How to move to New Zealand and become a naturalized Kiwi
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New Zealand isn't just an escape hatch for Silicon Valley billionaires like Peter Thiel; it's also become the object of many Americans' affection in the wake of Donald Trump's recent presidential election win.
US-based applications for New Zealand citizenship have skyrocketed in the 12 weeks since November 2016, according to the Associated Press. Applications are up 70% compared to the same time period a year prior.
If you're one of the many people looking to make the move to a land of rolling, green hills and sheep as far as the eye can see, here's how you actually make the move and become a Kiwi.
If your goal is to live in New Zealand permanently, your journey begins with a choice.
Getty/Lean In/Tara MooreThe first thing New Zealand's immigration office needs to know is if you want to emigrate for work, study, investing, or joining family.
The path you go down will determine which kind of visa you'll end up applying for.
For people looking to work, your best bet is to have a job already in hand.
Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesIf you do have a job, the country has a number of options in terms of the kind of visa you can apply for. The most popular for future residents are the Skilled Migrant and Long Term Skill Shortage visas.
Skilled Migrant visas are for people who "want to live in New Zealand permanently and ... have skills that can contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth."
The Long Term Skill Shortage visa is for people whose skills fit one of the jobs listed on the immigration's site.
The smartest choice for permanent residence is the Long Term Skill Shortage visa.
Drew Angerer/GettyWith this particular visa, you can work for 30 months in New Zealand in a position for which the country has a shortage of available talent.
After 24 months of working in a job related to the list of skills, you can apply to become a permanent resident. You can also apply for another temporary work visa.
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