Top 5 Pathways for Americans to Immigrate to New Zealand
Top 5 Pathways for Americans to Immigrate to New Zealand
Introduction
Over 18,000 Americans immediately looked at moving to New Zealand following Donald Trump’s success with the U.S. elections last week. It is only fitting we write an article setting out the top five pathways for Americans to migrate to New Zealand as our country has become an increasingly attractive destination for Americans seeking a lifestyle change, new work opportunities, or the chance to explore its natural beauty. While New Zealand's immigration system can seem complex, there are accessible pathways for U.S. citizens. At MC Legal, we have worked with numerous clients from the US who are now settled in NZ.
Here, we’ll explore the top five common pathways for Americans to move to New Zealand: the Green List – Straight to Residence, Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List - Work to Residence visa, and the current Active Investor Plus scheme.
1. Green List Straight to Residence Visa
The Green List Straight to Residence pathway is designed for individuals with occupations on New Zealand’s Green List Tier 1, which includes critical skill shortages of industry areas that the Government has identified of nationally significant. Industries cover teaching, engineering, healthcare, and construction.
Key takeaways:
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must hold a job offer with an Accredited Employer in an occupation listed in Tier 1 of the Green List. Both the applicant and the job offer must meet specific qualifications and experience requirements.
Immediate Residency Pathway: Unlike other pathways, this visa allows eligible individuals to apply for residency immediately upon securing a qualifying job offer.
High Priority Processing: Applications from individuals in Tier 1 Green List roles are prioritised, providing faster processing times. The processing time can vary depending on the demand and workflow of the immigration officer but can range from 3 weeks to 6 months.
This visa is ideal for highly skilled professionals in essential industries looking for a straightforward route to residency in New Zealand. Occupations we have assisted with include: Secondary School Teachers, Registered Nurses, Quantity Surveyors, Specialist Engineers, Medical Physicians, and Food Technologists.
2. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category is another common option for Americans looking to settle in New Zealand. This six-point category is based on key factors like qualification level, income, whether you have New Zealand registration and skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Key takeaways:
Eligibility Requirements: Based on a six-point system, applicants will need to be 55 years or younger, hold qualifications and skills that are in demand in New Zealand, and meet health and character requirements. The points are accorded depending on your qualification level, e.g. PhD or earning three times the median wage can be allocated six points.
Job Offer: You will need to have a job offer or be working in a skilled job with an Accredited Employer.
Pathway to Residency: Once the application is approved, the SMC visa offers a direct pathway to residency, allowing applicants and their families to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently.
The SMC visa is an excellent option for professionals who have the qualifications or specialised skills that align with New Zealand's labour market needs. It’s particularly well-suited for those with expertise in areas like IT, healthcare, engineering, and construction.
3. Green List Work to Residence Visa
For those with skills listed on the Green List Tier 2, the Green List Work to Residence pathway provides a path to residency in New Zealand. This takes slightly longer than the straight-to-residency as you will need to be working in the skilled role for two years before being eligible to apply.
Key takeaways:
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must hold a job offer in an occupation on Tier 2 of the Green List and meet the minimum qualification and experience criteria for that occupation.
Two-Year Work Requirement: After two years of working for an accredited employer in New Zealand, eligible individuals can apply for residency and include their family in the application.
Direct Residency Pathway: Once approved, this visa provides residency for the applicant and their family, offering stability and long-term security.
This pathway is ideal for skilled individuals who want to work in New Zealand and settle in first while still working towards residency after two years. Common occupations we have assisted clients with include Farm Managers, Diesel Motor Mechanics, Early Childhood Teachers, Excavator Operator, and Telecommunications Technicians.
4. Active Investor Plus
New Zealand offers high-net-worth individuals interested in making a substantial financial investment in the country through the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Key takeaways:
· Active Investor Plus Weighted system: The Active Investor Plus visa encourages direct investments in NZ companies compared with passive or indirect investment types. Acceptable investments carry a weighting towards the $15 million so individuals can choose to invest $5 million into direct investments. Investment types can be combined so long as the total weighted equivalent is $15 million.
Residency to Permanent Residency Pathway: The Active Investor Plus Visa applications are prioritised by INZ and the visa provides a fast-tracked pathway for those considering NZ residency. After four years, successful investor applicants can apply for permanent residency after retaining their investment in New Zealand.
For Americans with the financial resources to make a substantial investment, this investor visa offer a fast and relatively straightforward route to residency, with fewer restrictions than other visa options.
5. Partnership of a New Zealander Visa
For Americans with a New Zealand citizen or resident visa partner, the Partnership of a New Zealander Visa provides a straightforward route to residency.
Key Points:
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must prove they are living in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. This visa is open to both married and de facto partners.
Work and Study Rights: The visa grants full work and study rights, making it an ideal option for those wishing to work or further their education in New Zealand.
Pathway to Residency: After living together for 12 months (either offshore or onshore on a Partnership Work Visa), applicants can apply for residency, provided the relationship remains stable.
The Partnership Resident Visa is ideal for Americans with a New Zealand partner who want to establish their life together in New Zealand.
Conclusion
You will likely be attracted to the relaxed, outdoor-orientated lifestyle that New Zealand has to offer. The New Zealand immigration system offers multiple pathways tailored to different needs and professional backgrounds. The application process can be complex, so it's beneficial to seek advice from an immigration lawyer to increase your chance of success and to reduce the stress of relocating to a different country. At MC Legal, we are here to support you every step of the way, helping you find the best path to start your new life in New Zealand. Book a time here to e-meet Michelle and discuss your options moving forward.