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Moving from New Zealand to the United States

Learn the various pathways of immigration to the United States, including family-sponsorship and employment from New Zealand.

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Interested in Immigrating to the US from New Zealand?

Those Americans who have full or partial ancestry from New Zealand are often called New Zealand Americans or Kiwi-Americans. According to surveys taken in 2010, there are about 20,000 New Zealand Americans living in the US. 

Since the 1940s, most Kiwis who have settled in the United States came seeking better education or employment, especially in work related to finance, import and export, and entertainment industries.

New Zealanders seem to be most attracted to big, populated cities such as:

  • New York
  • San Francisco
  • Boston
  • Washington D.C.
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New Zealand to US

Immigration Process

To become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, one must obtain a Green Card . Most immigrants will do so through employment , through family sponsorship , or by being an immediate relative of a US citizen, the latter being most common among Irish immigrants.

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Worker Programs

Oftentimes, immigrants to the United States come in search of economic opportunity. The most likely way to obtain a Green Card is through employment in the US. Immigrant work visas include the EB-1 and EB-2 visas, and imply receipt of a Green Card soon after entry. Non-immigrant work visas are temporary, and include the H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1, and TN. If an immigrant comes to the US under a non-immigrant work visa and wishes to become a permanent resident, they may change their classification and apply for an immigrant work visa while in the states. Speaking to an immigration professional is also helpful in determining eligibility, as well as which visa is right for each individual.
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Family Sponsorship

Many immigrants who obtain lawful permanent residence in the US do so as immediate relatives of US citizens or are eligible for other family-based preferences. Each of these visas, Immediate Relative and Family Preference, provide for unique application processes, so it is important to determine which one is most suitable for each individual’s case. Speaking to an immigration professional may be helpful in determining one’s eligibility.

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Study Permits

The US has the largest population of international students in the world. There are more than 1 million students choosing the United States to broaden their educational experience. If you are coming from a foreign country and wish to enter the US to attend a school then you will be required to have an F visa. The F1 visa covers University or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic instituion.
Useful Resources for New Zealand Immigrants in the US
  • Kea New Zealand: Stay connected with New Zealand and its people. Find job opportunities in your region and hear about amazing things Kiwis are doing around the world.
  • InterNations: Connect with the expatriate community of New Zealanders in the US. 
  • New Zealand/American Association of San Francisco: provides a social and networking forum for Kiwis, and their American friends in the Bay Area. Also promotes and fosters good relations between New Zealand and the US through a
    variety of social and cultural events.
  • Kiwi Club of New York City: A social/event group for Kiwis living in the New York/Northeastern region of the US.

Call Us Today

Getting started is easy. Use our eligibility assessment form or call us today at 866.934.7447 to speak to one of our U.S. immigration professionals.

Call: 866.934.7447
Online Assessment
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