New Zealand•OceaniaPacific Access Category Resident Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
360-720 days
Application Fee
3,200 NZD
Stay Duration
Indefinite
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Annual ballot-based residence visa for citizens of Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Fiji aged 18-45. Requires job offer to qualify. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
The Pacific Access Category provides an annual opportunity for citizens of Pacific Island nations to gain residence in New Zealand. Selection is through ballot with a total quota of 650 places annually allocated among eligible countries.
Annual Visa Allocation
650 visas per year
Places are allocated by country: Fiji (250), Kiribati (75), Tuvalu (75), and Tonga (250). Unused places do not roll over to the following year.
Lottery system applies when oversubscribed
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
54,133 NZD
per year
Language
English
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Passport
From eligible country
Job offer
Employment contract from NZ employer
Medical certificate
Health assessment
Police certificate
Good character
Birth/citizenship evidence
Proof of birth or parent born in country
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Advantages
- Special quota for Pacific nations
- Leads to permanent residency
- Can bring family members
- Established pathway
Considerations
- Annual ballot with limited quota
- Requires job offer
- Age restricted 18-45
- Limited to specific nationalities
- Long processing time
Application Process
Check eligibility
Verify citizenship in eligible country
Register for ballot
Submit expression of interest
Await ballot draw
Held annually in May
Secure job offer
If ballot successful, obtain employment
Complete application
Full residence visa application
Health examination
Medical assessment required
Police certificate
Good character certificate
Pay fee
NZD 3,200
Await decision
Usually 12-24 months
Application Forms
Pacific Access Category Registration
Ready to Apply?
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