Registrations for the 2023 Samoan Quota ballot and the Pacific Access Category ballot will open on 1 August 2023 and close on 31 August.
Here in New Zealand, we share a very special relationship with our neighbouring Pacific Nations. New Zealand's relationship with the Pacific Islands goes beyond the diplomatic style that two countries often share. With shared cultural exchanges, sporting events and community initiatives which have helped to foster deeper connections between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Every year Immigration New Zealand runs a ballot system for families and individuals from Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga or Fiji to gain Residency in New Zealand under either the Samoan Quota (SQ) or the Pacific Access Category Resident Visa (PAC). Both the SQ and PAC are ballot initiatives and limited numbers of registrations will be selected annually. The Samoan Quota invites 1,650 Samoan Citizens to apply for a New Zealand resident visa while PAC invites registrations with 75-150 Kiribati and Tuvalu citizens and 250-500 Fijian and Togan citizens.
Applications for both Ballots are open from 8am, 1 August 2023 and the registrations will close at 5pm, 31 August 2023. To apply to enter the ballot you must submit a Pacific Access Category Registration Form together with a copy of yours, your partner's and dependent children's birth certificates. The principal applicant must be over 18 but under 45 at the time of the registration.
If a family or individual is invited to apply for a New Zealand Resident visa then they will have 8 months to apply. They will require the following to apply for residency:
- You or your partner must have an offer of full time employment in New Zealand which pays over $49,159 per annum if supporting dependent children.
- You must have a sound level of English and be able to read, write and speak.
- You must physically be in your country of citizenship or in New Zealand on a temporary visa.
- Good health and character records
- You or your parents must have been born in your country of citizenship
At Trinity Employment Services we have an Immigration team with a number of licensed Immigration Advisers who can assist you with your ballot registration and potentially your Resident visa application which follows. Trinity also has a team of recruiters who recruit over a range of different industries and would be happy to assist in finding a job offer to meet the Resident visa requirements.
Get in touch with our immigration team on immigration@trinityemployment.co.nz or call us on 027 289 3446.
Disclaimer: information provided in this article is general only and it does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Due to the continuously evolving nature of New Zealand Immigration policies, Trinity can provide no warranty as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness, other than accuracy at the time of publication. Before taking any course of action related to this article you should make your own inquiries and seek further advice on whether it is suitable for your circumstance. Trinity Employment Services has in house Licensed Immigration Advisers who will be happy to help you with your enquiries.
