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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

can an experienced software or data professional get work in New Zealand without a job offer?

Yes. An experienced software or data professional can move to New Zealand and look for work without already having a job offer, but whether they can actually work depends on their visa or work rights. There are immigration pathways that don't require a job offer, although the options depend on your qualifications, experience, age and nationality.

The key is to separate two questions:

  • Can you enter or live in New Zealand without a job offer? Potentially, yes.
  • Can you legally start working without a job offer or employer sponsorship? That depends on the visa you qualify for.

For an experienced professional in software engineering, data engineering, analytics, data science or related fields, these are the main pathways to investigate.

1. Which routes let you work without a job offer?

Route Job offer needed first? Who it may suit
New Zealand or Australian citizenship No People who already have these citizenship rights
Working Holiday Visa No Eligible younger applicants, usually aged 18–30, or up to 35 for some nationalities
Partner-based open work visa Often no People who qualify through an eligible partner's visa or status
Other open work visas No People who qualify through a specific visa pathway
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Yes Professionals recruited by an accredited New Zealand employer
Skilled Migrant Category residence Generally yes Skilled professionals who have qualifying employment or an offer in New Zealand

Sources: Immigration New Zealand's work visa overview and Skilled Migrant Category requirements. Visas for working in New Zealand :: Immigration New ZealandSkilled Migrant Category Resident Visa » Immigration New ZealandAccredited Employer Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

The important distinction is that professional experience alone doesn't automatically give you permission to work in New Zealand. The standard employer-sponsored route requires an offer, but some open work visas allow you to find a job after arriving.

A Working Holiday Visa can be useful for eligible applicants, but it generally isn't a route to permanent employment: the visa conditions restrict taking a permanent job. Who can apply for a working holiday visa :: Immigration New Zealand

2. What about skilled migration and permanent residence?

New Zealand has skilled residence pathways, but you should not assume that being a senior software engineer or data scientist is enough to qualify from overseas without employment.

Immigration New Zealand announced changes to skilled residence pathways that took effect on 24 August 2026, so use the current rules rather than older immigration guides. Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and work to residence visas :: Immigration New Zealand

3. Is it realistic to find a technology job from overseas?

Yes, but there are two separate hurdles: finding an employer willing to hire you and obtaining the right to work.

New Zealand has jobs in software development, cloud computing, data analytics and cybersecurity. However, the technology sector is not uniformly short of workers, and experienced candidates still need to compete for vacancies. Recent September 2026 data from SEEK showed job advertisements were up 7.8% year-on-year nationally, while applications per advertisement were increasing month-on-month. IT & Tech Jobs | Work in New ZealandSEEK NZ Employment Report - September 2026

For an experienced applicant, I would suggest:

  • Apply from overseas first. Target employers that are accredited to hire migrants, and state your relocation plans and visa situation clearly.
  • Emphasise specialist skills. Relevant experience in cloud platforms, data engineering, distributed systems, security or machine learning may help distinguish your application, depending on the role.
  • Check the Green List against your actual occupation. A job title alone doesn't establish eligibility for a residence pathway.
  • Consider moving before securing a job only if you have an appropriate visa. Don't enter on a visitor visa assuming you can begin employment; check the conditions of your visa first.

You can start with the official New Zealand IT job-market guide and Immigration New Zealand's visa comparison pages.

4. I can narrow this down to your situation

The most important factor is your current citizenship and visa eligibility. Two people with identical software engineering experience could have very different options depending on their passports and age.

What is your citizenship, approximate age, and main area of expertise — for example, software engineering, data engineering, data science or analytics? I can then explain which routes could realistically let you work in New Zealand without a job offer, and which would require you to secure employment first.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

can an experienced software or data professional get work in New Zealand without a job offer?

Generally speaking, an experienced software or data professional cannot permanently move to and work in New Zealand long-term without a job offer.

Almost all major work and residence pathways tailored to skilled tech professionals (such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the Green List Straight to Residence pathway) require a verifiable, full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer as a mandatory prerequisite.

However, there are a few conditional exceptions, temporary pathways, and indirect routes that allow professionals to arrive or work without a prior offer:

1. The Skilled Migrant Category (Points-Based Residence)

  • How it works: New Zealand operates a points-based Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). You claim points based on your professional background (such as a doctoral degree or high-income history).
  • The Catch: While you can theoretically submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or achieve residency eligibility under specific high-point thresholds, the system heavily favours or ultimately requires a skilled local job or job offer to secure a successful outcome.

2. Working Holiday Visas (Age-Restricted Temporary Option)

  • How it works: If you are typically between 18 and 30 or 35 years old (depending on your country of citizenship, such as the UK, Canada, parts of Europe, and South America), you may qualify for a Working Holiday Visa.
  • The Reality: This visa does not require a job offer upfront. It allows you to enter New Zealand freely and take up employment. However, it is a temporary visa (usually lasting 12 to 23 months), does not lead directly to residence, and carries restrictions on permanent or long-term employment with a single employer unless you transition to a standard employer-sponsored visa later.

