Can I get an unemployment benefit if I am on a work visa and lose my job?
No. People on temporary visas, such as work visas or student visas, do not meet the residence requirement for Jobseeker Support. You must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a residence class visa, and have lived in New Zealand for at least 2 years in a row since then.
Official figures
- Age
- 18 or older. If you have dependent children, 20 or older.1
- Residence requirement
- You must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a residence class visa. You must have lived in New Zealand for at least 2 years in a row since becoming a citizen or getting your residence visa. You must also be ordinarily resident in New Zealand.1
- Maximum weekly rate (after tax, no children)
- Single, 25 or older: NZ$372.55. Single, 20–24: NZ$324.50. Single, 18–19, not living with parents: NZ$324.50. Single, 18–19, living with parents: NZ$276.46. Couple: NZ$316.97 each (NZ$633.94 total).1
- Maximum weekly rate (after tax, with children)
- Sole parent: NZ$521.52. Couple: NZ$334.70 each (NZ$669.40 total).1
- Income limits (before tax, per week, including your partner's income)
- Single, 25 or older: under NZ$693. Single, 20–24: under NZ$624. Couple with no children: under NZ$1,066. Couple with children: under NZ$1,117. Sole parent: under NZ$957.1
Official sources
- Jobseeker SupportWork and Income (MSD) · workandincome.govt.nz
- Stand-down periodsWork and Income (MSD) · workandincome.govt.nz
- Your obligations while getting Jobseeker SupportWork and Income (MSD) · workandincome.govt.nz
- RedundancyEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Lost your job? Jobseeker Support explained →
People also ask
- What financial support can I get if I lose my job in New Zealand?
- How much is Jobseeker Support per week after redundancy?
- I got my residence visa (PR) less than 2 years ago. Can I get Jobseeker Support?
- How long after approval does the Jobseeker payment start?
- What do I have to do while on Jobseeker Support? Can it be stopped if I miss an interview?
- My child is 18. Do their parents' earnings affect their Jobseeker Support application?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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