Relocating to a new country is a significant life decision that involves meticulous planning, understanding visa regulations, and adapting to a new culture. New Zealand and Australia are two of the most desirable destinations for expatriates due to their high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and robust economies. This article outlines the top 10 ways to relocate to New Zealand or Australia in 2024, providing insights into the visa processes, job opportunities, and lifestyle considerations.
1. Skilled Migration Visas
Both New Zealand and Australia have skilled migration programs designed to attract professionals who can contribute to their economies. These programs are points-based, where applicants are assessed based on their skills, qualifications, work experience, and age.
New Zealand: The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand’s primary pathway for skilled workers. To apply, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meet the minimum points threshold. Points are awarded for factors such as age, skilled employment, work experience, and qualifications. If invited to apply, you can then submit a residence application.
Australia: Australia offers several skilled migration visas, such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa). These visas require applicants to have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and to meet the points test requirements. The Subclass 190 visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory, while the Subclass 491 is for regional areas.
Key Tip: Regularly check the respective immigration websites of New Zealand and Australia for updates to the occupation lists and points requirements, as these can change based on labor market needs.
2.Employer-Sponsored Visas
Securing a job offer from an employer in New Zealand or Australia can facilitate your relocation through employer-sponsored visa programs.
New Zealand: The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows employers to hire skilled workers from overseas. To qualify, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer, meet the skill and experience requirements, and satisfy the health and character conditions.
Australia: The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) is a popular pathway that allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for a temporary period. There are short-term and medium-term streams depending on the occupation. For long-term residency, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency.
Key Tip: Establish connections with employers in your field through job search platforms like Seek, LinkedIn, or by attending job fairs focused on Australian and New Zealand employment opportunities.
3. Family Sponsorship
If you have family members who are citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia, they may be able to sponsor your visa application.
New Zealand: The Family Visa options include the Partnership Visa for spouses or partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, and the Parent Retirement Visa for parents who wish to join their children in New Zealand.
Australia: Australia offers several family visas, such as the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) for spouses or de facto partners, and the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. These visas typically have long processing times, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Key Tip: Ensure that you have the necessary documentation to prove your relationship and that your sponsor meets the income or financial requirements set by the immigration authorities.
4.Investor and Business Visas
For those with substantial financial resources or entrepreneurial ambitions, investor and business visas provide an attractive pathway to residency.
New Zealand: The Investor 1 and Investor 2 Visas are available for high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in New Zealand. The Investor 1 Visa requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million over three years, while the Investor 2 Visa requires an investment of NZD 3 million and is points-based.
Australia: Australia offers several business and investor visas, such as the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188). This visa has different streams, including the Investor Stream for those investing at least AUD 2.5 million and the Business Innovation Stream for entrepreneurs with a successful business history.
Key Tip: Work with a financial advisor or immigration consultant to ensure that your investment or business plan meets the specific criteria of the visa category you are applying for.
5.Student Visas
Studying in New Zealand or Australia can be an excellent way to transition to permanent residency. Both countries offer post-study work visas that allow graduates to gain work experience after completing their studies.
New Zealand: The Student Visa allows you to study full-time in New Zealand. After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa to work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on your qualification.
Australia: Australia’s Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to study at an Australian educational institution. After graduation, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which grants you the right to work in Australia for up to four years, depending on your qualification.
Key Tip: Choose a course or degree that is in demand in the labor market to increase your chances of securing employment and transitioning to permanent residency.
6.Working Holiday Visas
If you are young and seeking an adventure while working abroad, the Working Holiday Visa provides a unique opportunity to live and work in New Zealand or Australia for a year or more.
New Zealand: The Working Holiday Visa is available to citizens of certain countries aged 18-30 (or 18-35 in some cases). This visa allows you to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months (or 23 months for UK and Canadian citizens).
Australia: Australia offers the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), depending on your country of origin. These visas allow young people (usually aged 18-30) to work and travel in Australia for up to a year, with the possibility of extending the visa by working in certain industries like agriculture.
Key Tip: Plan your travels and job opportunities in advance, especially if you intend to extend your stay by meeting the visa’s work requirements.
7.Global Talent Visa
Both New Zealand and Australia are keen to attract highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs through their global talent visa programs.
New Zealand: New Zealand does not have a specific global talent visa, but highly skilled professionals may be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category or employer-sponsored visas.
Australia: Australia’s Global Talent Independent Program (GTI) is designed for highly skilled individuals in specific sectors such as tech, fintech, medtech, space, and advanced manufacturing. This fast-track visa allows successful applicants to obtain permanent residency.
Key Tip: If you work in a high-demand field, consider applying directly through the Global Talent visa programs, as these often have streamlined processing times and fewer requirements than traditional skilled visas.
8.Entrepreneur Visas
For those with innovative ideas and a desire to start a business, entrepreneur visas provide an exciting pathway to relocation.
New Zealand: The Entrepreneur Work Visa allows you to move to New Zealand and establish a business. After two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Entrepreneur Residence Category.
Australia: Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188 – Entrepreneur Stream) is designed for individuals who have a funding agreement from a third party to undertake a business venture in Australia.
Key Tip: Ensure that your business idea is innovative and has the potential to contribute to the economy of New Zealand or Australia. Engage with local business incubators or accelerators to refine your business plan.
9.Regional Migration Schemes
Both New Zealand and Australia have regional migration schemes that encourage skilled migrants to settle in less-populated areas, which often have faster processing times and lower points thresholds.
New Zealand: The Regional Skilled Employment Visa allows skilled workers to settle in regions where their skills are in demand. The criteria and available regions can vary, so it’s essential to research the specific opportunities in the region you’re interested in.
Australia: Australia’s Regional Visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas for five years, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years. Regional visas are typically easier to obtain than metropolitan visas and offer additional points in the points test.
Key Tip: Consider the lifestyle and employment opportunities in regional areas, as these visas often require you to live and work in the designated region for several years before you can move to other parts of the country.
10. Relocating Through Retirement
If you are considering retiring abroad, both New Zealand and Australia offer pathways to retire in their scenic landscapes.
New Zealand: The Parent Retirement Visa is designed for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents who have substantial assets and can invest in New Zealand.
Australia: Australia’s Retirement Visa options are limited, with the Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405) being a temporary visa for self-funded retirees. However, this visa category has been closed to new applicants since 2018, and those interested in retiring in Australia should explore alternative options, such as investing or reuniting with family.