Search studies, brands and more…⌘ KExplore research

Evidence · Immigration

Immigration: questions, answers and evidence

Read all 797 original answers and the tables behind the findings. The 27 missing answers are from the China comparison on three platforms.

questions
143
captured answers
797
missing responses
27
answers collected
15–20 October 2026

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question was written as a voter would ask it and went to all four assistants. Some were also asked from a town. Open a question to read every answer to it in full.

Showing 20 of 143 questions

Show all 143

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Complete AI answers

    answers.csv

    One complete original answer, with the question, platform, country setting and migrant profile.

    question_id, surface_code, location_ref, result_id, prompt_id, platform, scan_id, collection_panel, question_text, response_text

    797rows

    Download complete ai answers (CSV)

  • The questions we asked

    question-catalogue.csv

    One question with the migrant profile, wording and purpose.

    question_id, question_version, group_id, case_id, asked_for, output_id, module_ids, category, wording_style, prompt_set, collection_panel, comparison_id, exact_text, distinguishing_facts, stated_facts, tags, status

    143rows

    Download the questions we asked (CSV)

  • Planned questions, platforms and countries

    execution-assignments.csv

    One question, platform and country we planned to collect an answer from.

    question_id, collection_panel, location_name, location_ref, surface, surface_code

    824rows

    Download planned questions, platforms and countries (CSV)

  • The 27 missing answers

    missing-cells.csv

    One expected answer that was not collected.

    question_id, collection_panel, location_name, location_ref, surface, surface_code

    27rows

    Download the 27 missing answers (CSV)

  • Locations named for each migrant profile

    location-by-persona.csv

    How often a place was named in the twelve New Zealand answers for each migrant profile.

    persona, place, answers, denominator, wording_styles, wording_count, surface_count

    342rows

    Download locations named for each migrant profile (CSV)

  • Locations named across question wordings

    location-by-wording.csv

    One profile, platform and place, showing which versions of the question led to an answer naming the place.

    persona, surface, place, answers, denominator, wording_styles

    1,368rows

    Download locations named across question wordings (CSV)

  • Locations named by collection country

    location-by-region.csv

    One place and country setting; the China comparison has nine answers on Google AI Mode only.

    region, place, answers, denominator, surfaces

    304rows

    Download locations named by collection country (CSV)

  • Eight countries on Google AI Mode

    location-ai-mode-eight-regions.csv

    One place and country across the same nine questions on Google AI Mode.

    region, place, answers, denominator

    304rows

    Download eight countries on google ai mode (CSV)

  • Matched local and overseas answers

    matched-region-answer-pairs.csv

    A New Zealand answer alongside the same question and platform using another country setting.

    region, surface, persona, question_id, result_id, nz_result_id, same_place_set, jaccard, added_names, omitted_names

    261rows

    Download matched local and overseas answers (CSV)

  • Topics explicitly raised in the answers

    signals-by-output-platform.csv

    How often selected words and phrases appeared, by topic and platform.

    output, surface, signal, answers, denominator

    1,120rows

    Download topics explicitly raised in the answers (CSV)

  • Topics raised for each migrant profile

    signals-by-persona-output.csv

    How often selected words and phrases appeared, by migrant profile and topic.

    output, persona, signal, answers, denominator

    1,876rows

    Download topics raised for each migrant profile (CSV)

  • Website addresses in captured answers

    captured-answer-links.csv

    Web addresses saved in the original answers, with image and file links identified.

    question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, url, domain, host_class, image_or_asset

    2,003rows

    Download website addresses in captured answers (CSV)

  • Extra table: links excluding images and files

    captured-links-by-platform.csv

    One platform across the same 143 New Zealand questions. The table excludes image and file links; the main Sources section counts those links.

    surface, denominator, answers_with_links, answers_with_govt_links

    4rows

    Download extra table: links excluding images and files (CSV)

  • Captured answer lengths

    platform-answer-length.csv

    One platform across the same 143 local questions.

    surface, answers, median_words, mean_words

    4rows

    Download captured answer lengths (CSV)

  • Recorded websites by answer

    sources-by-answer.csv

    Each website recorded as a source for an answer, with the page addresses and number of statements linked to the website.

