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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 someone with an undergraduate degree seeking postgraduate study and work afterwards on a limited budget

New Zealand study-to-work visa options on a limited budget

If you already have an undergraduate degree and want to pursue postgraduate study in New Zealand, then work afterwards, the key is to choose a qualification that balances tuition fees, living costs, employability and eligibility for a post-study work visa.

The main pathway to investigate is:

Undergraduate degree → eligible postgraduate qualification in New Zealand → Post Study Work Visa → skilled employment → possible residence pathway.

There is an important distinction: graduating from a New Zealand institution may qualify you for a post-study work visa, but it does not automatically guarantee a job, a visa extension or permanent residence.

1. Which visa and qualification pathways should you consider?

Option A: Master's degree — NZQCF Level 9

Strong post-study option

  • Typical duration: 1–2 years, depending on the programme and your prior study.
  • Post-study work: potentially up to 3 years if you meet the rules, including the relevant full-time study requirement.
  • Best for: progressing in your existing field or qualifying for specialised work.
  • Main drawback: international tuition fees can be expensive.

Official details: Post Study Work Visa. Staying to work after finishing your study :: Immigration New ZealandPost-Study Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

Option B: Postgraduate diploma — NZQCF Level 8

  • Typical duration: around 1 year, although programmes vary.
  • Post-study work: potentially around 1 year, depending on eligibility and study duration.
  • Best for: someone seeking a shorter postgraduate qualification with a pathway into employment.
  • Main drawback: a shorter course does not necessarily mean a proportionately cheaper course, and you have less time to find suitable work.

Check the exact programme and visa duration with Immigration New Zealand. Staying to work after finishing your study :: Immigration New ZealandPost-Study Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

Option C: Graduate diploma — NZQCF Level 7

New rules from 16 November 2026

Immigration New Zealand has announced that eligible graduates with an overseas or New Zealand bachelor's degree can qualify for a Post Study Work Visa after completing an eligible Level 7 Graduate Diploma, provided they study full-time in New Zealand for the qualification's full duration and meet the other conditions.

  • Potentially useful for: changing fields or adding a practical qualification.
  • Important: this is a newly announced pathway, so confirm the rules and the specific programme before paying fees.

Official announcement: Post-study work eligibility changes. Post-Study Work Visa eligibility extended from 16 November 2026 :: Immigration New Zealand

My practical advice: If you can fund a suitable master's degree, compare it against a postgraduate diploma. If your budget is very limited, investigate the new Graduate Diploma pathway carefully, but do not assume that every Level 7 graduate diploma qualifies.

2. How much money do you need?

These are the financial requirements and examples to plan around, rather than a promise of what any particular university will charge.

Expense Indicative amount in NZD
Student visa application From $850
Required living-cost funds for one year $20,000
Living costs for one year in practice Around $18,000–$27,000, depending on location and lifestyle
One year of university postgraduate tuition Often approximately $40,000–$55,000 or more
Post-study work visa application From $1,670

Sources: Student visa, living-cost requirements, university fee examples and Post Study Work Visa. Fee Paying Student Visa » Immigration New ZealandStudent fund requirements :: Immigration New ZealandTuition fees and cost of livingPostgraduate fees for international studentsPost-Study Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

For a one-year programme, a rough planning total could therefore be NZ$60,000–$80,000 or more, including tuition, living costs and some visa-related expenses. A two-year master's could cost substantially more.

Remember that the NZ$20,000 living-cost requirement is separate from tuition fees. You must demonstrate that your funds are genuinely available; you should not rely on finding a part-time job after arrival to satisfy the initial funding requirement. Fee Paying Student Visa » Immigration New ZealandStudent fund requirements :: Immigration New Zealand

Ways to reduce the cost

  • Look for scholarships first. Check university international-student scholarships, faculty awards and scholarships available to applicants from your country.
  • Compare tuition by qualification and credit load. A one-year programme may be cheaper overall than a two-year master's, but compare total fees rather than the course title alone.
  • Compare locations. Living outside the most expensive areas may reduce rent and transport expenses.
  • Choose a programme connected to your existing degree. You may have a wider selection of relevant programmes and avoid spending money on a qualification that does not improve your employment prospects.
  • Treat part-time work as supplementary income. Eligible student visas can permit up to 25 hours of work a week, subject to visa conditions. Do not build a budget that assumes you will always get enough shifts. Fee Paying Student Visa » Immigration New ZealandTuition fees and cost of living

3. How can you stay and work after graduating?

The main route is the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). If your qualification and study history meet the requirements, it can allow you to work after graduation without first securing a job offer. For eligible degree-level qualifications, the work rights are generally open, subject to visa conditions. Staying to work after finishing your study :: Immigration New ZealandPost-Study Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

Your longer-term plan might look like this:

  1. Complete an eligible postgraduate qualification.
  2. Apply for your post-study work visa within the applicable deadline.
  3. Find employment relevant to your qualification and career goals.
  4. If eligible, move to a longer-term work visa, such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
  5. Investigate residence pathways based on your occupation, qualifications, work experience and other eligibility criteria.

