Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced the results of the 2026 Samoan Quota ballot. According to INZ, the draw took place on 20 May 2026, and the successful registrations are now available.
INZ says enough registrations have been drawn to allow up to 1,100 Samoan citizens to be granted residence. The number of registrations drawn is lower than the number of people who will ultimately be granted residence, because many registrations cover more than one person. For example, a single registration might include a family of four. INZ adds that the number invited to apply also builds in a contingency for those who do not go on to apply, or who apply but are declined.
Those whose registrations were drawn are invited to apply for residence under the Samoan Quota.
If your registration number is listed
INZ says that registrations appearing on the list were successfully drawn in the ballot and have been invited to apply for New Zealand residence. INZ states it will be in touch with successful applicants soon with information on how to apply for the Samoan Quota Resident Visa.
If your registration number is not listed
INZ advises that if a registration number does not appear on the list, it was not drawn on this occasion. This means the person cannot apply for New Zealand residence under the 2026 Samoan Quota at this time. INZ notes that people can register again to enter the ballot in 2027, when the Samoan Quota ballot reopens.
