Will you be able to access public Health Care, Maternity or any other Public Services?
New Zealand has a good range of public services to provide support when needed.
As a migrant you will enjoy some of those benefits but the level of public support will depend on the type of visa you hold.
A resident visa will give you the best cover in many aspects. As a visitor you will need to ensure that you buy comprehensive travel insurance before coming to New Zealand.
Your entitlements in New Zealand
The table below will give you a good overview of the various rights and level of support you can expect, depending on your visa.
Your Entitlements |
Resident Visa |
Work Visa |
Student Visa |
Visitor Visa |
| How long can you stay? | indefinitely | depends on your job |
for as long as your study course takes. |
up to 9 months |
| How long can you work? | indefinitely | depends on your job | depends on your course (usually 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays) | you are not allowed to work |
| Do you need a job for this visa? | Under SMC likely. Family policy: no. | Under SMC yes Family policy: no. | No | n.a. |
| Access to Healthcare | Full access | less than 2 years: limited, over 2 years: full access | no rights | no rights |
| Schooling: Primary and Secondary | Full access | Full access | no rights | no rights |
| Tertiary Education (Uni) | Full access | need to pay international student fees | no rights | no rights |
| Student Allowance and Loan | Full access after three years | no rights | no rights | no rights |
| Support for Jobseekers | Full access after two years | no rights | no rights | no rights |
| Working for Families | Full access after one year | no rights | no rights | no rights |
| Voting rights | Yes, after one year | no rights | no rights | no rights |
| New Zealand Superannuation | After 10 years (5 after the age of 50) | no rights | no rights | no rights |
Are you eligible for a Resident Visa under the Skilled Migrant Category?
Find out by using our Quick Self-Check Guide or talk to our Employment Adviser about finding a job that suits your professional background and ask our Licensed Immigration Advisers whether you qualify.
Read more about becoming a New Zealand resident through the Skilled Migrant Category:
- Get powerful Job Search Assistance
- Can we guarantee you a job?
- Will you be able to claim points for your qualifications?
- Will you be able to claim points for your professional expertise?
- Is your profession on one of the Skill Shortages Lists?
- Do you have to be registered in New Zealand?
- Will you meet the English language requirements?
Ask our Licensed Immigration Advisers
If you want to find out more about obtaining the right visa for New Zealand, contact Julia Cooke, Licensed Immigration Adviser at NZIC.
Ask Julia for a Free Assessment