Qualifications

A person can be a New Zealand citizen by either:

• birth
• grant or
• descent

For New Zealand citizenship, New Zealand includes the self-governing states of:

• the Cook Islands
• Niue and
• Tokelau

Citizenship is granted by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Note people born in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau may not automatically be New Zealand citizens. To be considered a New Zealand citizen from birth, a person born on or after 1 January 2006 must have:

• been born ...

Temporary permits were granted before 29 November 2010 for visits, work or study. A temporary permit only allows a person to stay legally in New Zealand for the duration and purposes indicated on the permit.

Temporary permits granted under the Immigration Act 1987 continue to be valid until their expiry date.

Seasonal worker means a person employed on a seasonal basis in the horticultural or viticultural industries.

Temporary entry class visas are issued to people who have arrived in New Zealand legally, but are only allowed to stay for a temporary period for the duration and purposes indicated on the visa.

A temporary entry class visa means:

• a temporary visa (such as a student visa, visitor visa, work visa) or
• a limited visa or
• an interim visa

Legislation

• temporary entry class visa (definition) section 4 Immigration Act 2009

A residence class visa means a:

• resident visa or
• permanent resident visa

A residence class visa allows people to live in New Zealand indefinitely. The visa also lets people work and study in New Zealand. There are different travel conditions based on the type of residence class visa.

Residence class visas are granted by Immigration New Zealand.

For the purpose of deciding if a person meets the residence criteria for financial assistance from MSD, people who ...