July 20, 2025 • 58 mins
When Americans consider moving abroad, one of the first questions is often "Can I go somewhere where they speak English?" But, it's not just about avoiding language barriers—it's about finding a place where cultural references, legal systems, and core values feel somewhat familiar during an otherwise challenging transition.
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand offer exactly that comfort zone with the added benefits of universal healthcare, stronger social safety nets, and political environments that many find increasingly appealing as American politics grows more divisive. These countries consistently rank among the world's highest for quality of life, environmental standards, and personal safety. They're not utopias, but for many Americans, they represent stability in uncertain times.
The reality check? These countries operate sophisticated immigration systems designed to select newcomers based on what they bring to the table economically. Each uses a points-based framework that rewards youth, education, professional experience in high-demand fields, and language proficiency. These systems aren't random—they're strategically crafted to address domestic labor shortages and demographic challenges.
The good news: all three countries allow dual citizenship, meaning Americans don't have to surrender their US passports. The challenging news: desire alone isn't enough—you need to match what these countries are seeking. For professionals under 40-45 with college degrees working in healthcare, IT, engineering, education or skilled trades, doors open more easily. For others, creative pathways might be necessary, potentially including study, entrepreneurship, or family connections.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Brandon Miller (00:06):
I'm Brandon Miller from Maple Immigration
Services.
If you're thinking about movingto Canada, whether as an
international student, a skilledworker or with your family, I
can tell you from over 15 yearsin the immigration business and
from another 15 years of livingaround the world that you need a
plan.
We created the ImmigrationBlueprint to be a key starting
point for any Canadian migrationjourney.
(00:26):
We help you to understand howthe immigration system works,
what timelines to expect, whatschools or career pathways are
right for you, how to leverageyour experience from your home
country and, most importantly,how to build a life in Canada
once you're here.
Our Immigration Blueprint isbased on a proven system where
we work with you to create apersonalized, realistic
migration plan that sets you upfor success from day one.
(00:48):
Let's be real these arelife-changing decisions for your
future, so don't leave it toguesswork.
Let's figure out what'spossible together.
Visit mapleimmigrationca ormysecondpassportca to get
started on your blueprint today,because coming to Canada isn't
just the beginning.
Thriving here is the goal.
Shawn (01:23):
Welcome to Leaving America, the podcast series
where we explore what it reallymeans to pick up and start a new
life outside the United States.
For many Americans, the idea ofmoving abroad comes with a lot
of questions, and one of thefirst is usually can I go
somewhere where they speakEnglish?
I go somewhere where they speakEnglish.
(01:43):
Maybe you don't want tostruggle with a new language, or
perhaps you're simply morecomfortable with cultures that
share certain values, legalstructures or political
traditions.
Today's episode focuses onthree of the most commonly
considered destinations forEnglish-speaking Americans
looking to leave Canada,australia and New Zealand.
These three countries mightfeel culturally familiar, but
(02:06):
when it comes to immigration,they each have distinct and
sometimes difficult pathways.
We're going to look at each oftheir systems, break down
realistic timelines, whatqualifications are needed and
whether these countries are arealistic option for most people
.
I'm your host, Shawn C Fettig,and if you've ever daydreamed
about trading gridlock for sheeptraffic in Hobbiton, you're
(02:29):
absolutely in the right place Tostay updated on the latest
episodes.
Follow, like and share LeavingAmerica on the Deep Dive with
Shawn podcast feed wherever youget your podcasts, and if you've
already traded Americangridlock for the soothing chaos
of a Sydney roundabout or needtips on avoiding funnel web
spiders in US politics?
(02:51):
Email us at deepdivewithshawnat gmailcom.
All right, pack your bags.
This is Leaving America.
(03:12):
For most Americans, movingabroad comes with the daunting
task of learning a new languagejust to navigate a grocery store
, let alone a job interview.
But Canada, australia and NewZealand speak English.
That doesn't just mean fewermiscommunications.
It means you can hit the groundrunning both professionally and
socially.
(03:32):
But this isn't just aboutlanguage.
These three countries share alot with the US in history,
legal framework, pop culture andcore democratic institutions.
Theirs are holding at leastthat.
Cultural familiarity can make abig difference, especially when
you're trying to rebuild yourlife somewhere new.
(03:53):
The electrical outlets may lookdifferent, but the political
systems are recognizable.
The movies are the same and youprobably won't have to Google
what to wear to a job interview.
There are also liberaldemocracies with functioning
legal systems, strong publicinstitutions and, for now at
least, governments that haven'tbeen hijacked by demagogues or
(04:14):
conspiracy theorists.
That may sound like a low bar,but if you're listening to this
podcast, it's probably ameaningful one.
These are countries that stillbroadly believe in universal
healthcare, gun control, climateaction and science.
They're not utopias, but ifyou've been watching American
news lately, they might start tolook a little bit like
(04:35):
lifeboats.
They also rank consistentlyhigh in quality of life indices,
According to the OECD and theUN Human Development Index.
All three boast high lifeexpectancy, low homicide rates,
good air and water quality andeducation systems that don't
require mortgaging yourgrandchildren's future.
(04:57):
And, crucially, they're allcountries that want immigrants,
or at least certain kinds ofimmigrants.
Their immigration systemsaren't random.
They're structured and they'repoints-based, and they actively
recruit the people they thinkwill best contribute to their
societies and economies.
That structure is,paradoxically, both the good
news and the bad news.
(05:18):
Here's how it works.
Each country has a version ofwhat's called a points-based
immigration system, designedprimarily for skilled workers.
These systems reward thingslike age, education level, years
of work experience in ahigh-demand field, english
language proficiency, job offersfrom local employers and family
(05:41):
connections, or studyexperience in the destination
country.
The more points you have, thebetter your chances.
It's a meritocratic system, atleast in theory, but it also
means there's no shortcut forsimply wanting to move.
You can't charm your way in.
You have to qualify, and that'swhere it gets tricky If you're
under 40, have a college degree,work in IT, healthcare,
(06:05):
engineering or a skilled tradeand speak English fluently,
congratulations, you're a goldengoose.
But if you're in your 50s, workin a field that's not on the
in-demand list or don't have aformal degree, then, even with
(06:27):
the best of intentions and adeep love of maple syrup or
koalas, you may face somesignificant hurdles.
These systems are designed tofilter, not just welcome, and
even among the three countriesthe bar varies, and we'll
discuss all of that.
These countries don't want youto move just because you're
disillusioned with your owncountry.
That might be your motivation,sure, but for them it's about
what you're bringing to thetable.
They want residents who canfill labor shortages, boost the
(06:48):
tax base and integrate intolocal communities.
They're not running refugeecamps for disillusioned liberals
.
That doesn't mean your reasonsfor wanting to leave America
aren't valid, though, just thatthey're not enough on their own.
You have to match your valuesand vision with their needs and
rules.
One other thing these countrieshave in common, with the
(07:09):
exception of New Zealand they'regeographically enormous, but
demographically small.
Canada has more lamb than theUnited States, but only a tenth
of the population.
Australia is nearly the size ofthe continental US, but has
fewer people than Texas.
New Zealand is about the sizeof the continental US, but has
fewer people than Texas.
New Zealand is about the sizeof Colorado, population-wise,
(07:31):
and far more remote.
This means housing markets aretight, especially in urban
centers.
It also means immigrationdebates can be intense.
A few hundred thousandnewcomers in the US barely
register In New Zealand.
They can shift the politicallandscape.
That's not a reason to avoidthese countries, but it is a
(07:52):
reason to approach them withcare and respect.
Immigration is a gift, not anentitlement.
So now that we've explained whythese countries are so
appealing, let's get into thehow, starting with our own
neighbor to the north, canada.
Brandon Miller (08:09):
I think it's a pretty easy move for a lot of
people.
I always say that you know,coming to Canada is like it's
like going to Wisconsin, Shawn,it's not really that far of a
stretch.
You know, we have a lot of thesame products.
We have a lot of the sameproducts.
(08:30):
We have a lot of the sameculture.
You know, you can still watchyour favorite TV shows up here
quite easily.
You have access to thosecomforts of home.
But again, there's a lot ofshared values that we
traditionally have had and Ithink culturally it's not really
that big of a jump when youstart jumping to other places in
the world and you know,speaking from experience, it can
be a little bit daunting tosettle into a new, totally
(08:51):
different culture.
So I think that's one of thebiggest pulls.
Shawn (08:58):
That was Brandon Miller, founder and managing director
of Maple Immigration Services,which provides a wide range of
immigration assistance intoCanada, describing why Canada is
an easy transition forAmericans.
For many Americans, canada isnot just the closest option
geographically, it's also themost psychologically familiar.
(09:18):
It shares the world's longestundefended border with the US,
the same Netflix catalog and asimilarly unsettling addiction
to pumpkin spice everything.
It's also one of the mostpopular destinations for
Americans looking to emigrate.
But proximity doesn't equalsimplicity.
Canada might seem like the easyescape hatch, but the truth is
(09:40):
it's structured, selective andincreasingly competitive.
That doesn't mean it's out ofreach, but it does mean that
before you start dreaming aboutpoutine and maple syrup, you'll
want to understand how Canada'simmigration system actually
works.
Here's Brandon Miller again.
Brandon Miller (10:03):
The most common area that people are going to
come into is an economic pathway, most likely, and that would be
under something we call expressentry.
Express entry is a points-basedsystem and it's generally the
fastest-based system for peopleto come here under an economic
program.
Now you'll understand, like ifyou heard what I was saying.
(10:26):
It's a system it's actually anapplication system but there's
four different programs that arein there.
There's something called theFederal Skilled Worker and again
, for the Federal Skilled Worker, you have to have one year of
skilled work experience withinthe last 10.
So skilled work experience canbe varied.
It could be somebody who's youknow, working as a cook or a
(10:47):
chef, or somebody who's workingas an engineer, a doctor,
somebody who's working as a highlevel admin assistant.
Those really open up a lot ofdifferent areas.
But again and I don't want toget too much into the weeds
there's a lot of.
We have category based drawsnow under Express Entry, which
has changed the dynamic, and thecategory bases allow certain
(11:08):
professions that are in demand,and I would invite anybody who's
listening if they want toexplore that.
