On April 1, 2026, Immigration New Zealand announced that registrations have opened for the 2026 Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category.
The Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category are longstanding visa categories that allow people from the Pacific to become permanent residents in New Zealand. Both schemes operate through an annual ballot.
This year, up to 1100 Samoan citizens, 250 Tongan and 250 Fijian citizens and 75 Kiribati and 75 Tuvaluan citizens will be invited to apply for New Zealand residence. Prospective applicants can register for the annual ballot online.
The 2026 Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category ballots will close on April 30, 2026 at 17:00 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST).
The Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota draw takes place on May 20, 2026.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.