Key Points
- New Zealand conducted the Pacific Access and Samoan Quota residence ballots on May 21, 2025.
- Selected applicants were notified and must apply for residence within eight months.
- A new income threshold for applicants with dependent children takes effect on June 1, 2025.
Overview
On May 21, 2025, New Zealand carried out its annual Pacific Access Category (PAC) and Samoan Quota (SQ) ballots, offering Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, and Tuvalu residents a pathway to residence. These programs are longstanding components of New Zealand’s immigration policy, promoting regional cooperation and workforce development. Selected individuals were announced on May 30, 2025, and began receiving invitations to apply for residence.
Applicants selected in either ballot must complete and submit their full residence application within eight months of receiving their invitation. Starting June 1, 2025, a revised income threshold of NZD $54,133.04 per year will apply to applicants with dependent children. This adjustment ensures that selected individuals can support their families financially while residing in New Zealand. The ballots are part of broader efforts to manage migration from Pacific nations transparently and orderly, while strengthening bilateral ties.
Looking Ahead
Applicants selected in the 2025 PAC and SQ ballots should begin preparing required documents and meet income thresholds before applying for residence. Employers and sponsors should also remain informed of eligibility and processing timelines. Immigration professionals can expect further updates ahead of the 2026 application cycle.