Important for your timing: New Zealand has announced additional graduate work options from 16 November 2026, including a six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for certain graduates whose qualifications do not qualify for a PSWV. This is a fallback option for eligible graduates, not a substitute for choosing the right qualification upfront. New Short-Term Graduate Work Visa launching on 16 November 2026 :: Immigration New ZealandNew and updated post-study work visa options :: Immigration New Zealand

4. Scholarships worth checking

Start with these official resources before committing to a course:

  • Study with New Zealand — scholarship search: search by nationality, institution and field of study.
  • Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: government-funded opportunities for eligible citizens of participating countries. Some scholarship programmes require graduates to return home for a specified period, so check the conditions carefully.
  • Individual university scholarship pages: check whether awards cover tuition only or also provide a living allowance.

Scholarships are competitive, but even a partial tuition award can make a substantial difference to your total funding needs. Scholarships in New Zealand: Find a scholarshipNZ Government Scholarship Student Visa » Immigration New ZealandTypes of Scholarships | MANAAKI

5. Let’s narrow this down to realistic options for your budget

I can help you identify suitable qualifications, institutions, likely costs and visa pathways. The most important missing detail is your undergraduate field, because the right postgraduate course depends heavily on what you studied and what work you want to do afterwards.

Your study-to-work plan

Share what you know; approximate answers are fine.

With those details, I can focus on options that are financially realistic and have a clearly verified route from study to work, rather than simply listing expensive universities.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for someone with an undergraduate degree seeking postgraduate study and work afterwards on a limited budget

Navigating New Zealand's immigration system with an undergraduate degree, a goal of postgraduate study, and a limited budget requires a strategic approach. New Zealand offers structured pathways from education to work, but financial self-sufficiency is a strict requirement for visa approval.

1. Choosing the Right Postgraduate Pathway

Since you already hold an undergraduate degree, you have two primary postgraduate pathways that connect to post-study work rights:

  • Master's Degree (Level 9):
    • Duration: Typically 1 to 2 years (must include at least 30 weeks of full-time study enrolled in the Master's coursework/thesis itself).
    • Post-Study Work Rights: Grants a 3-year open Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) upon successful completion, giving you ample time to find skilled employment and transition toward residence.
  • Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) or Level 7 Graduate Diploma:
    • Duration: Usually 1 year.
    • Post-Study Work Rights: Generally grants a 1-year open Post-Study Work Visa. (Note: If studying a Graduate Diploma, Immigration New Zealand requires you to hold a prior bachelor's degree and complete the diploma full-time without cross-credits to qualify).

Budget Strategy: While a Master's degree costs more in total tuition fees, it provides a much safer window (3 years instead of 1 year) to secure stable employment and recoup your investments without panic.

2. Meeting Financial Requirements (The Budget Constraint)

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) strictly enforces financial criteria before granting a FEE-PAYING STUDENT VISA. On a limited budget, you must account for two mandatory financial pillars:

  • Tuition Fees: You must prove you have paid your full tuition fees for the first year (or the entire programme if it is shorter), or have an approved student loan/scholarship to cover it.
  • Living Funds: You must prove access to NZD $20,000 for each year of study to cover living expenses. You also need to prove funds for outward travel (e.g., a return ticket or extra funds, roughly NZD $1,000–$2,000).
  • Proof of Funds: Acceptable evidence includes historical bank statements (held for at least 3 months), official education loan sanction letters, or scholarships. Sudden, unexplained cash deposits in bank accounts are heavily scrutinized by INZ.

3. Stretching a Limited Budget While in New Zealand

To manage expenses while completing your postgraduate studies, leverage the built-in work rights of a student visa:

  • Part-Time Work Rights: Full-time student visa holders are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during study terms and full-time during scheduled-term breaks (like the summer holidays). This can help offset local living costs.
  • Choose Cost-Effective Locations: Studying at universities or polytechnics located outside of central Auckland (such as regions in the South Island or regional North Island) often results in significantly lower living costs—particularly rent—while still offering high-quality education and potential regional migration advantages.
  • Scholarships: Check individual New Zealand universities (e.g., University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Massey University, etc.) for international postgraduate excellence or regional scholarships that partially reduce tuition fees.

4. Transitioning to Work Afterwards

Once you graduate, your transition path looks like this:

  1. Apply for the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV):
    • Cost starts from NZD $1,670.
    • Requires proof of at least NZD $5,000 in available living funds at the time of application.
    • Provides open work rights, meaning you can work for any compliant employer in almost any role.
  2. Securing Long-Term Stability:
    • With an open PSWV, you can take entry-level or professional roles to build local experience.
    • Longer-term residence pathways (such as the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List pathways) prioritize individuals in skilled employment matching New Zealand's economic needs.

