The visa you hold while in New Zealand may dictate the Government-funded public services you're able to access. The easiest visa to get isn't necessarily the best!
The below table outlines four popular types of visa and the range of public services you may be eligible to access on each.
| Visitor visa | Student visa | Working holiday visa | Work visas | Resident visas |
|---|
| How long you can stay | Up to 9 months | For the duration of your course | Varies | Varies | Indefinitely |
| How long can you work | You can't | Up to 20 hours per week | Varies | Varies | Indefinitely |
| Need a job offer to apply | N/A | No | No | Yes, in most cases | Varies |
| Healthcare | No | No | No | No/Yes | Yes |
| Education - primary & secondary | No | No | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Education - tertiary | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Student Allowance and Student Loan | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Unemployment Benefit | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Working for Families | No | No | No | No | No |
| Vote in General Elections | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| New Zealand Superannuation | No | No | No | No | No |
Apply for a visa
Although often more difficult to attain, a resident visa provides access to more public services in New Zealand, and you'll have the certainty of being able to stay indefinitely if you and your family like it here.
Please note:
The information on this page should be used as a guide only and does not include refugee or country-specific exceptions, particularly for people from Australia and Pacific nations. Please refer to the appropriate Government department for full eligibility criteria.