Resident visas for Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga and Fiji nationals
New Zealand has a special relationship with the Pacific countries of Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. To recognise this, we run two ballots that can lead to residence for some citizens from these countries.
Samoan Quota Resident Visa
The Samoan Quota allows some people from Samoa to become residents in New Zealand. Samoan citizens aged 18 to 45 can apply.
Registering for the ballot
If you would like to apply for the Samoan Quota Resident Visa, you need to register for the ballot. The ballot takes place each year.
Registrations for the ballot can contain more than 1 person, for example, if a family are included under the same registration.
If your registration is selected in the ballot, we will send you a letter with an invitation to apply for the Samoan Quota Resident Visa. This letter will include information about how to apply.
The successful ballot reference numbers are also published on our website.
If you are unsuccessful in the ballot, you can register again next year.
Guides in English and Samoan
Guides and flyers to help you register for the ballot are available in English and Samoan.
Applying for residency
You must apply for New Zealand residency within 8 months — the latest date you can submit your application will be shown on your invitation to apply.
Successful applicants in the ballot may qualify for residency if they or their partner receive a genuine offer of employment from a New Zealand company or organisation.
Pacific Access Category Resident Visa
The Pacific Access Category allows some citizens of Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga and Fiji to become residents in New Zealand. It is open for citizens of Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga and Fiji aged 18 to 45 to apply.
Registering for the ballot
If you would like to apply for the Pacific Access Category Resident Visa, you need to register for the ballot. The ballot takes place each year.
Registrations for the ballot can contain more than 1 person, for example, if a family are included under the same registration.
If your registration is selected in the ballot, we will send you a letter with an invitation to apply for a Pacific Category Resident Visa. This letter will include information about how to apply.
The successful ballot reference numbers are also published on our website.
If you are unsuccessful in the ballot, you can register again next year.
Guides in English and Pacific languages
Guides and flyers to help you register for the ballot are available in English and several Pacific languages.
Applying for residency
You must apply for New Zealand residency within 8 months — the latest date you can submit your application will be shown on your invitation to apply.
Successful applicants in the ballot may qualify for residency if they or their partner receive a genuine offer of employment from a New Zealand company or organisation.