General information, not immigration advice. The figures are Immigration New Zealand's own percentiles for recently decided applications; individual applications can take longer.
About this visa
If you are from Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga or Tuvalu you can register for this ballot to come to New Zealand. If we select and accept your registration, we invite you to apply for the Pacific Access Category Resident Visa.
Frequently asked questions
As at 16 October 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Pacific Access Category Resident Visa applications were completed within 36 months and 80% within 38.5 months. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.
The published figures are percentiles of recently decided applications, not a promise. Applications that are incomplete, need verification, or raise health, character or genuineness questions routinely exceed them. If your application is far outside the 80% figure, you can contact INZ or engage a licensed immigration adviser or immigration lawyer to follow up.
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Sources
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