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Moving To New Zealand From USA

Moving To New Zealand From USA
If you are living in the US and like many other people thinking of moving to New Zealand from USA. You probably are looking for a relaxed life in a country where people are friendly with each other.
People are moving to New Zealand from USA in search job opportunities, to retire, to study or just to raise their children.
New Zealand is a relatively small country. It is roughly the same size as the state of Colorado. Although smaller in size people are attracted to New Zealand because of the easier pace of life. And there is a lot of space as New Zealand’s population density is only 15 people per square mile as compared to 84 people in the US.

Working in New Zealand

In the US, there is no legal requirement for the companies to give their staff any annual leave. Whilst in New Zealand the companies should give 20 days annual leave. Apart from this, there are seven paid holidays annually. Some companies in New Zealand give their staff more than 20 days of leaves annually.

Becoming a citizen of New Zealand

If you have stayed for five years and are willing to remain in New Zealand, then you can apply for permanent residence. Applying for permanent residence by the grant will cost $337.80 for adults and $168.90 for under 16 children. Renouncing the citizenship of the US will cost $2,350.

Public health care is much cheaper than in the US. But you can avail after you become a citizen of New Zealand. Accident and emergency treatment are free, but you will have to pay for family doctors’ appointments, prescriptions and dental care for adults.

Economy

New Zealand is a minor world economy, unlike the US. However, it has dogged major damage from the financial crisis in 2008. There are a lot of employment opportunities in ICT, healthcare, construction, science, finance and engineering, and many more. Still, the country is experiencing a shortage of skills.

According to the Government website, in 2015 unemployment lowered to 5.3% of the active adult population. Employment expected to increase at 2% per year for the next four years. Construction is a fast-growing employment sector.

House prices and renting

New Zealand has a lot of spaces to purchase properties at relatively cheap prices. Homes in Wellington and in the Canterbury region, along with the city of Christchurch are cheaper than the national average.
However, prices in Auckland are very costly. At present, the average cost in Auckland is more than $700,000 as compared to a national average of $440,000. This is above the average price of $350,000 in the United States. Even New York and San Francisco have considerably cheaper homes than Auckland.

In this aspect, New Zealand can be expensive than in the US. The average rental prices have increased up to $1,100 per month across the nation. However, median rental prices in San Francisco and New York are now around $4,500 per month, considerably more than anywhere in New Zealand.

Education

New Zealand maintains high education standards, therefore, it is beneficial for moving to New Zealand from USA. Around 75% of people have either higher secondary school qualifications or university degrees, well above the OECD average.

It is mandatory for children to begin elementary schooling from the age of 6. Although it in some cases parents can enroll them at the age of 5.

The public school system is free to the citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand. If you are on a temporary visa, you will have to apply for a separate student visa for your children. You will also have to pay fees for their tuition, which could be around $7,000 per year.

Private schools are also funded up to 25% by the central government. Some differences in schools to be noticed when moving to New Zealand from USA:

  • Emphasis on physical education is high
  • They encourage thinking and application over knowledge learning e.g. multiple-choice tests are not regular
  • They are also not keen on teaching the rigors of spelling and grammar

Conclusion

Moving to New Zealand from USA will be a smooth transition as the language is the same. Also, the culture is a lot similar, which will make you feel at home. They have a laid-back life, and moving there will be great as it is regarded as one of the cleanest and most beautiful countries in the world.

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