Just type into Google IRCC,express Entry, category-based
selection and you'll come up andyou can actually see all the
different options there UnderExpress Entry.
You've got the Federal SkilledWorker Program, which is one
(11:29):
year within the last 10.
You've got Canadian ExperienceClass, which means you have one
year of Canadian work experiencewithin the last three.
We have a Trades Program forelectricians and plumbers and
people that are working in thetrades, and we also have P&P
draws.
The P&Ps also have their ownapplication process and, again,
(11:51):
they're really geared tooccupations that are in demand.
One of the things that's reallyinteresting and I would like to
point out to people is you cancome here and get a work permit
under a few different ways.
There's LMIA-based applications,but there's also things that
(12:12):
are covered under treaties andwe have this treaty with the US
called KUSMA.
We call it KUSMA, I know the UScalls it USMCA and this is
where people can actually betransferred in.
So if I just did one of thesefor a guy out of Boston
literally 72 hours ago andthey're a company in the States,
(12:33):
they own a branch office herein Canada and he wanted to
transfer in here we filled itout and he was able to get a
two-year work permit and an openwork permit for his spouse and
they don't have kids.
But if he wanted to bring hiskids, they could come to school
here as well, so that's actuallya really advantageous area.
(12:53):
Study permits are interestingtoo.
If somebody wants to come andstudy here, there is a provision
and it's only open to Americansfor them to be able to come to
the border and to apply fortheir study permit.
Like right at the border, thisis only for Americans.
Shawn (13:16):
At the heart of Canadian immigration for skilled workers
is something called ExpressEntry.
Launched in 2015, express Entryis an online system used to
manage applications for threemain federal immigration
programs the Federal SkilledWorker Program, the Federal
Skilled Trades Program and theCanadian Experience Class.
(13:40):
You create an online profileand enter key details like your
education, work experience, age,language proficiency, marital
status and more.
The system uses thisinformation to assign you a CRS
score.
That's Canada's ComprehensiveRanking System.
Then, every few weeks,immigration, refugees and
(14:01):
Citizenship Canada IRCC holds adraw.
If your score meets or exceedsthe cutoff, you get an
invitation to apply in ITA forpermanent residency.
Here's what you need in yourprofile to get you to the top of
the list.
Realistically, you'll want aCRS score of 470 or more to be
competitive in most generaldraws, and hitting that number
(14:25):
usually requires a combinationof a bachelor's or master's
degree and higher educationequals higher points.
At least three years of skilledwork experience, preferably in a
full-time, continuous role.
Strong performance on alanguage test, usually the IELTS
, the International EnglishLanguage Testing System, where
(14:45):
high scores add significantpoints.
And yes, even if you speakfluent English and you come from
an English-speaking country,you still need to take this test
, being under 35, age is a majorfactor.
Those over 45 receive zero agepoints and you have to have no
criminal record and a clean billof health.
Extra points can be earned forhaving a valid job offer from a
(15:09):
Canadian employer.
Though this isn't required, itdoes add 50 to 200 points,
depending on the role.
Completing a degree or diplomain Canada, having a close
relative who is a Canadiancitizen or permanent resident,
and proficiency in French, evenat a basic level.
Brandon Miller (15:31):
Each province or territory is allowed to come up
with their own program.
The provinces can select peoplebased on what their labor
market needs are.
So basically what we see isthey'll do a lot of in-demand
type draws.
So in British Columbia, forinstance, they have one of the
in-demand professions that justcomes off my off the top of my
(15:53):
head as an early childhoodeducator.
There's nowhere else andthere's some of the province
would have that under anin-demand stream, but not much.
It's basically BC.
That's one job that they'veseen that they want to target.
Ontario we target a lot of likehealthcare and you'll see that
(16:13):
actually, quite frankly, rightacross all of the different
areas.
But these programs have likein-demand streams.
They'll have like Frenchstreams, for instance, they
could have a business or anentrepreneur stream and really
there's so many differencesamongst them.
All the provinces have it all.
There's different applicationprocedures, there's different
(16:35):
requirements, there's differentpriorities on what they're going
to be selecting.
Alberta, for instance, has arural program where they're
looking at basically settlingpeople out in certain areas.
We also have that on thefederal level too.
So again, they select thecandidates based on their labor
market needs.
Shawn (16:59):
That was Brandon Miller, describing Canada's shared
system of immigration betweenthe federal government and its
individual provinces.
If your CRS score isn't quiteenough or you're willing to live
outside the major cities,there's another route the
Provincial Nominee Program, pnps.
Canada is a federation, andeach of its 10 provinces and
(17:20):
three territories has somecontrol over immigration.
Through PNPs, provinces cannominate applicants for
permanent residency based onlocal labor needs and
demographic priorities.
Think of them as regionalgolden tickets, though each has
its own rules.
For example, british Columbiamight prioritize tech workers
(17:41):
and healthcare professionals,alberta may favor agriculture
and energy sector workers,manitoba often welcomes truck
drivers, and the Atlanticprovinces, like Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick, are eager forskilled tradespeople, nurses and
those with family ties.
Each province maintains anin-demand occupations list and
(18:01):
usually requires a job offer inthat field, but the trade-off is
that a PNP nomination adds awhopping 600 points to your CRS
score, effectively guaranteeingan ITA in the next Express Entry
draw.
Some provinces offer direct PMPapplications outside of Express
Entry, though these tend tohave longer processing times.
(18:22):
Others are aligned with ExpressEntry, which allows faster
processing once you're nominated.
One of the advantages ofExpress Entry is speed.
Once you receive your ITA andsubmit your complete application
.
The government aims to processit within six months, but the
timeline can stretch if yourprofile isn't selected quickly
(18:42):
or if additional documentationis required.
In total, you should expect tospend about $2,000 to $3,500 in
this process, and that includesthe language test, educational
credential assessment,government application fees,
medical exam, policecertificates and biometrics.
This doesn't include optionalcosts like hiring a licensed
(19:07):
immigration consultant, whichcan add another $2,000 to $5,000
.
It also doesn't includerelocation costs, so airfare,
initial housing, new furnitureand all those winter coats if
you're heading to Montreal orWinnipeg not included.
If you're interested inpermanent residency or
citizenship, this is whereCanada shines.
If you're approved throughexpress entry or a PNP, you
(19:29):
receive permanent residencystatus.
This is not a temporary visa.
It allows you to live, work orstudy anywhere in Canada, access
public health care and sponsoreligible family members.
You'll need to be physicallypresent in Canada for at least
1,095 days over a five-yearperiod that's about three years
total to qualify for citizenship.
(19:50):
Time spent in Canada as atemporary resident, student or
worker can sometimes counttowards this total as well, and
Canada allows dual citizenship,so you won't have to give up
your US passport.
Once naturalized, you gain theright to vote.
Apply for a Canadian passportand run for public office if
that up your US passport.
Once naturalized, you gain theright to vote.
(20:10):
Apply for a Canadian passportand run for public office, if
that's your thing, brandonMiller explains how to obtain
Canadian citizenship.
Brandon Miller (20:19):
To become a citizen, all you need to do is
be physically present in Canadawithin three out of five years,
and then you can apply forpermanent residency or sorry,
citizenship.
There's also a mechanism inplace that you could actually do
that for two years if you'rehere as a temporary resident,
because you get credit for up toone year for half day.
(20:43):
So what that means is is, ifyou stay here for two years,
you're going to get a one yearcredit towards your three year
requirement for Canadiancitizenship.
With Canadian citizenship, youcan vote, so then you can
complain about all thepoliticians.
You hold a Canadian passport,which absolutely opens up other
avenues.
(21:03):
I remember when the US pulledout of the Trans-Pacific
Partnership, canada kept goingon that.
A lot of times, when you hearabout these treaties and these
free trade agreements, theseagreements always have worker
mobility provisions buried intothem, because if you're going to
bring a company in, like, let'ssay, walmart, well, let's say
Walmart's here, right, but whenWalmart was leading their
(21:26):
expansion into Canada, I'm surethey wanted to bring up a lot of
their managers to make surethat that expansion went in line
with the company policy.
So a lot of these areas havevery, very nice worker provision
.
So if you're holding a USpassport and a Canadian passport
, you can absolutely tap intothat.
So I say to people that a lotof times coming here, you can
(21:49):
come here for different reasons,but there's also looking at the
world and the increasingmobility that we find and the
ability to have that passport toleverage opportunities, not
only currently but in the future, you know, and there's so many
different benefits to that.
The other thing with citizenshipthat I want to point out is the
residency obligation goes away.
(22:11):
So once you have your passport,or once you become a citizen,
you get to leave and you cancome back in 30 years and nobody
can say anything.
You have a right to entry aswell, which we saw during COVID,
when they closed down theborders.
Permanent residents didn't havethat right to enter and there
was people that were separated,but as a citizen, you do have a
right of entry.
Shawn (22:36):
Moving to Canada isn't just about getting the visa.
It's about starting over.
So what does life as a Canadiannewcomer actually look like?
As it relates to health care,every province runs its own
health care system.
Most services are publiclyfunded and free at the point of
use, though newcomers may face awaiting period, typically three
months, before they're eligible, and the cost of living.
(22:59):
Toronto and Vancouver areexpensive, among the priciest
cities in North America, butmid-sized cities like Halifax,
Ottawa or Winnipeg offer lowerhousing costs and often faster
integration.
And the weather?
Yes, it's cold, but noteverywhere.
British Columbia's coast has atemperate climate, while Alberta
(23:20):
can see snow in May.
So get used to layering.
And despite the fact that weshare a border, American and
Canadian cultures are different.
Brandon Miller explains whatyou should expect.
Brandon Miller (23:36):
I would say that we're a little bit more
reserved, you know we're.
I find that it's a little bitmore reserved.
In that respect there's a I'mstruggling with that a little
bit because there's it like it'sthe same, but there's, there's
subtle differences, and thething is, is that let's back up
there, if I may?
(23:57):
I would think that you know,again, people are a little bit
more reserved.
Um, sometimes, um, you knowit's not people will say they
won't tell you that, they'reoffended, so to speak.
But there'll be, it'll be that,and a lot of people will smile
and do that.
That's one thing that I think'sa little different.
I'm actually the opposite.
