O Say Can You See…

I was going to start this by saying something along the lines of “as the dust settles on the US elections”, however I anticipate the dust will be flying for some time to come. Whilst Americans took to the polls and voted for ‘change’ the consequences of that decision have sent ripples across the globe. No doubt there will be plenty of interesting times ahead, however for some Americans, the vote for change is far more significant and the change they are looking for isn’t in who leads the country.

We have been inundated with requests from people looking for an exit plan and whilst this isn’t new, and tends to happen at each and every US election, the determination with which these individuals is approaching the process, is markedly different. I suspect after a series of turbulent election cycles, resulting in a bit of a “back to the future” moment, some people have just had enough. Without diving in to the politics of it all (not too much at least), I can’t say I blame them.

So, for those considering the move, what options are available, how does the process work and where do they start? To help guide anyone considering the big relocation, particularly from the US right now, the team here thought it might be a useful exercise to explain some of the basics involved with the NZ Visa process, options available and how to get things underway. It all starts with that first step but knowing which step to take helps as well.

NZ Visa Options

Deciding to make the move is one thing, but figuring out where to start in that process, which visa options might apply and how they work in reality (never mind INZ’s simplified website explanations) is a daunting process. However to try and break it down as easily as possible, New Zealand offers three main “streams” of migration and within each of these are various visa pathways that people can pursue. The three streams consist of Business & Investment, for those looking to invest money here or start/buy a business. We have a stream for those looking to secure employment in New Zealand (the Skilled Migrant Category) and then we have various options for family (the Family Category). We have provided a brief outline of each stream and the main pathways below.

Finding The Right Path

Skilled? Looking to invest? Want to join family? We have a variety of Visa pathways, depending on your situation.

Skilled Migration

The Skilled Migrant Category brings us, by far, our largest pool of migrants and is split up in to several different visa options. There are options for those who work in very specific occupations and can secure employment here in their field - these occupations are listed on our Green List and come with specific requirements in terms of the role, salary, experience, registration and qualifications. However for these candidates there are options to secure Residence directly (Straight to Residence) or after working here for a period of two years. For those not on the Green List, but still qualified and skilled, there is our points based pathway, which uses qualifications, registration in NZ or income (in NZ) to determine your eligibility under a points-tested system. Some applicants can apply for Residence right away, whilst others might have to work in NZ on a Work Visa for between one and three years first.

We even have pathways for people working in the care workforce who are able to secure the right type of employment here, along with other slightly lesser known Work to Residence pathways.

The common elements amongst all of these pathways is that an applicant is able to secure skilled employment here (skill is measure by both occupation and/or income in NZ), they are under 56 when they apply for Residence, speak fluent English and meet health and character requirements. For most applicants, considering a move, this is the pathway that will apply, however understanding the steps involved, your overall eligibility and the timing are all part of a much bigger discussion.

Investment Options

For those looking to run a business or start a new business in New Zealand we have the Entrepreneur Residence stream which actually comes in two parts. The first involves securing a temporary Work Visa to set up or take over the proposed business and then eventually after two years (or six months depending in the business and investment) being able to apply for Residence. This process is not for the faint of heart because it involves presenting a very well documented and clear business plan, along with meeting a specific points test. INZ focuses on three criteria for the business and whether it will be innovative, high growth or create an export market. For this looking at this option, we tend to first consider all other pathways, before embarking on this one.

Alternatively if you have plenty of spare cash available (or can get your hands on it) we do have an investment option, which allows applicants, able to invest a specific sum of money in to New Zealand for a period of four years, the opportunity to secure Residence. The absolute minimum required is NZD$5 million and this can increase, depending on the nature of the investments you are looking to make. This particular category has come under fire in recent years and so there is a good chance it will be reviewed in the very near future - stay tuned.

Family Visas

Finally we have options for family members, which in reality boils down to two common pathways. We have temporary and Resident visa options for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, which allow kiwis overseas to bring their other half to New Zealand to live here indefinitely. This option involves the couple being in a genuine and stable relationship and living together for a set period of time.

Then there are options for parents, which involve a more general parent category for parents who wish to join their adult children who have already secured Residence here and have held that for three years. This category operates on a ballot system where parents looking to move enter in to a pool of candidates and are then randomly selected to apply for Residence. However if those parents have $1.5 million and are willing to invest two thirds of that in New Zealand, along with other criteria, they can avoid the three years of Residence their children need to accumulate.

The simple answer is, that for most skilled, employable Americans, or those with a close family connection here, or the financial means to invest or run a business, there are options available - working out which one is right (or works best for you) is where we fit in.

Thinking Ahead

One of the trickier parts of this process is managing expectations and timelines, because we often see people wanting to move very quickly and of course the visa process and your involvement in it, is often dictated by factors outside of your control (the job offer and when that surfaces being a key one). So the key is to approach the process in stages, being mindful that you can’t always influence when specific things will happen.

Plan Ahead

Migrating is often a longer process than people might think, particularly if you want to do it properly.

Stage 1 - Establish your eligibility and process. This is really important because until you know you qualify (and have that confirmed by someone who knows the process) you don’t really have a plan to work with. So, instead of deep-diving in to endless websites, speak to someone with the experience to be able to map out a sensible and pragmatic plan.

Stage 2 - Once you have the pathway mapped out, commit to the process. It is very easy to sit on the fence in this situation, and ultimately if you don’t dive in head first, you will find any number of reasons to delay (until the next election comes around). Even just taking that first step in to the unknown will give you the motivation to take it further and as you do, the whole process will become a lot clearer.

Stage 3 - Prepare, prepare some more and then add some last minute preparation. One of the first things I tell my clients is that preparation is absolutely crucial, because it is. There are so many moving parts in terms of not just the visa process, but also moving your family to another country and you need to know as many of them as you can, as quickly as possible. You won’t be able to control each and every part of the process, but just understanding what they are makes for a more successful outcome.

To achieve all of this, you can either try and muddle through various websites and social media posts on your own, or you can simply hand the process over to someone with some (or a lot) of experience in juggling the logistics. Having a guide on hand to show you the way, and to keep you motivated can often be the best money you will spend.

It Starts Here…

Recent events might have propelled you forward in terms of making the move to New Zealand or this could be something you have thought about and planned for a while - no matter what your situation might be, taking the first step is always a nerve-wracking process. But it doesn’t have to be and having some expertise at the other end of your phone, email, Teams or Zoom can often be the difference between an enjoyable, successful move and one fraught with stress, anxiety and issues.

New Zealand isn’t perfect and it isn’t for everyone, but it certainly does appeal to plenty of people right now. If you think that this might be your exist-strategy or have finally decided to take the plunge, then let us help you establish if you qualify, work out a plan and guide you through the process.

Until next week!

Remember - Our last seminar for the year will take place on 08 December 2024 (via Zoom). Register here to attend.