The draw for Samoa's annual quota scheme for permanent residence in New Zealand for this year started yesterday after receiving 17,500 applications.
The figure includes 8,381 people who lodged applications in last year's quota but were not successful.
Last year 18,941 applied under the scheme but only 1,100 people are accepted each year.
The New Zealand immigration office in Apia says the successful applications will be announced in early July.
