New Zealand Opens 2026 Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota Ballot

Key Point  

• New Zealand has announced that the 2026 Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota ballots will open on 1 April 2026. 

Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota Ballots  

New Zealand confirmed that registrations for both programs will be accepted from 1 April to 30 April 2026. Individuals selected in the ballots will be invited to apply for New Zealand residence under the respective categories. 

For 2026, the government has set the following annual places: 

• Pacific Access Category: 650 places 
• Samoan Quota: 1,650 places 

Eligibility for Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota Ballot  

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including age, citizenship, health, character, and an acceptable job offer in New Zealand if selected. INZ encourages eligible individuals to submit their registration early in the month‑long window. 

Selected registrants will be notified after the ballots are drawn later in 2026. 

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