pacific Access Category (PAC) works differently from most residence pathways. You do not apply directly for residence — instead, you first register for the annual ballot. If your name is drawn, you then have a set window to find a job offer in New Zealand and lodge a residence application.
The ballot is free to enter and is open to eligible citizens of Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji. Each country has its own annual quota. Being drawn in the ballot does not guarantee residence — you must still meet all eligibility requirements and secure a valid job offer.
PAC vs Samoan Quota
The Pacific Access Category applies to Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji. Samoa has a separate but similar pathway — the Samoan Quota — with its own ballot and quota. Both are administered by INZ annually. Contact us if you are a Samoan citizen for advice on the Samoan Quota specifically.
Annual Quotas
Places Available by Country
Each eligible country has a fixed annual quota. Places include the principal applicant and their family members — so the number of individuals admitted per year is higher than the quota number.
| Country | Annual Quota (Principal Applicants) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇴 Tonga | 250 | Largest PAC quota; strong historical migration ties to NZ |
| 🇫🇯 Fiji | 250 | Equal largest quota; broad eligibility across Fijian citizens |
| 🇰🇮 Kiribati | 75 | Smaller population; quota not always fully utilised |
| 🇹🇻 Tuvalu | 75 | Smallest Pacific nation with PAC access; most competitive per capita |
Quota Includes Family Members
The quota numbers above refer to principal applicants (ballot winners). Each principal applicant can include their partner and dependent children in the residence application — so the total number of people admitted is significantly higher than the quota figure alone.
Eligibility
Who Can Enter the Ballot
To register for the PAC ballot and to have a successful residence application, you must meet all of the following requirements.
Eligible Citizenship
You must be a citizen of Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, or Fiji. New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents are not eligible. Dual citizenship with an eligible country qualifies.
Age Requirement
You must be between 18 and 45 years of age at the time of ballot registration. Children and partners included in the application are not subject to this age limit.
Job Offer in New Zealand
After a successful ballot draw, you must obtain a genuine offer of employment in New Zealand. The role must be for at least 30 hours per week. The job offer must exist at the time of lodging your residence application.
English Language
You must demonstrate a minimum level of English — at least IELTS 4.0 (or equivalent). This is a lower threshold than most other residence pathways but must be evidenced. Citizens of countries where English is an official language may be exempt.
Health Requirements
You and all included family members must meet INZ’s health standards. Medical examinations — including chest X-ray and general health checks — are required. Certain health conditions may need a medical waiver.
Good Character
You must meet INZ’s character requirements. Police clearance certificates are required from every country where you have lived for 5 or more years since turning 17. Certain criminal convictions may affect eligibility.
Documents
What to Prepare
Once drawn in the ballot, you have a fixed window to lodge your residence application. Having documents ready in advance means you can move quickly when a ballot draw is successful.
Prepare Before the Ballot
Police certificates and medical examinations take time. We advise clients to begin gathering documents before each ballot draw so that if successful, nothing is holding the application back. The residence window after a ballot draw is limited.
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship cert)
- Any current NZ visa
- Birth certificate
- Marriage / relationship certificate
- Passport-sized photos
- Signed employment offer letter
- Employment agreement (signed)
- Role description & hours confirmation
- Employer contact details
- Employer NZBN (business registration)
- Payslips if already working in NZ
- Partner’s passport & birth certificate
- Children’s passports & birth certificates
- Proof of dependency (children 17–24)
- Relationship evidence (partner)
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- Children’s school records (if in NZ)
- INZ medical examination results
- Chest X-ray (all applicants 11+)
- Police certificate (all relevant countries)
- IELTS / equivalent English test (min 4.0)
- OR English language exemption evidence
- Certified translations (non-English docs)
Our Process
How We Help You Through PAC
The PAC ballot is free to enter — but getting through from a successful ballot draw to a granted residence visa requires preparation, speed, and accurate documentation. We support you through every stage.
Eligibility Check & Ballot Registration
We confirm you meet all PAC eligibility criteria and register you for the annual ballot correctly. Errors in registration can result in disqualification — we ensure every detail is accurate before submission.
Pre-Ballot Document Preparation
We advise you to begin gathering documents before the ballot draw — medical examinations, police certificates, and English test results all take time. Being prepared means you can move immediately if drawn, without losing weeks to paperwork.
Job Search Strategy
After a successful ballot draw, finding a genuine job offer quickly is critical. We advise on what constitutes a valid job offer under PAC requirements, what sectors are most accessible, and how to present yourself to NZ employers as a PAC-eligible candidate.
Residence Application Preparation
We prepare your full residence application once a job offer is secured — ensuring all documents are complete, correctly certified, and properly presented. Family member applications are coordinated simultaneously.
Lodgement & INZ Liaison
We lodge your application and manage all communication with INZ. Any requests for further information are handled promptly. We track the application to approval and advise you at each milestone.
Residence Approval & Settlement
Once your residence is granted, we explain your conditions, travel rights, and the pathway to a Permanent Resident Visa. We also advise on bringing additional family members to New Zealand in the future if your circumstances change.
FAQ
Common Questions
When does the PAC ballot open each year?
The ballot registration period is announced by INZ annually — typically opening in the second half of the year. The specific dates change each year. We monitor INZ announcements and notify our PAC clients when registration opens so they do not miss the window.
Can I enter the ballot more than once?
Yes. If you are not drawn in one year’s ballot, you can re-register for subsequent years — provided you still meet the eligibility requirements (particularly the age limit of 45). There is no limit on the number of times you can register. Each year is a fresh draw.
Do I need a job offer before entering the ballot?
No. You register for the ballot first — no job offer is needed at that stage. If you are drawn, you then have time to secure an offer and lodge your residence application. However, we strongly advise beginning your job search before the ballot draw so you are ready to move quickly if successful.
What counts as a valid job offer for PAC?
The job must be genuine, based in New Zealand, and offer at least 30 hours of work per week. The employer must be a legitimate NZ business. The role does not need to be skilled — PAC does not have a skill level requirement, unlike the Accredited Employer Work Visa. We advise on whether a specific offer meets INZ’s requirements before you lodge.
I am a Samoan citizen — can I use PAC?
No. The Pacific Access Category is not open to Samoan citizens. Samoa has its own separate ballot pathway — the Samoan Quota — with a larger annual allocation (1,100 places). The Samoan Quota works in a similar way to PAC. Contact us for specific advice on the Samoan Quota if you are a Samoan citizen.
Can my partner and children come with me?
Yes. Your partner (married, civil union, or de facto) and dependent children can be included in your PAC residence application. They do not need to meet the age, employment, or English requirements independently — they are assessed as dependants. Each family member adds to the count against the country quota.
Get Started
Ready to Enter the PAC Ballot?
We’ll confirm your eligibility, prepare your ballot registration, and have you ready to move the moment your name is drawn. Don’t wait until the ballot opens — preparation starts now.
