The United States, with its diverse culture, vast economic opportunities, and world – renowned educational institutions, has long been a magnet for people from all over the world, including those from New Zealand. Making the move from New Zealand to the US is a life – changing decision that requires careful consideration and a solid understanding of the US immigration system. This article will walk you through the various paths available for New Zealanders who wish to immigrate to the United States.
1. Types of US Visas for New Zealanders
Employment – Based Visas
H – 1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
Eligibility Criteria:
You must have a job offer from a US employer in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is generally one that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. For example, jobs in computer science, engineering, and finance often fall into this category.
Your educational background should match the requirements of the job. If you have a degree in software engineering, and the job offer is for a software developer position, it meets the criteria.
The US employer must obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA) approved by the Department of Labor before sponsoring you for an H – 1B visa. The LCA details the terms of employment, including the wage to be paid, which must be at least the prevailing wage for the area and occupation.
Application Process:
The employer initiates the process by filing the LCA. Once approved, the employer then files a petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You, as the applicant, will need to provide supporting documents such as your educational transcripts, degree certificates, and evidence of your work experience in the relevant field.
If the petition is approved, you will need to apply for the H – 1B visa at a US embassy or consulate in New Zealand. This typically involves an interview, where you will need to prove your eligibility for the visa.
L – 1 Visa (Intra – company Transferees)
Eligibility Criteria:
You must have been employed by a company outside the US (which could be a New Zealand – based company) for at least one year in the past three years in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position.
The company must have a qualifying relationship with a US – based affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company. For example, if your New Zealand company has a branch in the US, it may be eligible to transfer you.
Application Process:
The US – based company files a petition for you with the USCIS. The petition should include details about the relationship between the two companies, your job responsibilities in New Zealand, and how they will translate to your role in the US.
Similar to the H – 1B visa, if the petition is approved, you will apply for the L – 1 visa at a US embassy or consulate in New Zealand.
Family – Based Visas
Immediate Relative Visas
Eligibility Criteria:
If you are a New Zealander and have a US citizen spouse, unmarried child under 21, or a US citizen parent (if you are over 21), you are eligible for an immediate relative visa.
For a spouse visa, the marriage must be legal and bona fide. USCIS may require evidence such as wedding photos, joint bank accounts, and shared living arrangements to prove the authenticity of the marriage.
Application Process:
The US citizen relative files a petition (Form I – 130) on your behalf with the USCIS. Once the petition is approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.
You will then need to complete a series of steps at the NVC, including providing financial documentation (such as tax returns of the US citizen sponsor) to prove that they can support you financially in the US.
Finally, you will attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate in New Zealand, where you will need to present all the required documents and prove your eligibility for the visa.
Family Preference Visas
Eligibility Criteria:
These visas are for family members who are not immediate relatives. For example, if you are a New Zealander and have a US citizen sibling, or if you are a permanent resident of the US and have a spouse or unmarried child (of any age), you may be eligible for a family preference visa.
The waiting times for these visas can be quite long, as they are subject to annual limits and a priority date system. The priority date is usually the date when the petition is filed.
Application Process:
Similar to immediate relative visas, the US – based family member files a petition (Form I – 130) with the USCIS. After approval, the case moves to the NVC and then to the US embassy or consulate in New Zealand for the visa interview.
Student Visas
F – 1 Visa (Academic Studies)
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be accepted into a full – time academic program at a US educational institution that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This could be a university, college, or vocational school.
You need to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and any other associated costs. This may include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarships.
You must also demonstrate that you have a strong intention to return to New Zealand after completing your studies in the US. This can be shown through ties to New Zealand, such as property ownership, family, or a job offer waiting for you in New Zealand.
Application Process:
First, apply to the US educational institution of your choice. Once you receive an acceptance letter, you will be issued a Form I – 20, which is a certificate of eligibility for non – immigrant student status.
Then, you will need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
Next, you will complete the visa application form (DS – 160) and schedule an interview at a US embassy or consulate in New Zealand. At the interview, you will need to present your Form I – 20, proof of funds, and other relevant documents.
M – 1 Visa (Vocational and Non – Academic Studies)
Eligibility Criteria:
Similar to the F – 1 visa, you must be accepted into a vocational or non – academic program at a SEVP – approved institution. For example, if you want to study a trade like plumbing or culinary arts in the US, you may be eligible for an M – 1 visa.
You also need to show proof of funds and intention to return to New Zealand after the program.
Application Process:
The process is similar to the F – 1 visa. You will receive a Form I – 20 (M – 1) from the institution, pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS – 160 form, and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in New Zealand.