Suggested Next Step

Are you targeting a specific field of study (such as IT, business, engineering, or science), or do you have a specific target budget range in mind that you would like to align with a particular institution?

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 someone with an undergraduate degree seeking postgraduate study and work afterwards on a limited budget

Navigating New Zealand's immigration system for postgraduate study with a limited budget requires a strategic approach. Since you already hold an undergraduate degree, you have clear pathways into higher-level qualifications that unlock post-study work rights.

The primary visa pathway involves the Fee-Paying Student Visa followed by the Post-Study Work Visa.

Phase 1: The Study Phase (Fee-Paying Student Visa)

To study full-time for more than 3 months, you will need a Fee-Paying Student Visa.

  • The Financial Hurdle: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requires you to prove you have paid your tuition fees for a full year (or the duration of the programme) plus living funds of NZD $20,000 per year (or NZD $1,667 per month for shorter programs), alongside funds for onward travel.

  • Budget Strategy (Part-Time Work): While on a student visa, you are legally permitted to work up to 25 hours a week during study terms and full-time during scheduled mid-year and Christmas/New Year holiday breaks. Income from part-time work can help offset your living costs locally, though you cannot use predicted future earnings to satisfy INZ’s initial proof of funds.

  • Choosing a Budget-Friendly Course: Look for shorter or cost-effective Level 8 postgraduate certificates/diplomas or Level 9 master’s degrees at state-funded Universities or Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs like Te Pūkenga network), comparing international tuition fees carefully across institutions via Study with New Zealand.

Phase 2: The Transition (Post-Study Work Visa)

Once you successfully complete an eligible New Zealand qualification (such as a bachelor's honours degree, postgraduate diploma, or master's degree), you can transition to a Post-Study Work Visa.

  • Duration: Usually grants you an open work visa for up to 3 years depending on the level of your qualification and where/what you studied. [Immigration New Zealand]

  • Work Rights: This is an open work visa, meaning you can work for any employer in New Zealand in any occupation without needing a job check first. [Immigration New Zealand]

  • Budget Relief: At this stage, you have full-time work rights to build savings, clear any previous budget constraints, and secure long-term employment.

Alternative Low-Budget Consideration: Working Holiday Visa

If you are aged 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on your country of citizenship), check if you are eligible for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa via the Immigration New Zealand Visa Options directory.

  • Why it fits a low budget: It allows you to travel and work flexibly right away without showing massive upfront tertiary tuition fees.

  • The Study Catch: A standard working holiday visa generally only permits you to study for up to 6 months total during your stay, so it won't cover a full multi-year postgraduate degree, but it can be a stepping stone to earn money and test the waters before committing to a student visa.

If you'd like to narrow this down, please share:

  • Your country of citizenship (to check Working Holiday Visa age limits and agreements)
  • Your field of study or preferred postgraduate subject
  • Your approximate available budget in NZD or your local currency

I can help identify matching institutions , scholarship opportunities , or cost breakdowns.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for someone with an undergraduate degree seeking postgraduate study and work afterwards on a limited budget

AI Overview

To study and work afterward on a limited budget, your primary route is a Fee Paying Student Visa followed by a Post-Study Work Visa , optimizing your costs by choosing a 1-year postgraduate program.

1. The Study Phase: Fee Paying Student Visa

  • The Route: Use your undergraduate degree to enroll in a 1-year Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) or a 1-year Master’s Degree (Level 9).
  • The Budget Strategy: A 1-year postgraduate program is the most budget-friendly option because it minimizes tuition costs compared to multi-year programs. Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) or Private Training Establishments (PTEs) often have lower tuition fees than major universities.
  • Upfront Costs: You must show evidence of NZD $20,000 per year to cover living expenses, plus tuition fees and health insurance.
  • Earning While Studying: This visa permits you to work up to 25 hours per week during the school term and full-time during official holidays. If you enroll in a Research Master’s program, you can work full-time year-round, which can significantly offset living costs.

2. The Post-Study Work Phase

  • The Route: Once you graduate from your Level 8 or Level 9 program, you can transition to a Post-Study Work Visa.
  • Duration: Completing a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification allows you to live and work with open, unrestricted employment conditions in New Zealand for up to 3 years.
  • Cost: The application fee starts at NZD $1,670 , and you must show a minimum of NZD $5,000 in available living funds. You must apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring.

3. Budget Alternative: Level 7 Graduate Diplomas

  • The Route: If Level 8 or 9 tuition is outside your budget, you can consider a Level 7 Graduate Diploma.
  • Work Rights Update: New policies allow graduates of Level 7 Graduate Diplomas to get a Post-Study Work Visa for up to 1 year , provided they hold a prior bachelor's degree. Alternatively, if the diploma aligns with specific high-demand roles on New Zealand's Green List, you can gain work rights tied to that occupation.

To help tailor this strategy, what is your undergraduate major or field of study , and what exact budget range do you have available for tuition?

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026