    question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, domain, publisher, claim_count, source_urls

    1,462rows

    Download recorded websites by answer (CSV)

  • Recorded sources and their original claims

    source-claim-ledger.csv

    Sources attached to individual statements, with the original answer, quotation and source passage.

    narrative_id, claim_id, question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, domain, url, source_passage, claim_quote, quote_exact

    3,105rows

    Download recorded sources and their original claims (CSV)

  • Answers with sources and answers with links

    source-answer-coverage.csv

    Each New Zealand answer, showing whether sources were recorded and whether the answer text contains a web link.

    question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, associated_websites, had_sources, literal_url_answer

    572rows

    Download answers with sources and answers with links (CSV)

  • Website publisher classifications

    source-publisher-classification.csv

    Each website, the type of organisation behind the website and the reason for the category. Unconfirmed types remain Other.

    domain, publisher, basis, source

    332rows

    Download website publisher classifications (CSV)

  • Tone toward each place

    place-sentiment-ledger.csv

    One named place in one answer, with the positive, neutral, negative or mixed label, supporting passages and reason. All 108 New Zealand answers about where to live were reviewed.

    result_id, question_id, prompt_id, persona, assistant, region, place, stance, paragraph_numbers, supporting_passages, display_passage, reason, answer_sha256, reviewed_on

    630rows

    Download tone toward each place (CSV)

  • Facts supplied in each question

    prompt-reporting-eligibility.csv

    Every question, with corrected descriptions of the facts stated and limits on interpreting its answers.

    question_id, reviewed_on, prompt_sha256, original_stated_facts, corrected_stated_facts, metadata_changed, destination_explicit, descriptive_counts_included, interpretation_rule

    143rows

    Download facts supplied in each question (CSV)

  • Sources across question styles

    source-wording-incidence.csv

    One website, profile, topic and platform, with answer totals, question styles and the original answer references.

    persona, output, surface, domain, answers_with_source, eligible_answers, wording_styles_with_source, eligible_wording_styles, observed_styles, eligible_styles, answer_ids, by_style

    2,144rows

    Download sources across question styles (CSV)

  • Questions with corrected fact descriptions

    question-catalogue-reviewed.csv

    The unchanged original question text with fact descriptions reviewed on 28 October 2026.

    question_id, question_version, group_id, case_id, asked_for, output_id, module_ids, category, wording_style, prompt_set, collection_panel, comparison_id, exact_text, distinguishing_facts, stated_facts, tags, status

    143rows

    Download questions with corrected fact descriptions (CSV)

  • Statements checked against official sources

    statement-checks.csv

    One checked statement, with its exact passage, verdict, official source, review date and original answer reference.

    check_id, measure_id, question_checked, result_id, prompt_id, question_id, persona, assistant, wording, exact_statement, verdict, what_the_source_says, source_name, source_url, checked_on, answer_sha256

    47rows

    Download statements checked against official sources (CSV)

  • Policy questions covered by the checks

    statement-measures.csv

    One policy question, showing checked statements, original answers and the question wordings represented.

    measure_id, question_checked, checked_statements, distinct_answers, wording_styles_with_checked_assertions, wording_styles, answer_ids, question_ids, scope

    27rows

    Download policy questions covered by the checks (CSV)

Use the question and answer numbers to follow the evidence between tables. Locations named in warnings and comparisons count. Sources attached to an answer and web links in the answer text are counted separately.

03

The reviewed evidence

We read all 108 New Zealand answers about where to live to assess the tone toward each named place. A separate selection of 41 answers explores practical advice and contrasts across topics. The original policy checks were made on 22 October and expanded on 28 October 2026; verdicts cover selected statements, not every answer.

ChatGPT · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for a qualified overseas electrician without local registration or a job offer

New Zealand visa options for an overseas-qualified electrician

If you're a qualified electrician from overseas and want to move to New Zealand without New Zealand electrical registration or a job offer, there are several possible immigration routes. The key distinction is that getting a visa, finding an employer, and becoming legally authorised to work as an electrician are three separate things.

You may be able to enter New Zealand before securing an electrical job or completing local registration, but the most suitable pathway depends on your nationality, qualifications, work experience and whether you want temporary work or residence.