2. Pre – Immigration Preparation
Research and Planning
Research the Country: Just like immigrating to any new country, it’s crucial to research the United States. Understand the different states and their unique characteristics. For example, California is known for its booming technology industry and entertainment sector, while New York is a global financial hub. Learn about the cost of living in different areas, as it can vary significantly. Housing costs in cities like San Francisco are much higher than in some mid – western cities.
Plan Your Finances: Calculate how much money you will need for the immigration process. This includes visa application fees, which can be quite costly, especially for employment – based visas. You also need to consider travel costs, initial living expenses such as housing deposits and food, and if you have family members moving with you, the cost of their education and healthcare. You may want to explore options for opening a US bank account before you arrive to make financial transactions easier.
Document Preparation
Educational Documents: Gather all your educational certificates, transcripts, and diplomas. If you are applying for an employment – based or student visa, these documents will be crucial. They may need to be translated into English (if not already in English) and authenticated. In some cases, you may need to have your degrees evaluated by a US – approved credential evaluation service.
Work – related Documents: If applying for an employment – based visa, collect your work reference letters, employment contracts, and any professional licenses or certifications. For example, if you are a nurse and applying for a job in the US, you will need to provide your nursing license from New Zealand and any relevant work experience certificates.
Identity Documents: Ensure you have a valid New Zealand passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. You may also need to provide copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and police clearance certificates.
3. The Immigration Application Process
Submitting the Application
For employment – based visas, the employer usually takes the lead in filing the initial petition. For family – based visas, the US – based family member files the petition. In the case of student visas, it is the applicant who initiates the process after receiving an acceptance letter from a US institution.
When submitting the application, it is essential to fill out all the forms accurately and completely. Provide all the required supporting documents. Any missing or incorrect information can lead to delays or even rejection of the application.
Medical and Character Checks
Medical Examinations: In most cases, you will need to undergo a medical examination by a US – approved panel physician. The medical examination will check for general health conditions, as well as specific diseases that may be of concern to the US public health system, such as tuberculosis.
Character Checks: You may be required to provide police clearance certificates from New Zealand and any other countries where you have lived for an extended period. This is to ensure that you have a good moral character and no criminal record.
Visa Approval and Arrival
If your application is approved, you will receive a visa. The type of visa will determine the conditions of your stay in the US, such as how long you can stay, whether you can work or study, and if you can bring family members with you.
Once you have your visa, you can plan your travel to the United States. Familiarize yourself with the entry requirements, such as what items you can and cannot bring into the country. When you arrive at a US port of entry, present your valid passport and visa to the US Customs and Border Protection officers.
4. Settling in the United States
Housing
Renting: Renting is a popular option for new immigrants in the US. You can find rental properties through real estate agents, online rental platforms like Zillow or Apartments.com, or local classifieds. When renting, you will typically need to sign a lease agreement, pay a security deposit (which can vary but is often one month’s rent), and the first month’s rent in advance. Some landlords may also require a credit check, so it’s a good idea to start building your credit in the US as soon as possible.
Buying: If you plan to stay in the US long – term, buying a property may be an option. However, the US real estate market can be complex. You need to understand mortgage requirements, which can vary depending on your immigration status. For example, some lenders may have different criteria for non – US citizens. You will also need to work with a real estate agent and a lawyer to ensure a smooth transaction.
Employment and Business Opportunities
Finding a Job: If you have come to the US on an employment – based visa, you may already have a job. But if you are looking for new employment, you can use online job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Attending job fairs and networking events can also be very helpful. The US has a large and diverse job market, with opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
Starting a Business: The US offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs. However, you need to research the market thoroughly, develop a solid business plan, and comply with all the legal requirements for starting and operating a business in the US. This includes registering your business, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, and understanding tax laws.
Education and Healthcare
Education: If you have children, the US has a wide range of educational options. Public schools are funded by local taxes and are free for students. However, the quality of public schools can vary by location. There are also many private schools, which often offer a more specialized curriculum but come with a tuition fee. For higher education, the US is home to some of the world’s top universities. If you are a student yourself, you can explore opportunities for further studies or professional development.
Healthcare: The US healthcare system is complex. There are different types of health insurance available, including employer – sponsored insurance, private insurance, and government – sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare (although eligibility for the latter two is limited). It’s important to obtain health insurance as soon as possible to avoid high medical costs in case of illness or injury.
Conclusion
Immigrating from New Zealand to the United States is a challenging but rewarding journey. By understanding the various visa options, preparing well in advance, and following the application process carefully, you can increase your chances of a successful immigration. Remember to be patient, as the process can take time, especially for family – based visas with long waiting lists. With the right approach and perseverance, you can soon be part of the diverse and dynamic fabric of the United States.
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