01 August 2023, Apia Samoa. The highly popular annual New Zealand quota places for Samoans seeking permanent resicdence in New Zealand will see 550 more places this year from the traditional 1,100 places to 1,650.
This marks the second year in a row that the quota will increase from 1,100 to 1,650 which was also offered in 2022.
The online registration portal on the New Zealand Immigration services website states that 550 extra places will be offered every year until 2026 to make up for the unused quota of 2020 and 2021 when the scheme was halted due to Covid-19.
“This means that for Samoa, the unused SQ people-places will be reallocated across over the years 2022-2025 with an additional 550 people-places available each year”
“The total annual SQ people-places allocation will be 1,650 during this time,” clarifies Immigration NZ.
Local residents needing an immigration visa to enter New Zealand have to apply online.
The increased numbers will apply to the Samoa Quota Draw of 2023 which is now open for registration until August 31st 2023.
ON-LINE REGISTRATIONS
The compulsory on-line registration is not new, and has been in place since October 2022, when borders opened after the COVID-19.
According statements by the Samoa and New Governments, the on-line process follows successful consultations between Immigration NZ and Pacific Governments via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“Moving to online registrations allows for applications to be processed more efficiently and provides flexibility to process across the INZ Network,” states Immigration NZ.
“Stakeholders were comfortable with the move on line.”
THE PROCESS
Tentatively the Ballot Draw to randomly select successful applications is scheduled for 6 October 2023. Letters to successful applicants will be sent out from October 16th-20th.
The successful applicants are required to apply for New Zealand residency within eight (8 months) of being issued their Invitation to Apply, (ITA).
More details are available on immigration.govt.nz