(24:18):
I like to tell people exactlywhat I think, but some people
don't do that.
And again, this is differentfor everybody and especially
depending on where you are,because certain areas of the
country they will tell youexactly how it is, but other
places they'd be like man, man,whatever.
We've got the metric system, sothat might be a bit of a change
for people.
But again, if you're bringingyour car, you can always
(24:40):
presumably change it over quiteeasily.
And I just think that thingsare a little bit more
conservative, and I don't meanconservative in the US sense,
but I mean conservative in termsof a little bit more relaxed in
that, but there's also somenorms that we generally tend to
follow.
People now, nowadays, I think,people express their opinions a
(25:04):
little bit more, but a lot ofpeople hold their cards pretty
close to their chest, I think.
So you know, you have to bemindful of that, and you know,
as have to be mindful of that,and you know, as I said, a lot
of people.
They come here, and you canpretty much do what you want.
It really takes a bit to offendpeople, and the only caveat to
that is, though, is that we havea lot of cultures from around
(25:24):
the world, and there's a lot ofnew Canadians, so you might not
only be just dealing withCanadian culture.
You might be dealing withculture from many different
areas of the world, so youshould be mindful of that as
well.
It's not only you know, theCanadian side of things.
It's also different culturalnorms, where you know, kind of
the unspoken rule is come and dowhatever you want to do, but
don't infringe on somebodyelse's right to do whatever they
(25:46):
want to do.
So I think it's it's unique,and it you know, a lot of people
would argue, especially overthe last couple of years, that
it doesn't work.
But you know, given the currentstate of things, that what
we're looking at, like you knowCanada's really coming together,
like we're still together right, we're still Canadian, and I
think that that's important,where you know we have so many
(26:09):
different cultures here and youknow the inclusivity and whatnot
.
We don't see it as a weakness,it's more of the strength that
we have, I would say.
So that's something that Ithink is really important.
Shawn (26:30):
Politeness is prized in Canada, diversity is celebrated,
government services arereliable and public radio is
surprisingly listenable and it'snot being defunded.
And, perhaps most critically,immigrants are the norm, not the
exception.
Over 23% of Canadians areforeign-born.
You won't be the only newcomerfumbling your way through tax
(26:51):
season or trying to make senseof Canadian tire.
So Canada is an excellentoption for Americans who want
something stable, structured andclear.
It rewards education, planningand linguistic skill.
It also expects that you'llintegrate, contribute and
embrace the social contract.
So it may be your best bet ifyou work in a skilled field with
(27:12):
global demand, you're under 40and speak fluent English or
French, you're open to livingoutside Toronto or Vancouver and
you're okay with snow.
Lots of snow Like lots of snow.
So if you like the idea ofconstitutional monarchy, bagged
milk and living in a countrywhere political scandals involve
mild improprieties instead ofattempted monarchy, bagged milk,
and living in a country wherepolitical scandals involve mild
improprieties instead ofattempted coups, canada might
(27:35):
just be your next home.
Okay, so let's talk aboutAustralia, where the rules are a
little messier but the sun is alot brighter.
Australia may have the brand ofan easygoing, sun-drenched
haven filled with surfers andkangaroos, but don't let the
beachy vibe fool you.
Its immigration system isrigorous, bureaucratic and
highly strategic.
(27:55):
And that's not a bad thing.
It just means that if you wantto move down under, you'll need
more than just wanderlust and abackpack full of Outback
Steakhouse coupons.
Much like Canada, australia runsa points-based immigration
system designed to selectindividuals who are most likely
to contribute to the country'seconomy.
It's called the General SkilledMigration Program and it
(28:17):
comprises several visasubclasses, each with its own
set of rules, priorities andpathways to permanent residency.
The most common skilled visasubclasses are and I'll explain
these in a bit more detail laterSubclass 189.
This is the Skilled IndependentVisa.
Subclass 190, which is theSkilled Nominated Visa by a
(28:37):
state or a territory, andsubclass 491.
This is the Skilled WorkRegional Visa.
Each of these routes requires askills assessment, language
test and a minimum expression ofinterest through the skill
select system.
You must also be under 45 yearsold, score at least 65 points
to be considered thoughreal-world cutoffs often exceed
(29:03):
80, and have an occupation onthe relevant skilled occupation
list.
These visas lead to eitherimmediate permanent residency,
which applies to subclasses 189and 190, or provisional
residency that can transition topermanent status.
This applies to subclass 491.
Australia's points systemevaluates age.
As I said, the max points of 30are awarded if you're between
(29:23):
25 to 32.
English proficiency high IELTSor PTE scores can earn up to 20
points.
And work experience Localexperience is especially
valuable.
Educational background Morepoints for higher degrees or
Australian education, Partnerskills If your partner is also
skilled, that's bonus points.
(29:44):
And regional or statesponsorship these add 5 to 15
points depending on the visasubclass.
Australia also rewards thosewho've studied or worked in
Australia, so internationalstudents often use that as a
springboard to residency.
Before applying, you must pass askills assessment through the
assessing authority relevant toyour occupation.
(30:05):
Each profession, whether you'rean architect, physiotherapist
or diesel mechanic, has its ownauthority and requirements.
Some require academictranscripts, licensing exams or
letters from past employers.
This step is non-negotiable andoften the most time-consuming
part of the process.
So let's take a closer look atthe visa subclasses I mentioned.
(30:26):
Subclass 189, the SkilledIndependent Visa, does not
require employer sponsorship orstate nomination, and with this
you get permanent residency fromday one.
This also makes it the mostcompetitive as it targets
high-scoring applicants inpriority fields.
Subclass 190, the SkilledNominated Visa, requires
(30:47):
nomination by an Australianstate or territory visa requires
nomination by an Australianstate or territory.
It's focused on state-specificneeds like health care,
education, engineering, andthere's a slightly lower points
threshold.
If you're nominated, itrequires you to live and work in
the nominating state for atleast two years, and this visa
also provides permanentresidency right out of the gate.
(31:08):
Subclass 491, the skilled workregional Visa, is for applicants
willing to live in regionalAustralia and it's valid for
five years.
You don't get permanentresidency immediately, but it
leads to permanent residencyafter three years of living and
working in the region and you'reawarded extra points for
(31:29):
regional commitment.
The reason for this is that oneof the biggest trends in
Australian immigration is thepush toward regional areas.
The government wants to easethe population pressure on major
cities and distribute skilledmigrants across the country.
To make this appealing, theyoffer bonus points for regional
residency, prioritize processingfor regional visas and create
(31:51):
dedicated occupation lists forremote and rural areas.
Think places like Adelaide,hobart, cairns or even towns in
Western Australia.
These places often offer betterhousing affordability and a
more relaxed lifestyle, thoughjob opportunities might be more
limited, depending on your field.
From the day you submit yourexpression of interest to
(32:13):
receiving your visa grant,expect 12 to 18 months, though
some applicants get throughfaster.
All told, you can expect tospend about $4,000 to $6,000 on
this process, and that includesthe skills assessment, the
English test, the applicationfees and medical exams and
police certificates.
Family applications are more.
(32:34):
They can easily exceed $10,000.
And I'll note here and thisprobably applies to every
country while a migration agentisn't mandatory, many applicants
choose to hire one to helpnavigate the complexity as far
as what to expect with your newlife in Australia.
Once you're a permanent resident, you'll have access to Medicare
, australia's public health caresystem.
(32:56):
It covers GP visits, hospitalcare and most prescriptions.
Many residents also carryprivate insurance for dental and
vision.
Sydney and Melbourne are verypricey, especially rent and
groceries.
Smaller cities like Adelaide orPerth offer more affordable
lifestyles, and the work culturein Australia is worth
(33:16):
understanding.
Australians pride themselves ona strong work-life balance.
You'll be expected to work hard, but also take your vacation.
The culture leans egalitarianand informal.
Don't be surprised if yourmanager wears sneakers and
public transit is decent inmajor cities, but car ownership
is the norm elsewhere.
And of course, there's theweather.
(33:37):
If you're tired of US winters,australia's climate might feel
like a dream.
Just be ready for the sun toactually try to kill you.
Uv levels are no joke.
So if you're interested inpermanent residency or
citizenship in Australia, youshould know that permanent
residency gives you the freedomto live and work anywhere in
Australia, access healthcare andpublic education, and it
(33:59):
provides a pathway tocitizenship.
To apply for citizenship,you'll need to live in Australia
for four years, including oneyear as a permanent resident.
You'll also have to pass acitizenship test basic civics in
English and demonstrate goodcharacter, so no criminal
convictions.
Australia also allows dualcitizenship, so you don't have
(34:19):
to give up your US passport.
So Australia might be for youif your job appears on the
skilled occupation list, you'reunder 45 and open to regional
life, you like sunshine, seafoodand directness, and you can
handle bureaucracy withoutlosing your mind.
Australia is welcoming, but itexpects immigrants to be
self-sufficient, adaptable andskilled.
(34:40):
If you can tick those boxes, itoffers one of the clearest
paths to permanent residency anda stable, rewarding life abroad
.
Okay, finally, let's talk aboutthe quieter but no less
competitive option, my favoritecountry on the planet, new
Zealand.
Aaron Martin (35:01):
I think it is a good option, simply because
there's a level of ease in termsof getting used to the New
Zealand way of life.
It's not, you know, you're nothaving to negotiate a different
language.
The school education systemsare relatively similar, the work
(35:22):
practices are relativelysimilar, so I think it's not
like moving to a drastic changeand relatively easy to sort of
integrate into the New Zealandway of life.
I think the other thing that isa little bit comforting for the
(35:44):
people moving here from the USis it's an overnight flight to,
you know, the western seaboard,so if you need to get back for
family reasons or to see familymembers, that can be
accommodated easily.
So in that sense I think itgives an element of comfort for
(36:06):
those who might have familymembers that might need
assistance at some stage, or ifyou need to get back to see
family or attend to otherbusiness affairs or things of
that nature.
Shawn (36:21):
That was Aaron Martin, principal Lawyer with New
Zealand Immigration Law, whichassists people navigate New
Zealand visa and immigrationcomplexities.
Describing why New Zealand is aimmigration complexities.
Describing why New Zealand is agood option for Americans
considering a move.