1. Your main visa options

Option 1: Working Holiday Visa

No job offer required

Available if your passport country has a New Zealand working holiday agreement and you meet its age and other requirements. The usual age range is 18–30, or up to 35 for some nationalities. It normally allows a stay of up to 12 months, with some schemes allowing longer. You cannot take a permanent job on this visa. Who can apply for a working holiday visa :: Immigration New ZealandCanada Working Holiday Visa » Immigration New Zealand

Best suited to: Eligible younger applicants who want to enter New Zealand, explore opportunities and seek short-term employment while working through registration.

Option 2: Partner-based work visa

If you have a partner who is a New Zealand citizen, resident or eligible work-visa holder, you may qualify for a partner visa with work rights, depending on their status and your relationship evidence. This route does not generally require you to have your own job offer.

Best suited to: Applicants with an eligible partner already in New Zealand. Your partner's exact immigration status matters.

Option 3: Student Visa

You can apply to study an eligible New Zealand course without an electrician job offer. Depending on the course and visa conditions, you may have limited work rights. However, studying is not a shortcut to electrical registration, and tuition and living costs can be substantial.

Best suited to: Applicants who genuinely want further training or a qualification that helps meet New Zealand requirements.

Option 4: Visitor Visa

You may be able to visit New Zealand without a job offer to explore the country, attend permitted meetings or interviews, and investigate the registration process. A visitor visa does not give you permission to take an ordinary local electrician job.

Best suited to: Exploring the market before committing to relocation.

Official starting point: Immigration New Zealand — visas for working in New Zealand. Visas for working in New Zealand :: Immigration New ZealandWho can apply for a working holiday visa :: Immigration New Zealand

2. What about a work visa or residence without a job offer?

Two important routes are often misunderstood:

New Zealand's skilled-residence rules changed on 24 August 2026, so older guides may describe outdated eligibility criteria. Check the current Skilled Migrant Category requirements. Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and work to residence visas :: Immigration New Zealand

3. Can you start the New Zealand electrical registration process from overseas?

Yes. This is an important step you can take before having a New Zealand job offer.

The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) has a pathway for overseas-trained electricians. You apply for registration based on your overseas training and experience; you do not necessarily need to complete the entire process before arriving. ElectricianBecoming registered for overseas-trained applicants

Step 1 — Apply for overseas-trained registration

The standard electrician pathway requires four years (8,000 hours) of practical training and experience, including at least 2,000 hours of building wiring installation. You must provide detailed, verifiable work references. Electrician

Step 2 — Complete the EWRB assessment

If your application meets the requirements, you can be invited to apply for a Limited Certificate. Your assessment letter will specify any required examinations, courses, practical assessments or supervised work. Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicants

Step 3 — Arrange supervised work

A Limited Certificate requires an appropriate registered and licensed supervisor. You will also need a visa that permits the work you intend to do. A Limited Certificate by itself is not a work visa. Limited CertificatesSupervision

Official resources:

The published overseas-trained registration application fee is NZ$1,650, including GST, and the EWRB indicates a processing timeframe of approximately 12 weeks after receiving an application. Check the current fees and timeframe before applying. Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicants

4. A practical route if you have neither registration nor a job offer

For many overseas-qualified electricians, the process to investigate is:

  1. Check whether you qualify for a visa that does not require a job offer, especially a Working Holiday Visa if eligible.
  2. Begin the EWRB overseas-trained assessment and prepare evidence of your qualifications and work history.
  3. Approach employers who may be willing to employ an overseas-trained electrician under the applicable supervision arrangements.
  4. Once you have a qualifying offer from an accredited employer and meet the other criteria, investigate the AEWV.
  5. After gaining the required New Zealand experience, investigate the relevant skilled-residence pathways.

This is a possible sequence, not a guarantee of visa approval or employment. Your actual starting point depends on your circumstances.

5. Let’s narrow down your options

Your passport country and age are particularly important because they can determine whether you have access to a work visa without a job offer.

Answer what you can; approximate answers are fine.