3. Partner or Family Categories

  • How it works: If your spouse or partner is a New Zealand citizen, resident, or holds a qualifying work visa (like a Green List work visa), you may be eligible for an open work visa based on your relationship.
  • The Reality: Partner-sponsored work visas are open, meaning they require no job offer to obtain, and you can work in any software or data role for any employer.

Summary for Tech Professionals

  • Software Engineers, Data Engineers, and ICT Specialists are heavily in demand and feature prominently on New Zealand's Green List (Tier 1 - Straight to Residence).
  • While this status makes the immigration process very streamlined, the trigger for the visa is still securing that formal job offer from an accredited local employer.
  • Most tech professionals secure roles remotely from overseas by applying to New Zealand firms via global job boards, LinkedIn, or specialized tech recruitment agencies before making the physical move.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

can an experienced software or data professional get work in New Zealand without a job offer?

Generally speaking, no , an experienced software or data professional cannot permanently move to and work in New Zealand without a job offer unless they qualify for a specific independent residency or working holiday category.

While New Zealand has a high demand for ICT professionals (with many software engineering and data roles listed on Immigration New Zealand's Green List), the immigration framework heavily ties work and residence rights to having secured formal employment first.

Main Limitations and Realities

  • The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): This is the primary temporary work visa for tech professionals, and it requires a verified job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer before you can apply.

  • The Green List (Straight to Residence / Work to Residence): While software and systems engineering roles are featured, accessing these residence pathways still requires meeting wage thresholds and holding an acceptable employment/job offer in New Zealand.

  • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): New Zealand’s points-based residence category requires a skilled job or job offer in New Zealand to claim the necessary points to apply.

Exceptions / Ways People Do It

  1. Visitor Visa for Job Hunting: You can enter New Zealand on a standard Visitor Visa (or NZeTA if eligible) to network and attend interviews in person. However, you cannot legally work on a visitor visa; you must secure a job offer and transition to an approved work visa before starting employment.
  2. Working Holiday Visas: If you are under 30 or 35 (depending on your country of citizenship), a Working Holiday Visa allows you to move to New Zealand without a job offer and take up work freely, though these are typically temporary and age-restricted.
  3. Citizenship: If you hold New Zealand or Australian citizenship , you have an unconditional right to live and work in New Zealand without a job offer or visa.

If you'd like to narrow down your options, let me know:

  • Your citizenship/passport country and age (to check Working Holiday or specific visa eligibility)
  • Your years of experience and primary tech stack (e.g., Data Engineering, ML, Software Architecture)

I can give you a clearer picture of your specific pathway to New Zealand.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

can an experienced software or data professional get work in New Zealand without a job offer?

AI Overview

An experienced software or data professional cannot legally move to or work in New Zealand without a job offer, unless they already hold working rights through another specific visa pathway.

While roles like Software Engineer and Data Scientist are highly valued and categorized as Tier 1 Green List occupations, New Zealand’s skilled migration tracks almost universally require a formal offer from an Accredited Employer to grant working rights.

The Exception: Pathways Without a Prior Job Offer

If you do not have a job offer, your legal options to legally enter the New Zealand job market are limited to the following pathways:

  • Working Holiday Visa (WHV): If you are under 30 or 35 (depending on your citizenship) and from an eligible country, a Working Holiday Visa allows you to enter New Zealand and look for any work, including tech roles. Once employed, you can transition to a long-term professional visa.
  • Partner of a Worker/Resident: If your spouse or partner secures a visa or is a resident/citizen, you may be eligible for an open work visa with unrestricted rights to look for tech jobs locally.
  • Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Citizens of Australia can freely live and work in New Zealand without restrictions. Australian Permanent Residents can typically apply for a resident visa upon arrival.
  • Global Remote Work: You can work for an overseas entity while physically located outside New Zealand. However, you cannot move to New Zealand to work remotely for a foreign company without an appropriate visa (such as an open work visa).

The Reality of the Local Job Market

If you do not fit into the categories above, you must secure a job offer remotely before applying for a work or residence visa.

  • Hiring Preferences: General consensus among users on platforms like Reddit indicates that Kiwi companies strictly prioritize candidates who already possess valid local working rights or residency over offshore applicants. Many automated application systems will filter out candidates without immediate working rights.
  • The Green List Advantage: The silver lining for experienced professionals is that once you do obtain a valid job offer that meets the specified salary and qualification benchmarks, the Tier 1 Straight to Residence Visa allows you to fast-track straight to permanent residency, bypassing the standard multi-year work-to-residence waiting periods.

If you would like to explore this further, let me know:

  • What country's passport do you hold?
  • What is your age?
  • What is your primary tech stack or specialization?

I can help check if you qualify for a Working Holiday Visa or map out your specific Green List requirements.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026