New Zealand is thoughtful,measured and fiercely protective
of its landscape and socialcohesion.
It's a country with spectacularscenery, a strong social safety
(36:44):
net and a reputation forkindness.
But don't confuse laid-backwith laissez-faire.
New Zealand has tightened itsimmigration policies
significantly in recent yearsand moving there is no longer
the relatively breezy affair itonce was.
That said, it's still one ofthe world's most livable
countries, with stronginstitutions, very low
(37:05):
corruption, a real commitment toclimate sustainability and a
political culture that feelslike the US before it turned
into a creepy reality show.
But to get there, you'll needmore than an Instagrammable love
of mountains and sheep.
You'll need to qualify.
The primary route for mostforeign workers is through the
skilled migrant category which,like Canada and Australia,
(37:28):
operates on a points-basedsystem.
Aaron Martin explains.
Aaron Martin (37:37):
There is a skills category which is really geared
toward people who are migrating.
Based on one, I've got an offerof employment from a New
Zealand company, but I haveskills that are either required
by that company or that areidentified by the New Zealand
(38:01):
government as nationallycritical in terms of getting
those skills into New Zealand,and that is very.
That skill category, which hasvarious subcategories, is very
much employer and employmentfocused and driven.
(38:23):
In other words, it's a keyrequirement that you have an
offer of employment that youhave an offer of employment.
Shawn (38:34):
Some of the major things to keep in mind to qualify
under the Skilled Migrantcategory, the SMC, you must be
55 or younger, hold a job offerfrom a New Zealand accredited
employer, be paid at or above aspecific salary threshold it's
currently about one and a halftimes the median wage and meet
English language, health andcharacter requirements.
The points system itself is nowsimplified.
(38:58):
Based on your occupation, skilllevel and pay rate, points are
awarded in six-point bandsdepending on the type of job.
Tier one shortage occupationsequals big points.
The salary level high earnersscore more.
And time spent working in NewZealand loyalty matters.
To be eligible for a residentvisa, you need six points, which
(39:19):
typically equates to having askilled job that pays well or
working in New Zealand for threeplus years.
Here's Aaron Martin describingthe skilled migrant system in
detail.
Aaron Martin (39:34):
It's known as the six-point skilled migrant system
, and this really has a complexmakeup.
The objective is for a personto be able to score six points
(39:57):
and part of your points mustcome from particular skill
categories either occupationalregistration by that I mean I'm
in an occupation which, underNew Zealand law or regulatory
requirements, necessitates megetting a form of registration
with a professional body inorder to perform that work.
The next skill category youcould choose from is
(40:19):
qualifications.
Example I have a bachelordegree from a university in the
United States that compares to aNew Zealand bachelor degree, or
master's or doctorate degrees,etc.
And the final skill category isI've got a job offer with a New
(40:41):
Zealand employer that pays acertain salary threshold or
comparable hourly rate and aperson has to choose points from
one of those three skillcategories registration,
qualification, income from joboffer.
The balance of points that theyneed to reach the six points
(41:04):
will have to come from workingin New Zealand.
So I like to say that for somepeople this is a
work-to-residence process andI'll give you a good example of
how this works.
I have a master's degree fromthe United States I get that is
assessed as comparable to a NewZealand master's degree.
(41:27):
I'm going to choose points fromthe qualification skill
category, and a master's degreeawards me five of the six points
.
How do I make up the final onepoint?
I do that through New Zealandwork experience in a skilled
occupation.
Experience in a skilledoccupation.
(41:54):
Once I've completed a year ofexperience, I then have my total
six points and I can start myresidence application.
Shawn (42:01):
The key takeaway here is without a job offer, your
chances are near zero.
This is a major departure fromprevious policies and the
biggest hurdle for many Americanapplicants.
For most hopeful migrants, thepathway now starts with the
Accredited Employer Work Visa.
This visa allows you to liveand work in New Zealand for up
(42:21):
to three years, work for aspecific employer in a specific
role, and you can bring yourpartner and children under
separate visas.
To qualify, you have to have afull-time job offer from an
accredited employer, be paid ator above the median wage, have
relevant qualifications orexperience and pass English
(42:41):
language, health and characterchecks.
The AEWV is not a guaranteedticket to residency, but it
often becomes one If your job ison the green list.
So occupations with criticalshortages.
You may be eligible for one oftwo fast-track residency options
the straight-to-residence visaif you're in a Tier 1 green list
(43:01):
role, or a work-to-residencevisa after two years in a Tier 2
green list role.
The green list includes roleslike registered nurses and
general practitioners, civilstructural and geotechnical
engineers, early childhoodteachers and secondary school
teachers, ict securityspecialists and software
(43:22):
developers and electricians,plumbers and some tradespeople.
But even if your job isn't onthe green list, you may still
qualify through time spentworking in-country and meeting
income thresholds.
There are other pathways intoNew Zealand, though they offer
alternative routes for specificcircumstances.
There's the partnership visa.
If your partner is a NewZealand citizen or resident, you
(43:45):
may be able to join them,provided you can demonstrate a
genuine stable relationship andhave lived together for 12 plus
months.
And there's the investor visa,and there's two main categories
here the active investor plus,where you have to invest about 5
million New Zealand dollars,and the investor.
One category, and this is foreven higher net worth
individuals.
These are aimed at wealthyentrepreneurs, so they're out of
(44:08):
reach for most people.
There's also the student visaand the post-study work visa For
those studying in New Zealand.
There's a post-study work routethat allows graduates to work
in the country for one to threeyears, depending on their
qualification level and field ofstudy.
This is a viable path foryounger migrants who want to get
a foot in the door, build localwork experience and eventually
(44:30):
apply under the SMC system.
New Zealand's immigrationprocessing times have improved,
but expect some waiting.
The AEWV is going to take about20 to 60 days and the SMC
residency is going to take aboutthree to nine months, depending
on the complexity To work yourway through this process, you
can expect to pay about $4,000to $6,000 US dollars and that's
(44:53):
going to cover the applications,the medical exams, police
certificates and English testing, and then you can add on about
$2,000 US dollars more if youhire an immigration advisor.
Living in New Zealand is manyexpats' dream come true, and for
good reason.
Healthcare is publicly fundedand generally high quality.
Emergency care is, believe itor not, free.
(45:16):
Primary care, like GP visits,involves small co-pays.
You'll register with a local GPand you can access subsidized
prescriptions and mental healthservices.
There's also a privateinsurance option to subsidize
the publicly funded system.
As far as work-life balance,new Zealanders value downtime.
(45:37):
Overtime is rare and takingyour holidays is not just
encouraged, it's expected.
New Zealand culture is similarbut different from American
culture.
Aaron Martin explains what toexpect.
Aaron Martin explains what toexpect.
Aaron Martin (45:52):
New Zealanders are fairly conservative in their
demeanour.
We don't shout our wins and ourvictories and sort of celebrate
(46:13):
with the exuberance that peoplefrom the United States do, and
so often people find that assort of a bit of a thing.
Just to get used to New Zealandis sort of you know, quite a.
Someone described us, as youknow, almost a little bit more
British than the British in someways.
The other thing to get used tois also that while we speak
(46:36):
English, sometimes we don'tspeak the same language and so
there are differentterminologies and different
wordings and sayings thatsometimes know catch people
unawares.
New zealanders are also verylaid back, uh, into terms of you
know issues, about timing andyou know getting things done,
(47:00):
and I think that sometimes getsconfused as being sort of
interpreted as maybe a level ofdisinterest.
But it's just when you live ona set of small islands with 5.5
million people, life is a littlebit more relaxed.
(47:21):
People aren't so necessarilytime-focused Sometimes.
The other thing that catchespeople by surprise is actually
one of my american clients and Iwere discussing this, um about
two weeks ago.
New zealanders speak veryquietly and we stand a bit
further apart from people andthey and they sort of thought,
(47:45):
gosh, am I?
They were getting a little bitworried about gosh, am I being
very loud?
You know why am I?
You know, compared with allthese New Zealanders, I seem
very loud.
And I sort of pointed out that.
You know, we were sitting at acafe, outside a cafe, and, you
know, because we have such asmall population, you know you
(48:07):
don't have the volume of cars,traffic, people.
That means that you have tostand close to people, you have
to raise your voice to make surethat you're heard, cause people
to misinterpret either the bodylanguage or begin to sort of
(48:31):
almost doubt their own conduct,as if they're sort of you know,
gosh, am I doing something wrong?
And it's not, it's just theenvironment that you're in.
Shawn (48:43):
While reserved compared to Americans, kiwis are warm,
community-minded and welcomingof newcomers, especially if you
show humility and make an effortto contribute.
Something to keep in mind.
The cost of living in NewZealand is high, groceries are
expensive, especially freshproduce.
Rent in Auckland or Wellingtonis pretty steep and buying a
(49:04):
home is nearly impossible fornewcomers due to foreign
ownership restrictions, unlessyou gain permanent residency or
citizenship.
Smaller towns offer a lowercost of living but often come
with fewer jobs.
That said, many expats findthat the quieter pace of life
and proximity to natureoutweighs the slower career
track.
(49:24):
New Zealand has one of theworld's most diverse immigration
populations.
One in four Kiwis isforeign-born.
That's the good news.
But integration is a two-waystreet.
Americans in particular aresometimes viewed as loud,
self-important or dismissive oflocal norms.
To succeed in New Zealand,adopt a Kiwi mindset Be modest,
(49:47):
listen more than you speak andvalue community over
individualism.
Also, be aware of the country'sdeep and ongoing efforts at
bicultural reconciliation.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signedin 1840 between the British
Crown and Maori chiefs, iscentral to the country's legal
and cultural framework.
Respect for Maori language,land rights and traditions is
(50:09):
not optional, it's essential.
It's also worth noting herethat New Zealand is generally a
very safe country.
Part of the reason for this istheir strict gun laws.
Here's Aaron Martin again.
Aaron Martin (50:26):
You know we made international headlines when,
after an attack on a mosque inChristchurch, the government
immediately banned the abilityto hold and have certain
semi-automatic guns.
But New Zealand doesn't have abig gun culture.
Shawn (50:48):
But New.
Aaron Martin (50:49):
Zealand doesn't have a big gun culture.