With those details, I can narrow this down to the visa categories you may actually qualify for without assuming you have a New Zealand job offer or electrical registration.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for a qualified overseas electrician without local registration or a job offer

For a qualified overseas electrician without local registration or a job offer, moving to New Zealand involves navigating specific immigration rules and mandatory trade licensing. Under New Zealand immigration policy, virtually all standard work and residence pathways require a formal job offer from an accredited employer.

1. Can You Apply Without a Job Offer?

Directly, no. New Zealand does not currently have a general, independent skilled migrant resident visa that you can apply for entirely without a job offer or prior local connection.

  • The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points-based system and the Green List (Tier 2 Work to Residence) pathway both strictly require you to have secured full-time employment (or a valid job offer) from an Immigration New Zealand (INZ) accredited employer.
  • The Exception: If you are aged 18–30 or 18–35 (depending on your country of citizenship), you might be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. This allows you to move to New Zealand without a job offer and look for work, but it is a temporary visa with strict conditions and time limits, and it is not a direct route to trade-based residency.

2. The Critical Hurdle: EWRB Registration

By New Zealand law, electrical work is a regulated industry. You cannot legally practice as an electrician or sign off on prescribed electrical work without being registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

  • Overseas Pathway: The EWRB assesses foreign qualifications and practical experience (typically requiring proof of formal training and roughly 4 years or 8,000 hours of documented work history).
  • Provisional License: Often, overseas electricians are granted a provisional or limited license that allows them to work under supervision while completing any required New Zealand-specific legal and safety examinations (such as regulations and testing assessments).
  • Note on Immigration: While you don’t always need your full EWRB registration finalized on day one of applying for a visa, employers will heavily prioritize candidates who have already started or pre-assessed their EWRB pathway because they need licensed workers.

3. Your Step-by-Step Path Forward

Since a job offer is mandatory for long-term work and residency options, your strategy should follow this order:

Phase Action Item Details
Step 1 EWRB Qualification Assessment Submit your overseas trade certificates and detailed work references to the EWRB to understand how your qualifications map to New Zealand standards.
Step 2 Target Accredited Employers Search for vacancies via platforms like SEEK New Zealand or Trade Me Jobs, filtering for Accredited Employers who are legally approved to hire overseas talent.
Step 3 Secure an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Once you accept a job offer, your employer will support your AEWV application, allowing you to move to New Zealand and work.
Step 4 Green List Work to Residence Electricians fall under Green List Tier 2. After completing 24 months of continuous work in New Zealand under your AEWV, you become eligible to apply for the Green List Work to Residence Visa.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for a qualified overseas electrician without local registration or a job offer

As a qualified overseas electrician without a local job offer or local registration , your direct visa options for moving to New Zealand are extremely limited.

Under Immigration New Zealand (INZ) operational rules, almost all standard work and residence categories for skilled trades require a formal job offer from an accredited employer, and the occupation of an Electrician strictly requires occupational registration or a limited certificate from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) to legally undertake electrical work.

Direct Visa Availability Without a Job Offer

  • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: No. You cannot apply directly from overseas without a job offer. The SMC points-based and trades pathways require you to already be working in New Zealand or hold a verified full-time job offer from an accredited employer. [Immigration New Zealand]

  • Green List / Work to Residence Visas: No (initially). While electricians are featured on New Zealand's Green List (Tier 2), accessing the Work to Residence pathway requires an active job offer from an accredited employer and progress toward or completion of EWRB registration.

  • Working Holiday Visas: Conditional/Age-dependent. If you fall within the eligible age bracket (typically 18–30 or 18–35 depending on your country of citizenship) and your home country has a working holiday scheme with New Zealand, you can secure an open work visa without a job offer. However, this is temporary and you would still face EWRB restrictions on practicing electrical work until authorized.

The Mandatory First Step: EWRB Registration

You cannot legally perform electrical work or secure a recognized skilled trade visa pathway without dealing with the EWRB Overseas-Trained Electrician Pathway first.

  • Assessment: You must submit your overseas qualifications, transcripts, and detailed work history/logbooks to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

  • Outcome: The EWRB will evaluate your competencies against New Zealand standards and issue an outcome letter. They may grant direct registration, a Limited Certificate requiring specific gap training, or require you to sit local safety/regulations exams.

