Janice Lozano
Pregnancy is not a breach of a student visa in New Zealand, but it can affect an international student's immigration status. International students in New Zealand are not eligible for publicly funded maternity or abortion services, and these services are not covered by international student insurance. Students must pay at least NZD $9,000 for maternity care and between NZ$950 and $5,500 for an abortion. Students can pay these costs themselves, or they can use a guarantor such as a relative or friend. Universities in New Zealand have support systems in place for pregnant students, and students are encouraged to inform their supervisor and school of their pregnancy as soon as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | International students on a temporary visa must show how they will pay for maternity care. |
| Maternity care costs | NZD $9,000 minimum |
| Additional costs | Accommodation, living, and travel expenses |
| Insurance coverage | International student insurance does not cover maternity or abortion services. |
| Publicly funded healthcare eligibility | Depends on visa type and nationality; some eligibility criteria include having a partner eligible for publicly funded healthcare or holding an Interim Visa. |
| University accommodations | The University of Auckland mentions accommodations to minimise the impact on studies/career and encourages students to inform their supervisor and school as soon as possible. |
| Visa implications | Pregnancy does not breach Student or Tier 4 Visa, but taking time off studies can affect immigration status. Visa extension is not allowed for pregnancy/maternity reasons in the UK. |
| Student support | Student support staff can provide guidance and treat information confidentially. |
| Abortion services | Cost between NZ$950 and $5,500, depending on the provider and type of abortion. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in New Zealand must pay for their maternity care
- Students can get guidance on pregnancy from student support staff
- Universities have plans in place for pregnant students
- Students may have to suspend their studies
- Students can get a referral for abortion from a Family Planning centre
International students in New Zealand must pay for their maternity care
Pregnant international students in New Zealand face financial challenges due to the high costs of maternity care. The first step after discovering pregnancy is to find a midwife, who can provide guidance on the pregnancy care system. However, these services are not covered by international student insurance, and students are ineligible for private health insurance in New Zealand. This leaves self-funding or guarantor support as the only options.
To obtain a temporary visa, pregnant international students must demonstrate financial capability. They must provide evidence of how they will pay for maternity care, including health and medical costs, accommodation, living expenses, and travel. A guarantor, such as a relative or friend, can also guarantee these costs. Additionally, students with scholarships or funding should refer to their terms and conditions, as some may provide support during this time.
The impact of pregnancy on an international student's studies and visa status is also crucial. While pregnancy does not breach student visa conditions, taking time off from studies may affect immigration status. Students may need to inform the International Students Office and could face visa suspension or cancellation if their absence exceeds a certain period. Universities in New Zealand offer accommodations and support to minimise the impact on studies, and students are encouraged to inform their supervisors and schools as soon as possible.
In summary, international students in New Zealand face financial responsibilities and visa considerations when dealing with pregnancy and maternity care. The high costs of maternity services must be shouldered by the students themselves or their guarantors, and proper planning and documentation are necessary to secure a temporary visa. Additionally, while universities provide support, students should be mindful of the potential impact on their studies and visa status.
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Students can get guidance on pregnancy from student support staff
If you are an international student in New Zealand and you get pregnant, you may find it challenging to navigate the country's maternity health system. You can seek guidance from student support staff, who can provide confidential advice and support throughout your pregnancy journey. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Understanding the Healthcare System
Student support staff can help you navigate the New Zealand healthcare system, which may differ from your home country. They can guide you through the steps of finding a midwife, which is crucial after a positive pregnancy test. Midwives will provide pregnancy care and support throughout your pregnancy, labour, and birth.
Financial Considerations
Pregnancy and maternity care can be expensive in New Zealand. International students are not eligible for publicly funded maternity services and cannot access private health insurance. Student support staff can advise you on the financial requirements for pregnancy-related costs. You must demonstrate financial capability to cover maternity care expenses, typically a minimum of NZ$9,000. You can use a guarantor or sponsor to guarantee these costs.
Visa Implications
Pregnancy does not breach your student visa conditions, but it may impact your immigration status if you need to take time off from your studies. If you require a visa to remain in New Zealand during your studies, you must inform the International Students Office. Extended absences may lead to visa cancellation, and you may need to apply for a new visa to return. Student support staff can guide you through these visa considerations and help you understand your options.
University Accommodations
Universities in New Zealand are committed to supporting pregnant students and minimising the impact on their studies. Student support staff can inform you about the accommodations and support you can expect from your university, such as completing risk assessments and navigating supervisor and school notifications. They can also guide you through scholarship or funding implications and explain your entitlements, such as unpaid maternity leave.