There are shootings, but thatis just nowhere near the level
(51:11):
that you know.
It's an unusual thing, um to toto have that sort of thing
happen in new zealand.
People do not carry guns as ofright.
You must have a license that isobtained through the police.
There are stringent backgroundchecks.
The police come and check whereyou are keeping that gun.
There are strict regulatoryrequirements as to how you can
(51:34):
keep that gun in your house,right down to its state of
readiness for use and where it'slocked etc.
So that it can't be justaccessed by anyone in the house.
So there's a lot of regulatorycontrol around gun use in New
Zealand.
And gun ownership in NewZealand is probably a rarer
(51:58):
thing, usually confined to thosewho legitimately participate in
sports such as hunting or whoare into that particular sport
itself.
So it's not common for peopleto own a gun in New Zealand.
Shawn (52:19):
If you're interested in permanent residency and
citizenship in New Zealand, hereare the things to consider.
If you're on a temporary visa,like the AEWV, you'll typically
need to work in your role fortwo years, meet the income and
skills thresholds and applythrough the residency pathways
so the Green List or the SMC.
Once you're granted residency,you can live and work in New
(52:40):
Zealand indefinitely, accessmost public services, enroll
your children in public schoolsand vote.
After five years of legalresidence, including at least
240 days in New Zealand per year, you can apply for citizenship.
You'll also need to show anintention to remain, pass
character checks and possiblyattend a citizenship ceremony.
(53:03):
New Zealand also allows dualcitizenship, meaning you can
keep your US passport.
The final thing I want to touchon about New Zealand also
allows dual citizenship, meaningyou can keep your US passport.
The final thing I want to touchon about New Zealand.
If you've been following alongto this series, you know that my
husband is from New Zealand.
That's where he and I met, andin last week's episode we talked
about living on an island.
New Zealand is primarily twovery big islands and a lot of
(53:25):
people question if they couldlive full-time or permanently on
an island.
So I asked Aaron Martin what hetells people when they ask him
about living on an island, kindof in the middle of nowhere.
Aaron Martin (53:41):
So is Hawaii, but you know it's a nice place and
yeah, there those um, unusualsort of differences.
New zealand is often obsessedwith the weather and you know,
like people from the unitedkingdom, and it's like, well,
that's, that's what happens when, when you live on some islands
in a great expanse to a country,you know that's landlocked and
(54:05):
I'm far from the ocean, I findthat an unusual thing.
You know that I can't see theocean or that I'm not close to
the ocean and I don't know whythat is.
But yeah, you just you know Ican't smell this, the, the, the
(54:27):
salt of the sea, air and thingsof that nature.
So yeah, you do feel that.
But you know, guess what?
Australia is only three hoursby plane.
If you want to, you know need abit of time in a much more
cosmopolitan, more populatedplace.
You know New Zealand's not thatfar from there and you know
(54:49):
it's easy to get to otherdestinations if you sort of say,
well, being in New Zealand, I'mfeeling a little sleepy because
life's so relaxed here.
I need a little bit of chaosand busyness and fun.
That's a bit different, and Iwant to go to a large
cosmopolitan center.
It's not that hard to get to.
Shawn (55:14):
So is New Zealand right for you?
New Zealand is a phenomenalchoice if you have a job offer
in a critical field, you valuesafety, stability and nature,
you're ready to embrace humility, patience and a slower pace of
life, and you're okay with asmall, sometimes insular, job
market.
It's not the easiest country toenter, but for those who do,
(55:36):
the rewards are deep and lasting.
Okay, so three options Canada,Australia and New Zealand.
Which one do you choose?
Here's the truth.
These three countries wantskilled immigrants, especially
younger ones, in high-demandfields.
So if you're under 40,college-educated, skilled in
healthcare, IT, engineering,teaching, construction or the
(56:00):
trades, fluent in English andwilling to live outside major
cities, then you're in a greatposition to qualify for any of
them.
But if you're older, don't havea degree or don't want to work
in a high demand field, it'sgoing to be tougher.
That's not to say it'simpossible, but you'll need to
get creative.
Maybe that means retraining,Maybe it means taking a
(56:21):
temporary job in a regional area, or it could mean trying for a
student visa and transitioninglater.
And all three countries dooffer family and partner
pathways if you have family inor from the country and or if
you're married to a resident ora citizen from the country.
This is where talking to animmigration advisor like Brandon
Miller, if you're interested inCanada, or Aaron Martin, if
(56:43):
you're interested in New Zealand, might pay off For the right
person with the right skills andmindset.
Canada, Australia and NewZealand can offer safety,
(57:05):
stability and a fresh start, andthey come with something else
the comfort of familiarity.
You won't have to learn a newlanguage.
You won't have to rebuild everycultural reference from scratch
.
You might even be able to watchyour favorite TV shows without
a VPN.
But, perhaps most importantly,these countries offer a future,
(57:25):
one that for many, feels harderand harder to find in the United
States.
In next week's episode, we'redoing a spotlight on New Zealand
, where my husband, Pavel, usedto live.
Like I said, it's where we met,so he'll be back and we'll be
chatting with a couple of ourfriends that made the move to
New Zealand and are still livingthere, about how and why they
did it, what they love, whatthey wish they'd known before
(57:49):
moving, if they miss their homecountries, and much, much more.
If you enjoyed this episode orif you found it helpful, please
share it with someone who'sthinking about their own escape
plan, and remember it's notabout running away.
It's about building the lifeyou want.
This is Leaving America,because sometimes home isn't
where you want.
(58:09):
This is leaving America becausesometimes home isn't where you
started.
Thank you.
I'm Brandon Miller from Maple Immigration
Services.
If you're thinking about movingto Canada, whether as an
international student, a skilledworker or with your family, I
can tell you from over 15 yearsin the immigration business and
from another 15 years of livingaround the world that you need a
plan.
We created the ImmigrationBlueprint to be a key starting
point for any Canadian migrationjourney.
(00:26):
We help you to understand howthe immigration system works,
what timelines to expect, whatschools or career pathways are
right for you, how to leverageyour experience from your home
country and, most importantly,how to build a life in Canada
once you're here.
Our Immigration Blueprint isbased on a proven system where
we work with you to create apersonalized, realistic
migration plan that sets you upfor success from day one.
(00:48):
Let's be real these arelife-changing decisions for your
future, so don't leave it toguesswork.
Let's figure out what'spossible together.
Visit mapleimmigrationca ormysecondpassportca to get
started on your blueprint today,because coming to Canada isn't
just the beginning.
Thriving here is the goal.
Shawn (01:23):
Welcome to Leaving America, the podcast series
where we explore what it reallymeans to pick up and start a new
life outside the United States.
For many Americans, the idea ofmoving abroad comes with a lot
of questions, and one of thefirst is usually can I go
somewhere where they speakEnglish?
I go somewhere where they speakEnglish.
(01:43):
Maybe you don't want tostruggle with a new language, or
perhaps you're simply morecomfortable with cultures that
share certain values, legalstructures or political
traditions.
Today's episode focuses onthree of the most commonly
considered destinations forEnglish-speaking Americans
looking to leave Canada,australia and New Zealand.
These three countries mightfeel culturally familiar, but
(02:06):
when it comes to immigration,they each have distinct and
sometimes difficult pathways.
We're going to look at each oftheir systems, break down
realistic timelines, whatqualifications are needed and
whether these countries are arealistic option for most people
.
I'm your host, Shawn C Fettig,and if you've ever daydreamed
about trading gridlock for sheeptraffic in Hobbiton, you're
(02:29):
absolutely in the right place Tostay updated on the latest
episodes.
Follow, like and share LeavingAmerica on the Deep Dive with
Shawn podcast feed wherever youget your podcasts, and if you've
already traded Americangridlock for the soothing chaos
of a Sydney roundabout or needtips on avoiding funnel web
spiders in US politics?
(02:51):
Email us at deepdivewithshawnat gmailcom.
All right, pack your bags.
This is Leaving America.
(03:12):
For most Americans, movingabroad comes with the daunting
task of learning a new languagejust to navigate a grocery store
, let alone a job interview.
But Canada, australia and NewZealand speak English.
That doesn't just mean fewermiscommunications.
It means you can hit the groundrunning both professionally and
socially.
(03:32):
But this isn't just aboutlanguage.
These three countries share alot with the US in history,
legal framework, pop culture andcore democratic institutions.
Theirs are holding at leastthat.
Cultural familiarity can make abig difference, especially when
you're trying to rebuild yourlife somewhere new.
(03:53):
The electrical outlets may lookdifferent, but the political
systems are recognizable.
The movies are the same and youprobably won't have to Google
what to wear to a job interview.
There are also liberaldemocracies with functioning
legal systems, strong publicinstitutions and, for now at
least, governments that haven'tbeen hijacked by demagogues or
(04:14):
conspiracy theorists.
That may sound like a low bar,but if you're listening to this
podcast, it's probably ameaningful one.
These are countries that stillbroadly believe in universal
healthcare, gun control, climateaction and science.
They're not utopias, but ifyou've been watching American
news lately, they might start tolook a little bit like
(04:35):
lifeboats.
They also rank consistentlyhigh in quality of life indices,
According to the OECD and theUN Human Development Index.
All three boast high lifeexpectancy, low homicide rates,
good air and water quality andeducation systems that don't
require mortgaging yourgrandchildren's future.
(04:57):
And, crucially, they're allcountries that want immigrants,
or at least certain kinds ofimmigrants.
Their immigration systemsaren't random.
They're structured and they'repoints-based, and they actively
recruit the people they thinkwill best contribute to their
societies and economies.
That structure is,paradoxically, both the good
news and the bad news.
(05:18):
Here's how it works.
Each country has a version ofwhat's called a points-based
immigration system, designedprimarily for skilled workers.
These systems reward thingslike age, education level, years
of work experience in ahigh-demand field, english
language proficiency, job offersfrom local employers and family
(05:41):
connections, or studyexperience in the destination
country.
The more points you have, thebetter your chances.
It's a meritocratic system, atleast in theory, but it also
means there's no shortcut forsimply wanting to move.
You can't charm your way in.
You have to qualify, and that'swhere it gets tricky If you're
under 40, have a college degree,work in IT, healthcare,
(06:05):
engineering or a skilled tradeand speak English fluently,
congratulations, you're a goldengoose.
