Key Points
- New Zealand opened the 2025 Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category ballots for permanent residency.
- Applications are open to eligible Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, and Tuvalu citizens.
- The ballots will close on April 30, 2025.
Overview
New Zealand has officially opened the 2025 Pacific Access Category (PAC) and Samoan Quota residency ballots, offering a pathway for eligible Pacific Island nationals to apply for permanent residence. These programs are part of New Zealand’s long-standing commitment to Pacific nations and aim to strengthen regional ties while addressing labor market needs.
Under the 2025 intake, up to 1,650 Samoan citizens may be granted residence through the Samoan Quota. Meanwhile, 250 citizens from Tonga and Fiji and 75 from Kiribati and Tuvalu may be granted residence through the Pacific Access Category. These applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age, health, character, and English language requirements.
Applicants selected from the ballots will be invited to submit full residence applications. Entry into the ballot is a critical first step and must be completed by April 30, 2025. This initiative reinforces New Zealand’s commitment to managed migration, regional partnership, and providing equitable access to permanent immigration pathways.
Looking Ahead
Pacific Islanders interested in these pathways should submit their ballot entries before the April 30, 2025, deadline. Employers looking to support Pacific nationals through employment-based migration routes should stay informed on eligibility and selection processes. As demand for labor continues across various sectors, particularly in regional areas, participation in these schemes could also support workforce development goals. Further updates on election results and subsequent application steps are expected in 2025.
