The Pacific Access Category and 2024 Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota Ballot Results Announced
The 2024 Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota draw occurred on 24 July.
Registrations have been drawn to invite 250 Tongan, 250 Fijian citizens, 75 Kiribati and 75 Tuvaluan citizens to apply for New Zealand residence under the Pacific Access Category, and 1,650 Samoan citizens to apply for residence under the Samoan Quota.
You can now find out if you succeeded in the ballot by entering your current registration number into the search tools on the below-mentioned pages.
The number of registrations drawn is less than those who will be granted residence because many registrations include multiple family members (for example, a family of four included on one registration).
Ballot Draw Details: The much-anticipated ballots for the Pacific Access Category (PAC) and Samoan Quota (SQ), which determine who will be invited to apply for residence in New Zealand, were drawn on 24 July 2024.
These residence pathways emphasize New Zealand’s special relationship with Samoa and the Pacific Access Category countries, including Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji. This year, the New Zealand government will grant residence to 1,650 Samoan citizens, 250 Tongan citizens, 250 Fijian citizens, 75 Kiribati citizens, and 75 Tuvaluan citizens under these categories.
Publication of Results
The reference numbers of the successful registrants will be published on the Immigration New Zealand website during the first week of August. This public announcement will allow all applicants to verify their registration status.
Invitation to Apply
If your ballot is selected, you will receive an official letter from Immigration New Zealand inviting you to apply for residence. This letter will contain crucial information about the next steps in the application process, including how to complete and submit your residence visa application.
Applicants must submit their residency applications within eight months of receiving their invitation. This timeframe ensures that applicants have ample time to gather the necessary documentation and fulfil all residency application requirements.
New Income Threshold
Starting from 1 August 2024, there will be a new minimum income requirement for those applying for residence under the PAC and SQ categories, especially if they have dependent children. The new income threshold is set at NZD 53,515.28. This requirement ensures parents have sufficient financial resources to support their children in New Zealand.
The income of a secondary applicant partner may also be considered to meet this threshold, provided that both applicants have acceptable offers of employment in New Zealand. This dual-income consideration allows couples to combine their earnings to satisfy the financial requirements, offering greater flexibility and support for families.
The Crucial Role of the PAC and SQ Pathways
The PAC and SQ residence pathways are crucial for maintaining and strengthening the ties between New Zealand and the Pacific nations. These programs provide opportunities for individuals and families to build a new life in New Zealand and contribute to the country’s cultural diversity and economic vitality.
By offering these residence pathways, New Zealand is committed to supporting its Pacific neighbours and fostering long-lasting relationships. The annual draw and subsequent invitations to apply for residence are eagerly awaited events that bring hope and opportunity to many individuals and families across the Pacific.
For those selected, this moment marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards establishing a new home in New Zealand. Successful applicants will have the chance to contribute to New Zealand’s society and economy while enjoying the numerous benefits of living in a country known for its high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming communities.
Conclusion
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