But if you're in your 50s, workin a field that's not on the
in-demand list or don't have aformal degree, then, even with
(06:27):
the best of intentions and adeep love of maple syrup or
koalas, you may face somesignificant hurdles.
These systems are designed tofilter, not just welcome, and
even among the three countriesthe bar varies, and we'll
discuss all of that.
These countries don't want youto move just because you're
disillusioned with your owncountry.
That might be your motivation,sure, but for them it's about
what you're bringing to thetable.
They want residents who canfill labor shortages, boost the
(06:48):
tax base and integrate intolocal communities.
They're not running refugeecamps for disillusioned liberals
.
That doesn't mean your reasonsfor wanting to leave America
aren't valid, though, just thatthey're not enough on their own.
You have to match your valuesand vision with their needs and
rules.
One other thing these countrieshave in common, with the
(07:09):
exception of New Zealand they'regeographically enormous, but
demographically small.
Canada has more lamb than theUnited States, but only a tenth
of the population.
Australia is nearly the size ofthe continental US, but has
fewer people than Texas.
New Zealand is about the sizeof the continental US, but has
fewer people than Texas.
New Zealand is about the sizeof Colorado, population-wise,
(07:31):
and far more remote.
This means housing markets aretight, especially in urban
centers.
It also means immigrationdebates can be intense.
A few hundred thousandnewcomers in the US barely
register In New Zealand.
They can shift the politicallandscape.
That's not a reason to avoidthese countries, but it is a
(07:52):
reason to approach them withcare and respect.
Immigration is a gift, not anentitlement.
So now that we've explained whythese countries are so
appealing, let's get into thehow, starting with our own
neighbor to the north, canada.
Brandon Miller (08:09):
I think it's a pretty easy move for a lot of
people.
I always say that you know,coming to Canada is like it's
like going to Wisconsin, Shawn,it's not really that far of a
stretch.
You know, we have a lot of thesame products.
We have a lot of the sameproducts.
(08:30):
We have a lot of the sameculture.
You know, you can still watchyour favorite TV shows up here
quite easily.
You have access to thosecomforts of home.
But again, there's a lot ofshared values that we
traditionally have had and Ithink culturally it's not really
that big of a jump when youstart jumping to other places in
the world and you know,speaking from experience, it can
be a little bit daunting tosettle into a new, totally
(08:51):
different culture.
So I think that's one of thebiggest pulls.
Shawn (08:58):
That was Brandon Miller, founder and managing director
of Maple Immigration Services,which provides a wide range of
immigration assistance intoCanada, describing why Canada is
an easy transition forAmericans.
For many Americans, canada isnot just the closest option
geographically, it's also themost psychologically familiar.
(09:18):
It shares the world's longestundefended border with the US,
the same Netflix catalog and asimilarly unsettling addiction
to pumpkin spice everything.
It's also one of the mostpopular destinations for
Americans looking to emigrate.
But proximity doesn't equalsimplicity.
Canada might seem like the easyescape hatch, but the truth is
(09:40):
it's structured, selective andincreasingly competitive.
That doesn't mean it's out ofreach, but it does mean that
before you start dreaming aboutpoutine and maple syrup, you'll
want to understand how Canada'simmigration system actually
works.
Here's Brandon Miller again.
Brandon Miller (10:03):
The most common area that people are going to
come into is an economic pathway, most likely, and that would be
under something we call expressentry.
Express entry is a points-basedsystem and it's generally the
fastest-based system for peopleto come here under an economic
program.
Now you'll understand, like ifyou heard what I was saying.
(10:26):
It's a system it's actually anapplication system but there's
four different programs that arein there.
There's something called theFederal Skilled Worker and again
, for the Federal Skilled Worker, you have to have one year of
skilled work experience withinthe last 10.
So skilled work experience canbe varied.
It could be somebody who's youknow, working as a cook or a
(10:47):
chef, or somebody who's workingas an engineer, a doctor,
somebody who's working as a highlevel admin assistant.
Those really open up a lot ofdifferent areas.
But again and I don't want toget too much into the weeds
there's a lot of.
We have category based drawsnow under Express Entry, which
has changed the dynamic, and thecategory bases allow certain
(11:08):
professions that are in demand,and I would invite anybody who's
listening if they want toexplore that.
Just type into Google IRCC,express Entry, category-based
selection and you'll come up andyou can actually see all the
different options there UnderExpress Entry.
You've got the Federal SkilledWorker Program, which is one
(11:29):
year within the last 10.
You've got Canadian ExperienceClass, which means you have one
year of Canadian work experiencewithin the last three.
We have a Trades Program forelectricians and plumbers and
people that are working in thetrades, and we also have P&P
draws.
The P&Ps also have their ownapplication process and, again,
(11:51):
they're really geared tooccupations that are in demand.
One of the things that's reallyinteresting and I would like to
point out to people is you cancome here and get a work permit
under a few different ways.
There's LMIA-based applications,but there's also things that
(12:12):
are covered under treaties andwe have this treaty with the US
called KUSMA.
We call it KUSMA, I know the UScalls it USMCA and this is
where people can actually betransferred in.
So if I just did one of thesefor a guy out of Boston
literally 72 hours ago andthey're a company in the States,
(12:33):
they own a branch office herein Canada and he wanted to
transfer in here we filled itout and he was able to get a
two-year work permit and an openwork permit for his spouse and
they don't have kids.
But if he wanted to bring hiskids, they could come to school
here as well, so that's actuallya really advantageous area.
(12:53):
Study permits are interestingtoo.
If somebody wants to come andstudy here, there is a provision
and it's only open to Americansfor them to be able to come to
the border and to apply fortheir study permit.
Like right at the border, thisis only for Americans.
Shawn (13:16):
At the heart of Canadian immigration for skilled workers
is something called ExpressEntry.
Launched in 2015, express Entryis an online system used to
manage applications for threemain federal immigration
programs the Federal SkilledWorker Program, the Federal
Skilled Trades Program and theCanadian Experience Class.
(13:40):
You create an online profileand enter key details like your
education, work experience, age,language proficiency, marital
status and more.
The system uses thisinformation to assign you a CRS
score.
That's Canada's ComprehensiveRanking System.
Then, every few weeks,immigration, refugees and
(14:01):
Citizenship Canada IRCC holds adraw.
If your score meets or exceedsthe cutoff, you get an
invitation to apply in ITA forpermanent residency.
Here's what you need in yourprofile to get you to the top of
the list.
Realistically, you'll want aCRS score of 470 or more to be
competitive in most generaldraws, and hitting that number
(14:25):
usually requires a combinationof a bachelor's or master's
degree and higher educationequals higher points.
At least three years of skilledwork experience, preferably in a
full-time, continuous role.
Strong performance on alanguage test, usually the IELTS
, the International EnglishLanguage Testing System, where
(14:45):
high scores add significantpoints.
And yes, even if you speakfluent English and you come from
an English-speaking country,you still need to take this test
, being under 35, age is a majorfactor.
Those over 45 receive zero agepoints and you have to have no
criminal record and a clean billof health.
Extra points can be earned forhaving a valid job offer from a
(15:09):
Canadian employer.
Though this isn't required, itdoes add 50 to 200 points,
depending on the role.
Completing a degree or diplomain Canada, having a close
relative who is a Canadiancitizen or permanent resident,
and proficiency in French, evenat a basic level.
Brandon Miller (15:31):
Each province or territory is allowed to come up
with their own program.
The provinces can select peoplebased on what their labor
market needs are.
So basically what we see isthey'll do a lot of in-demand
type draws.
So in British Columbia, forinstance, they have one of the
in-demand professions that justcomes off my off the top of my
(15:53):
head as an early childhoodeducator.
There's nowhere else andthere's some of the province
would have that under anin-demand stream, but not much.
It's basically BC.
That's one job that they'veseen that they want to target.
Ontario we target a lot of likehealthcare and you'll see that
(16:13):
actually, quite frankly, rightacross all of the different
areas.
But these programs have likein-demand streams.
They'll have like Frenchstreams, for instance, they
could have a business or anentrepreneur stream and really
there's so many differencesamongst them.
All the provinces have it all.
There's different applicationprocedures, there's different
(16:35):
requirements, there's differentpriorities on what they're going
to be selecting.
Alberta, for instance, has arural program where they're
looking at basically settlingpeople out in certain areas.
We also have that on thefederal level too.
So again, they select thecandidates based on their labor
market needs.
Shawn (16:59):
That was Brandon Miller, describing Canada's shared
system of immigration betweenthe federal government and its
individual provinces.
If your CRS score isn't quiteenough or you're willing to live
outside the major cities,there's another route the
Provincial Nominee Program, pnps.
Canada is a federation, andeach of its 10 provinces and
(17:20):
three territories has somecontrol over immigration.
Through PNPs, provinces cannominate applicants for
permanent residency based onlocal labor needs and
demographic priorities.
Think of them as regionalgolden tickets, though each has
its own rules.
For example, british Columbiamight prioritize tech workers
(17:41):
and healthcare professionals,alberta may favor agriculture
and energy sector workers,manitoba often welcomes truck
drivers, and the Atlanticprovinces, like Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick, are eager forskilled tradespeople, nurses and
those with family ties.
Each province maintains anin-demand occupations list and
(18:01):
usually requires a job offer inthat field, but the trade-off is
that a PNP nomination adds awhopping 600 points to your CRS
score, effectively guaranteeingan ITA in the next Express Entry
draw.
Some provinces offer direct PMPapplications outside of Express
Entry, though these tend tohave longer processing times.
(18:22):
Others are aligned with ExpressEntry, which allows faster
processing once you're nominated.
One of the advantages ofExpress Entry is speed.
Once you receive your ITA andsubmit your complete application
.
The government aims to processit within six months, but the
timeline can stretch if yourprofile isn't selected quickly
(18:42):
or if additional documentationis required.
In total, you should expect tospend about $2,000 to $3,500 in
this process, and that includesthe language test, educational
credential assessment,government application fees,
medical exam, policecertificates and biometrics.
This doesn't include optionalcosts like hiring a licensed
(19:07):
immigration consultant, whichcan add another $2,000 to $5,000
.