Mental Health and Counselling Services
Student support staff can provide information about mental health support services. They can direct you to counselling services and help you navigate the emotional aspects of pregnancy. Additionally, they can offer guidance on making informed decisions regarding your pregnancy and refer you to professional advice and support services.
Remember, student support staff are there to help and will treat your situation with confidentiality and sensitivity. Don't hesitate to reach out and utilise the resources available to support you during this time.
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Universities have plans in place for pregnant students
Pregnancy is not a breach of a student visa in New Zealand. However, international students are not eligible for publicly funded maternity or abortion services, nor is it covered by international student insurance. As such, if you are pregnant and applying for a temporary visa to visit, study, or work in New Zealand, you must declare how you will pay for your maternity care while in the country. According to the New Zealand Student and Immigration Advisers website, maternity services can cost at least NZ$9000.
If you are instructed to do so, you will need to complete a risk assessment. The University of Auckland provides helpful information and an example risk assessment on their website. It is strongly recommended that you inform your supervisor and school of your pregnancy as soon as possible, and any information concerning your pregnancy should be treated sensitively and only be passed on with your consent, unless strictly necessary and on a need-to-know basis.
The New Zealand Health Professionals Alliance website also has a comprehensive list of counselling services and other mental health support options.
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Students may have to suspend their studies
International students in New Zealand who become pregnant may have to suspend their studies. This is due to the financial conditions and visa requirements that must be met.
Firstly, international students in New Zealand are not eligible for publicly funded maternity care. This means that they must cover the costs of their maternity care, which can be at least NZD $9,000. To obtain a visa, students must provide evidence of how they will pay for this. They can do so by either paying the costs themselves, having a sponsor, or using a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who guarantees that they will pay the costs and can be a relative, friend, or organisation.
Secondly, students who require a visa to remain in New Zealand during their studies must inform the International Students Office. They may be required to suspend their studies, and if this period is longer than three months, their visa may be cancelled. In this case, they would have to apply for a new visa to return to New Zealand.
It is important to note that universities in New Zealand typically have plans in place for pregnant students and are committed to making accommodations to minimise the impact on their studies. Students can also seek guidance and support from student support staff, who will treat the information provided as confidential.
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Students can get a referral for abortion from a Family Planning centre
If an international student gets pregnant in New Zealand, they will need to pay for their maternity care. This includes the cost of care before, during, and after the birth of the baby. According to Immigration New Zealand, these maternity services can cost at least NZ$9000. International students are ineligible for publicly funded maternity services and cannot take out private health insurance in the country.
Abortion services in New Zealand are free for most citizens and residents. However, international students will have to pay for an abortion and any aftercare costs. These costs can vary between NZ$950 and NZ$5,500, depending on the provider and type of abortion.
If you are an international student in New Zealand and are seeking an abortion, you can get a referral from any local Family Planning centre. Family Planning, previously known as the New Zealand Family Planning Association (NZFPA), is the largest single provider of sexual and reproductive health services in the country. They offer pregnancy testing and referrals for early medical abortions, among other services.
When you visit a Family Planning centre, you can expect to undergo a vaginal examination and have your emotional health assessed. The clinician will discuss the background to your request for an abortion and advise you on contraceptive choices. They will also ensure that you meet the legal criteria for termination in New Zealand.
It is important to note that abortion is a time-sensitive decision, and you should contact an abortion provider as soon as possible to understand your options. Abortion providers can offer counseling to help you make an informed choice.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a Limited Visa, you cannot get publicly funded maternity care. If you are not eligible for public healthcare, you must show that you have a minimum of NZD $9,000 to pay for your maternity care. You can pay the costs yourself, or use a guarantor—a relative, friend, or organisation that can guarantee they will pay the costs.
The first step is to find a local midwife and have one of them accept you as a patient before you can access the pregnancy care system.
Becoming pregnant is not a breach of your Student Visa. However, taking time out of your studies can affect your immigration status. If you need to take a leave of absence, you may be required to suspend your studies. If the period is longer than three months, your visa may be cancelled, and you will have to apply for a new visa to return to New Zealand.
Many universities have plans in place for pregnant students and are committed to making accommodations to minimise the impact on your studies. You can also refer to the Crisis Pregnancy Support page on the New Zealand Health Professionals Alliance website for a comprehensive list of counselling services and other mental health support options.