Recommended Strategy to Move

Because direct visas without a job offer do not exist for standard skilled trades, the practical sequence to migrate is:

  1. Get Assessed by the EWRB: Initiate your overseas registration assessment with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) so you have an official indication of your standing in New Zealand.
  2. Apply for Jobs Remotely: Use platforms like Seek New Zealand or TradeMe Jobs to target New Zealand employers who are accredited with INZ and accustomed to hiring overseas talent.
  3. Secure an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Once an accredited employer offers you a role—conditional on your EWRB registration status (such as obtaining a Limited Certificate)—they can support your work visa application.
  4. Transition to Residence: After working in New Zealand under your work visa for 24 months in a Green List role, you can apply for the Work to Residence or Green List Straight to Residence pathways.

If you'd like to share your country of citizenship , your age , and how many years of post-qualification experience you have, I can check if you qualify for a Working Holiday Visa or advise on the EWRB documentation process.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for a qualified overseas electrician without local registration or a job offer

AI Overview

Moving to New Zealand as a qualified overseas electrician without a job offer or local registration presents a classic "chicken-and-egg" dilemma. Electrician (General) is a regulated profession in New Zealand , meaning you cannot legally perform electrical work without registration from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Furthermore, standard skilled visas—such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or the Green List Tier 2 Work to Residence Visa—strictly require both a job offer and EWRB registration (or a Limited Certificate) before the visa can be issued.

However, you can utilize specific pathways to enter New Zealand legally to bridge these gaps, secure your local registration, and find an employer.

1. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV)

If you meet the age requirements, this is the most flexible "open" work visa available without a job offer.

  • Eligibility: Generally for individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for select countries).
  • How it helps you: You do not need an initial job offer to apply. It grants you the right to enter New Zealand and work for up to 12 months (or longer for UK/Canada citizens).
  • The Strategy: You can use this visa to physically arrive in the country, finish any practical assessments or exams required by the EWRB to secure your registration, and interview with accredited employers face-to-face.
  • Important Note: Officially, a WHV is for short-term or casual work, and you cannot take a permanent role while on it. However, you can legally secure a permanent job offer while in NZ, and then apply to transition from your WHV to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

2. Standard Visitor Visa (For Job Seeking & Licensing)

If you do not qualify for a Working Holiday Visa, you can apply for a standard Visitor Visa.

  • Conditions: You are strictly prohibited from doing any work (paid or unpaid) while on this visa.
  • How it helps you: It is completely legal to use a Visitor Visa to travel to New Zealand to attend job interviews, network, and look for work, provided you are honest about your intentions with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). You can also use this time to sit for any mandatory local practical examinations required for your electrical registration.
  • The Strategy: Once you pass your licensing criteria and find an accredited employer willing to sponsor you, they can issue a formal job offer. You must then submit an application for a work visa and wait for it to be fully approved before you start your first day of work.

3. Partner of a Worker or Student Visa

If you have a spouse or de facto partner who is moving to New Zealand, you may qualify for an open work visa based on their status.

  • How it helps you: If your partner holds a qualifying high-skilled work visa or is studying an eligible post-graduate program, you can apply for a Partner of a Worker/Student Work Visa.
  • The Strategy: This visa grants you open employment rights without needing a job offer. While you still cannot legally practice as an electrician until you finish your EWRB path, you can work in alternative unrestricted fields or as an electrical trade assistant while sorting out your local registration.

The Recommended Next Steps

Because Electrician (General) sits on Tier 2 of the Green List , securing a job offer eventually guarantees you a straight path to permanent residency after 24 months of working in New Zealand. To make yourself attractive to Kiwi employers, you should minimize their hiring risk by starting your registration paperwork before you even apply for a visa.

  1. Initiate EWRB Assessment From Overseas: Do not wait to arrive in New Zealand. Visit the EWRB portal to submit your overseas qualifications, transcripts, and trade logs for pre-assessment. This process typically takes 3 to 9 months.

  2. Target Accredited Employers: New Zealand employers must be officially accredited by INZ to hire foreign workers. When searching job boards, look specifically for companies listing "Accredited Employer" status.

To help narrow down the best path forward, could you tell me your nationality and age group (to check Working Holiday eligibility), as well as which country you obtained your electrical qualifications in?

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026