It also doesn't includerelocation costs, so airfare,
initial housing, new furnitureand all those winter coats if
you're heading to Montreal orWinnipeg not included.
If you're interested inpermanent residency or
citizenship, this is whereCanada shines.
If you're approved throughexpress entry or a PNP, you
(19:29):
receive permanent residencystatus.
This is not a temporary visa.
It allows you to live, work orstudy anywhere in Canada, access
public health care and sponsoreligible family members.
You'll need to be physicallypresent in Canada for at least
1,095 days over a five-yearperiod that's about three years
total to qualify for citizenship.
(19:50):
Time spent in Canada as atemporary resident, student or
worker can sometimes counttowards this total as well, and
Canada allows dual citizenship,so you won't have to give up
your US passport.
Once naturalized, you gain theright to vote.
Apply for a Canadian passportand run for public office if
that up your US passport.
Once naturalized, you gain theright to vote.
(20:10):
Apply for a Canadian passportand run for public office, if
that's your thing, brandonMiller explains how to obtain
Canadian citizenship.
Brandon Miller (20:19):
To become a citizen, all you need to do is
be physically present in Canadawithin three out of five years,
and then you can apply forpermanent residency or sorry,
citizenship.
There's also a mechanism inplace that you could actually do
that for two years if you'rehere as a temporary resident,
because you get credit for up toone year for half day.
(20:43):
So what that means is is, ifyou stay here for two years,
you're going to get a one yearcredit towards your three year
requirement for Canadiancitizenship.
With Canadian citizenship, youcan vote, so then you can
complain about all thepoliticians.
You hold a Canadian passport,which absolutely opens up other
avenues.
(21:03):
I remember when the US pulledout of the Trans-Pacific
Partnership, canada kept goingon that.
A lot of times, when you hearabout these treaties and these
free trade agreements, theseagreements always have worker
mobility provisions buried intothem, because if you're going to
bring a company in, like, let'ssay, walmart, well, let's say
Walmart's here, right, but whenWalmart was leading their
(21:26):
expansion into Canada, I'm surethey wanted to bring up a lot of
their managers to make surethat that expansion went in line
with the company policy.
So a lot of these areas havevery, very nice worker provision
.
So if you're holding a USpassport and a Canadian passport
, you can absolutely tap intothat.
So I say to people that a lotof times coming here, you can
(21:49):
come here for different reasons,but there's also looking at the
world and the increasingmobility that we find and the
ability to have that passport toleverage opportunities, not
only currently but in the future, you know, and there's so many
different benefits to that.
The other thing with citizenshipthat I want to point out is the
residency obligation goes away.
(22:11):
So once you have your passport,or once you become a citizen,
you get to leave and you cancome back in 30 years and nobody
can say anything.
You have a right to entry aswell, which we saw during COVID,
when they closed down theborders.
Permanent residents didn't havethat right to enter and there
was people that were separated,but as a citizen, you do have a
right of entry.
Shawn (22:36):
Moving to Canada isn't just about getting the visa.
It's about starting over.
So what does life as a Canadiannewcomer actually look like?
As it relates to health care,every province runs its own
health care system.
Most services are publiclyfunded and free at the point of
use, though newcomers may face awaiting period, typically three
months, before they're eligible, and the cost of living.
(22:59):
Toronto and Vancouver areexpensive, among the priciest
cities in North America, butmid-sized cities like Halifax,
Ottawa or Winnipeg offer lowerhousing costs and often faster
integration.
And the weather?
Yes, it's cold, but noteverywhere.
British Columbia's coast has atemperate climate, while Alberta
(23:20):
can see snow in May.
So get used to layering.
And despite the fact that weshare a border, American and
Canadian cultures are different.
Brandon Miller explains whatyou should expect.
Brandon Miller (23:36):
I would say that we're a little bit more
reserved, you know we're.
I find that it's a little bitmore reserved.
In that respect there's a I'mstruggling with that a little
bit because there's it like it'sthe same, but there's, there's
subtle differences, and thething is, is that let's back up
there, if I may?
(23:57):
I would think that you know,again, people are a little bit
more reserved.
Um, sometimes, um, you knowit's not people will say they
won't tell you that, they'reoffended, so to speak.
But there'll be, it'll be that,and a lot of people will smile
and do that.
That's one thing that I think'sa little different.
I'm actually the opposite.
(24:18):
I like to tell people exactlywhat I think, but some people
don't do that.
And again, this is differentfor everybody and especially
depending on where you are,because certain areas of the
country they will tell youexactly how it is, but other
places they'd be like man, man,whatever.
We've got the metric system, sothat might be a bit of a change
for people.
But again, if you're bringingyour car, you can always
(24:40):
presumably change it over quiteeasily.
And I just think that thingsare a little bit more
conservative, and I don't meanconservative in the US sense,
but I mean conservative in termsof a little bit more relaxed in
that, but there's also somenorms that we generally tend to
follow.
People now, nowadays, I think,people express their opinions a
(25:04):
little bit more, but a lot ofpeople hold their cards pretty
close to their chest, I think.
So you know, you have to bemindful of that, and you know,
as have to be mindful of that,and you know, as I said, a lot
of people.
They come here, and you canpretty much do what you want.
It really takes a bit to offendpeople, and the only caveat to
that is, though, is that we havea lot of cultures from around
(25:24):
the world, and there's a lot ofnew Canadians, so you might not
only be just dealing withCanadian culture.
You might be dealing withculture from many different
areas of the world, so youshould be mindful of that as
well.
It's not only you know, theCanadian side of things.
It's also different culturalnorms, where you know, kind of
the unspoken rule is come and dowhatever you want to do, but
don't infringe on somebodyelse's right to do whatever they
(25:46):
want to do.
So I think it's it's unique,and it you know, a lot of people
would argue, especially overthe last couple of years, that
it doesn't work.
But you know, given the currentstate of things, that what
we're looking at, like you knowCanada's really coming together,
like we're still together right, we're still Canadian, and I
think that that's important,where you know we have so many
(26:09):
different cultures here and youknow the inclusivity and whatnot
.
We don't see it as a weakness,it's more of the strength that
we have, I would say.
So that's something that Ithink is really important.
Shawn (26:30):
Politeness is prized in Canada, diversity is celebrated,
government services arereliable and public radio is
surprisingly listenable and it'snot being defunded.
And, perhaps most critically,immigrants are the norm, not the
exception.
Over 23% of Canadians areforeign-born.
You won't be the only newcomerfumbling your way through tax
(26:51):
season or trying to make senseof Canadian tire.
So Canada is an excellentoption for Americans who want
something stable, structured andclear.
It rewards education, planningand linguistic skill.
It also expects that you'llintegrate, contribute and
embrace the social contract.
So it may be your best bet ifyou work in a skilled field with
(27:12):
global demand, you're under 40and speak fluent English or
French, you're open to livingoutside Toronto or Vancouver and
you're okay with snow.
Lots of snow Like lots of snow.
So if you like the idea ofconstitutional monarchy, bagged
milk and living in a countrywhere political scandals involve
mild improprieties instead ofattempted monarchy, bagged milk,
and living in a country wherepolitical scandals involve mild
improprieties instead ofattempted coups, canada might
(27:35):
just be your next home.
Okay, so let's talk aboutAustralia, where the rules are a
little messier but the sun is alot brighter.
Australia may have the brand ofan easygoing, sun-drenched
haven filled with surfers andkangaroos, but don't let the
beachy vibe fool you.
Its immigration system isrigorous, bureaucratic and
highly strategic.
(27:55):
And that's not a bad thing.
It just means that if you wantto move down under, you'll need
more than just wanderlust and abackpack full of Outback
Steakhouse coupons.
Much like Canada, australia runsa points-based immigration
system designed to selectindividuals who are most likely
to contribute to the country'seconomy.
It's called the General SkilledMigration Program and it
(28:17):
comprises several visasubclasses, each with its own
set of rules, priorities andpathways to permanent residency.
The most common skilled visasubclasses are and I'll explain
these in a bit more detail laterSubclass 189.
This is the Skilled IndependentVisa.
Subclass 190, which is theSkilled Nominated Visa by a
(28:37):
state or a territory, andsubclass 491.
This is the Skilled WorkRegional Visa.
Each of these routes requires askills assessment, language
test and a minimum expression ofinterest through the skill
select system.
You must also be under 45 yearsold, score at least 65 points
to be considered thoughreal-world cutoffs often exceed
(29:03):
80, and have an occupation onthe relevant skilled occupation
list.
These visas lead to eitherimmediate permanent residency,
which applies to subclasses 189and 190, or provisional
residency that can transition topermanent status.
This applies to subclass 491.
Australia's points systemevaluates age.
As I said, the max points of 30are awarded if you're between
(29:23):
25 to 32.
English proficiency high IELTSor PTE scores can earn up to 20
points.
And work experience Localexperience is especially
valuable.
Educational background Morepoints for higher degrees or
Australian education, Partnerskills If your partner is also
skilled, that's bonus points.
(29:44):
And regional or statesponsorship these add 5 to 15
points depending on the visasubclass.
Australia also rewards thosewho've studied or worked in
Australia, so internationalstudents often use that as a
springboard to residency.
Before applying, you must pass askills assessment through the
assessing authority relevant toyour occupation.
(30:05):
Each profession, whether you'rean architect, physiotherapist
or diesel mechanic, has its ownauthority and requirements.
Some require academictranscripts, licensing exams or
letters from past employers.
This step is non-negotiable andoften the most time-consuming
part of the process.
So let's take a closer look atthe visa subclasses I mentioned.
(30:26):
Subclass 189, the SkilledIndependent Visa, does not
require employer sponsorship orstate nomination, and with this
you get permanent residency fromday one.
This also makes it the mostcompetitive as it targets
high-scoring applicants inpriority fields.
Subclass 190, the SkilledNominated Visa, requires
(30:47):
nomination by an Australianstate or territory visa requires
nomination by an Australianstate or territory.
It's focused on state-specificneeds like health care,
education, engineering, andthere's a slightly lower points
threshold.
If you're nominated, itrequires you to live and work in
the nominating state for atleast two years, and this visa
also provides permanentresidency right out of the gate.
(31:08):
Subclass 491, the skilled workregional Visa, is for applicants
willing to live in regionalAustralia and it's valid for
five years.
