New Zealand Immigration has confirmed that only citizens of four Pacific nations are eligible to register for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot. The special visa allows successful applicants to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, along with their partners and dependent children.
Eligible Countries for the 2026 Ballot
According to New Zealand Immigration, the eligible countries for the 2026 ballot are Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Tuvalu. These are the only countries whose citizens can participate in this particular visa pathway.
The announcement was made as part of the visa's annual cycle, which is designed to strengthen ties between New Zealand and Pacific Island communities. The scheme is one of several targeted immigration pathways that reflect the country's longstanding relationship with the region.
How the 2026 Ballot Works
A total of 650 visa spots are on offer for the 2026 ballot, distributed across the four nations through fixed annual quotas. Fijian and Tongan citizens each have access to 250 places, while citizens of Kiribati and Tuvalu are each allocated 75 spots.
Applicants must first register for the ballot. Those whose registrations are selected will then receive an invitation to formally apply for the visa. The application fee starts from NZD $1,389 (approximately N1.1 million), and the visa is open to people between the ages of 18 and 45.
Successful applicants can include a partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in their visa application, provided those family members were listed during the ballot registration stage. This allows families to stay together when relocating to New Zealand.
Registrations for 2026 Now Closed
New Zealand Immigration noted that registrations for the 2026 ballot have closed. Citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Tuvalu who missed the window will need to wait for the next ballot cycle to become eligible.
The Pacific Access Category Resident Visa is one of New Zealand's targeted immigration pathways designed specifically for Pacific Island communities, reflecting the country's longstanding ties with the region. The quota system ensures that each eligible country receives a fair share of the available spots.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that New Zealand changed the parent resident visa selection system from October 2026. Additionally, New Zealand has announced its citizenship test pass mark, with the test expected to be introduced from late 2027. Anyone who has already submitted a citizenship application, or who applies before the test requirement takes effect, will not be required to sit it.
