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The cost to immigrate to New Zealand varies depending on your chosen visa type, your personal situation, and any additional services or documentation you may require. As a general guide, typical expenses include:
● Visa application fees.
● Medical checks and police certificates.
● Relocation expenses such as flights, shipping, and initial accommodation.
● Professional legal support, which can help avoid costly mistakes or delays
It's important to plan ahead financially and understand all potential costs from the start. For an overview of the costs for specific visa types, visit the Immigration New Zealand website.
If you're looking to move from the USA to New Zealand, we recommend you follow the below process:
Schedule an Immigration Consultation with a New Zealand Immigration Specialist: Book an immigration consultation with our expert immigration lawyers/attorneys.
Eligibility Assessment: We’ll evaluate your circumstances and recommend the best pathway.
Tailored Strategy: We’ll develop a personalized plan to ensure your success.
Application Submission: Leave the paperwork to us while you prepare for your move.
At McSweeney Immigration Law New Zealand, we’ve helped many Americans successfully relocate and settle in New Zealand. For more details, visit our NZ Immigration Services page, or read our in-depth Comprehensive Guide to Immigrating to New Zealand in 2025.
Immigrating to New Zealand can be relatively straightforward if you meet the eligibility criteria and have the right support in place. New Zealand offers a range of visa pathways including the Skilled Migrant Category, family visas, and investment or partnership routes. However, navigating immigration rules and submitting a strong application can be complex without professional guidance.
At McSweeney Immigration Law New Zealand, we specialise in helping individuals and families build tailored immigration strategies that align with their goals. Whether you're just starting your immigration journey or are already partway through the process, we’re here to provide clarity and confidence every step of the way. For a full breakdown of what's involved, take a look at our blog: Your Comprehensive Guide to Immigrating to New Zealand in 2025.
Yes, it is possible to immigrate to New Zealand without a job offer—depending on the visa category you’re applying for. While a job offer can significantly strengthen your case, there are several visa types that do not require one. Some of them are:
Post-Study Work Visas for those who have completed eligible study in New Zealand. Partner of a New Zealander Visas for those in a genuine relationship with a NZ citizen or resident. Investor and Entrepreneur Visas for those who can contribute economically to the country.
We work with clients every day who don’t have job offers but are still able to secure a visa. Get in touch for tailored immigration advice.
The time it takes to immigrate to New Zealand varies depending on the visa you apply for and the complexity of your case. Approximate processing times include:
Skilled Migrant Category: 10 weeks to 4 months. Work to Residence Visas: 6.5 to 9.5 weeks. Partnership Visas: 7 to 8 months.
Other factors that may impact processing time include the completeness of your documentation, any health or character issues, and the current Immigration NZ workload. To get a better idea of timeframes, contact McSweeney Immigration Law NZ. With proper documentation and expert support, we can help streamline your application process, reduce delays, and give you the best possible chance of success.
Education at public schools in New Zealand is free for children who qualify as domestic students. Your child is considered a domestic student if they are a:
New Zealand resident or permanent resident.
New Zealand citizen.
Student visa holder based on your temporary work visa.
If your child is not eligible under these conditions, they may still be able to attend school in New Zealand under an international student visa. International tuition fees will apply.
At McSweeney Immigration Law New Zealand, we support families in navigating school eligibility as part of their immigration journey.