Refugees
Mandate or quota refugees
Refugees who come to New Zealand under the refugee quota system are known as mandate or quota refugees.
They are normally granted a Residence Class Visa automatically with their refugee status, before their arrival in New Zealand.
They are entitled to reside indefinitely in New Zealand from the date they are granted that visa.
They meet the residency criteria for a Student Loan from the date they are granted a Residence Class Visa.
Convention or asylum refugees
Refugees who are granted refugee status under the Refugee Convention are known as convention or asylum refugees. They apply for refugee status under the Immigration Act 2009 after they have arrived in New Zealand.
Once they are granted refugee status, they need to apply for a Residence Class Visa to be entitled to reside indefinitely in New Zealand.
They meet the residency criteria for a Student Loan from the date they are granted a Residence Class Visa.
However, for study starting on or after 1 May 2022, a student who has refugee status meets the residency criteria for a Student Loan from the date they are granted refugee status under the Immigration Act 2009.
They are not required to hold a Residence Class Visa, but are required to hold a valid Temporary Entry Visa.
