If you or your family are hoping to move from the Pacific to New Zealand, today is a massive day. On 20 May 2026, Immigration New Zealand officially draws the ballots for both the Pacific Access Category (PAC) and the Samoan Quota (SQ) Resident Visas.
These special programmes give citizens of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, and Tuvalu a direct pathway to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently. Let's break down exactly what happens next, what you need to qualify, and how to prepare if your name is drawn.
How Many Places Are Available This Year?
To keep things fair, New Zealand sets an annual residency quota for each eligible country. Here's how the 2026 places break down, along with the base visa application fees:
| Country | Quota Places | Visa Application Cost (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Samoa (Samoan Quota) | 1,100 | NZD $820 |
| Tonga | 250 | NZD $1,389 |
| Fiji | 250 | NZD $1,389 |
| Kiribati | 75 | NZD $1,389 |
| Tuvalu | 75 | NZD $1,389 |
When Will the Results Be Published?
The ballots are being drawn today, but the official successful reference numbers will be published on the Immigration New Zealand website by 29 May 2026.
If your ballot number is selected, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) letter shortly after. This is your official green light to submit a formal residence visa application.
⚠️ Crucial Deadline: You must submit your official visa application within 8 months of receiving your invitation letter. Miss this deadline and your spot is lost — it cannot be recovered or extended.
What You Need to Get Your Visa
Being drawn in the ballot is just step one. To successfully secure your New Zealand Resident Visa, you must meet the following rules:
1. A Valid Job Offer
You (or your partner) must have a genuine, full-time job offer in New Zealand that lasts at least 12 months. Your employer must be in good standing and not appear on any immigration or labour-standards stand-down list.
Under the 2026 AEWV employer compliance rules, employers face strict site checks and audits — so working for a properly Accredited Employer matters more than ever.
2. The Minimum Income Rules
How much you must earn depends on whether you have dependent children:
- With dependent children: combined household income of at least NZD $55,404.96 per year (updated 30 April 2026). You can combine your income with your partner's, provided both of you hold valid job offers.
- Without dependent children: you must be paid at least the adult minimum wage of NZD $23.95/hour (effective 1 April 2026).
3. English Language, Health, and Character
- English: You must be able to speak, read, and understand English. An immigration officer may interview you to confirm this.
- Health: You and your family must complete medical exams and chest X-rays (less than 3 months old when submitted).
- Character: Anyone aged 17 or older in your application must provide police certificates (less than 6 months old).
Long-Term Benefits of the Resident Visa
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa. You must enter New Zealand within 3 months, and your family must arrive within 12 months. Before boarding, complete your digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) within 24 hours of starting your journey.
The resident visa gives you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. From there:
- After 2 years of living in NZ on this visa, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
- After 5 years of continuous residence, you'll be eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship.
Other Big 2026 Immigration Updates
If you're already on a temporary work visa or planning to bring family over, several other major changes have landed in 2026:
- Sponsoring Parents (Parent Boost & Parent Category): Sponsorship and income thresholds updated on 30 April 2026, linked to the new median wage of NZD $35.00/hour. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa lets you bring parents for up to 5 years, but you must meet specific sponsorship-income rules or have them self-fund. Use our Parent Income Sponsorship Calculator to check.
- 2026 Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Reforms: From 24 August 2026, the new 6-point Pillar system launches — including a Trades & Technician Pathway for migrants with Level 4 qualifications and 4 years' experience.
- New Digital Visa Portal: From 1 June 2026, most temporary family visas (Partner, Dependent Child) move to an enhanced online portal with smart forms and passport-scanning technology.
Quick Reference: 2026 PAC / SQ Eligibility
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ballot draw date | 20 May 2026 |
| Successful numbers published by | 29 May 2026 |
| Time to submit application after ITA | 8 months |
| Job offer required | Full-time, 12+ months, accredited employer |
| Income (with children) | NZD $55,404.96 / year combined |
| Income (no children) | At least NZD $23.95/hour |
| Medical certificates | Less than 3 months old |
| Police certificates | Less than 6 months old (age 17+) |
| Entry to NZ | Within 3 months of visa grant |
| Family entry | Within 12 months |
Need Help?
If your name was drawn — or you're preparing job contracts and worried about the strict 2026 compliance rules — our IAA Licensed Immigration Advisers can review your paperwork before you submit.
Book a free 15-minute consultation on WhatsApp and we'll help you turn that ballot win into a successful residence outcome.
Good luck to every Pacific family entering this year's draw. 🌺