You don't get permanentresidency immediately, but it
leads to permanent residencyafter three years of living and
working in the region and you'reawarded extra points for
(31:29):
regional commitment.
The reason for this is that oneof the biggest trends in
Australian immigration is thepush toward regional areas.
The government wants to easethe population pressure on major
cities and distribute skilledmigrants across the country.
To make this appealing, theyoffer bonus points for regional
residency, prioritize processingfor regional visas and create
(31:51):
dedicated occupation lists forremote and rural areas.
Think places like Adelaide,hobart, cairns or even towns in
Western Australia.
These places often offer betterhousing affordability and a
more relaxed lifestyle, thoughjob opportunities might be more
limited, depending on your field.
From the day you submit yourexpression of interest to
(32:13):
receiving your visa grant,expect 12 to 18 months, though
some applicants get throughfaster.
All told, you can expect tospend about $4,000 to $6,000 on
this process, and that includesthe skills assessment, the
English test, the applicationfees and medical exams and
police certificates.
Family applications are more.
(32:34):
They can easily exceed $10,000.
And I'll note here and thisprobably applies to every
country while a migration agentisn't mandatory, many applicants
choose to hire one to helpnavigate the complexity as far
as what to expect with your newlife in Australia.
Once you're a permanent resident, you'll have access to Medicare
, australia's public health caresystem.
(32:56):
It covers GP visits, hospitalcare and most prescriptions.
Many residents also carryprivate insurance for dental and
vision.
Sydney and Melbourne are verypricey, especially rent and
groceries.
Smaller cities like Adelaide orPerth offer more affordable
lifestyles, and the work culturein Australia is worth
(33:16):
understanding.
Australians pride themselves ona strong work-life balance.
You'll be expected to work hard, but also take your vacation.
The culture leans egalitarianand informal.
Don't be surprised if yourmanager wears sneakers and
public transit is decent inmajor cities, but car ownership
is the norm elsewhere.
And of course, there's theweather.
(33:37):
If you're tired of US winters,australia's climate might feel
like a dream.
Just be ready for the sun toactually try to kill you.
Uv levels are no joke.
So if you're interested inpermanent residency or
citizenship in Australia, youshould know that permanent
residency gives you the freedomto live and work anywhere in
Australia, access healthcare andpublic education, and it
(33:59):
provides a pathway tocitizenship.
To apply for citizenship,you'll need to live in Australia
for four years, including oneyear as a permanent resident.
You'll also have to pass acitizenship test basic civics in
English and demonstrate goodcharacter, so no criminal
convictions.
Australia also allows dualcitizenship, so you don't have
(34:19):
to give up your US passport.
So Australia might be for youif your job appears on the
skilled occupation list, you'reunder 45 and open to regional
life, you like sunshine, seafoodand directness, and you can
handle bureaucracy withoutlosing your mind.
Australia is welcoming, but itexpects immigrants to be
self-sufficient, adaptable andskilled.
(34:40):
If you can tick those boxes, itoffers one of the clearest
paths to permanent residency anda stable, rewarding life abroad
.
Okay, finally, let's talk aboutthe quieter but no less
competitive option, my favoritecountry on the planet, new
Zealand.
Aaron Martin (35:01):
I think it is a good option, simply because
there's a level of ease in termsof getting used to the New
Zealand way of life.
It's not, you know, you're nothaving to negotiate a different
language.
The school education systemsare relatively similar, the work
(35:22):
practices are relativelysimilar, so I think it's not
like moving to a drastic changeand relatively easy to sort of
integrate into the New Zealandway of life.
I think the other thing that isa little bit comforting for the
(35:44):
people moving here from the USis it's an overnight flight to,
you know, the western seaboard,so if you need to get back for
family reasons or to see familymembers, that can be
accommodated easily.
So in that sense I think itgives an element of comfort for
(36:06):
those who might have familymembers that might need
assistance at some stage, or ifyou need to get back to see
family or attend to otherbusiness affairs or things of
that nature.
Shawn (36:21):
That was Aaron Martin, principal Lawyer with New
Zealand Immigration Law, whichassists people navigate New
Zealand visa and immigrationcomplexities.
Describing why New Zealand is aimmigration complexities.
Describing why New Zealand is agood option for Americans
considering a move.
New Zealand is thoughtful,measured and fiercely protective
of its landscape and socialcohesion.
It's a country with spectacularscenery, a strong social safety
(36:44):
net and a reputation forkindness.
But don't confuse laid-backwith laissez-faire.
New Zealand has tightened itsimmigration policies
significantly in recent yearsand moving there is no longer
the relatively breezy affair itonce was.
That said, it's still one ofthe world's most livable
countries, with stronginstitutions, very low
(37:05):
corruption, a real commitment toclimate sustainability and a
political culture that feelslike the US before it turned
into a creepy reality show.
But to get there, you'll needmore than an Instagrammable love
of mountains and sheep.
You'll need to qualify.
The primary route for mostforeign workers is through the
skilled migrant category which,like Canada and Australia,
(37:28):
operates on a points-basedsystem.
Aaron Martin explains.
Aaron Martin (37:37):
There is a skills category which is really geared
toward people who are migrating.
Based on one, I've got an offerof employment from a New
Zealand company, but I haveskills that are either required
by that company or that areidentified by the New Zealand
(38:01):
government as nationallycritical in terms of getting
those skills into New Zealand,and that is very.
That skill category, which hasvarious subcategories, is very
much employer and employmentfocused and driven.
(38:23):
In other words, it's a keyrequirement that you have an
offer of employment that youhave an offer of employment.
Shawn (38:34):
Some of the major things to keep in mind to qualify
under the Skilled Migrantcategory, the SMC, you must be
55 or younger, hold a job offerfrom a New Zealand accredited
employer, be paid at or above aspecific salary threshold it's
currently about one and a halftimes the median wage and meet
English language, health andcharacter requirements.
The points system itself is nowsimplified.
(38:58):
Based on your occupation, skilllevel and pay rate, points are
awarded in six-point bandsdepending on the type of job.
Tier one shortage occupationsequals big points.
The salary level high earnersscore more.
And time spent working in NewZealand loyalty matters.
To be eligible for a residentvisa, you need six points, which
(39:19):
typically equates to having askilled job that pays well or
working in New Zealand for threeplus years.
Here's Aaron Martin describingthe skilled migrant system in
detail.
Aaron Martin (39:34):
It's known as the six-point skilled migrant system
, and this really has a complexmakeup.
The objective is for a personto be able to score six points
(39:57):
and part of your points mustcome from particular skill
categories either occupationalregistration by that I mean I'm
in an occupation which, underNew Zealand law or regulatory
requirements, necessitates megetting a form of registration
with a professional body inorder to perform that work.
The next skill category youcould choose from is
(40:19):
qualifications.
Example I have a bachelordegree from a university in the
United States that compares to aNew Zealand bachelor degree, or
master's or doctorate degrees,etc.
And the final skill category isI've got a job offer with a New
(40:41):
Zealand employer that pays acertain salary threshold or
comparable hourly rate and aperson has to choose points from
one of those three skillcategories registration,
qualification, income from joboffer.
The balance of points that theyneed to reach the six points
(41:04):
will have to come from workingin New Zealand.
So I like to say that for somepeople this is a
work-to-residence process andI'll give you a good example of
how this works.
I have a master's degree fromthe United States I get that is
assessed as comparable to a NewZealand master's degree.
(41:27):
I'm going to choose points fromthe qualification skill
category, and a master's degreeawards me five of the six points
.
How do I make up the final onepoint?
I do that through New Zealandwork experience in a skilled
occupation.
Experience in a skilledoccupation.
(41:54):
Once I've completed a year ofexperience, I then have my total
six points and I can start myresidence application.
Shawn (42:01):
The key takeaway here is without a job offer, your
chances are near zero.
This is a major departure fromprevious policies and the
biggest hurdle for many Americanapplicants.
For most hopeful migrants, thepathway now starts with the
Accredited Employer Work Visa.
This visa allows you to liveand work in New Zealand for up
(42:21):
to three years, work for aspecific employer in a specific
role, and you can bring yourpartner and children under
separate visas.
To qualify, you have to have afull-time job offer from an
accredited employer, be paid ator above the median wage, have
relevant qualifications orexperience and pass English
(42:41):
language, health and characterchecks.
The AEWV is not a guaranteedticket to residency, but it
often becomes one If your job ison the green list.
So occupations with criticalshortages.
You may be eligible for one oftwo fast-track residency options
the straight-to-residence visaif you're in a Tier 1 green list
(43:01):
role, or a work-to-residencevisa after two years in a Tier 2
green list role.
The green list includes roleslike registered nurses and
general practitioners, civilstructural and geotechnical
engineers, early childhoodteachers and secondary school
teachers, ict securityspecialists and software
(43:22):
developers and electricians,plumbers and some tradespeople.
But even if your job isn't onthe green list, you may still
qualify through time spentworking in-country and meeting
income thresholds.
There are other pathways intoNew Zealand, though they offer
alternative routes for specificcircumstances.
There's the partnership visa.
If your partner is a NewZealand citizen or resident, you
(43:45):
may be able to join them,provided you can demonstrate a
genuine stable relationship andhave lived together for 12 plus
months.
And there's the investor visa,and there's two main categories
here the active investor plus,where you have to invest about 5
million New Zealand dollars,and the investor.
One category, and this is foreven higher net worth
individuals.
These are aimed at wealthyentrepreneurs, so they're out of
(44:08):
reach for most people.
There's also the student visaand the post-study work visa For
those studying in New Zealand.
There's a post-study work routethat allows graduates to work
in the country for one to threeyears, depending on their
qualification level and field ofstudy.
This is a viable path foryounger migrants who want to get
a foot in the door, build localwork experience and eventually
(44:30):
apply under the SMC system.
New Zealand's immigrationprocessing times have improved,
but expect some waiting.
The AEWV is going to take about20 to 60 days and the SMC
residency is going to take aboutthree to nine months, depending
on the complexity To work yourway through this process, you
can expect to pay about $4,000to $6,000 US dollars and that's
(44:53):
going to cover the applications,the medical exams, police
certificates and English testing, and then you can add on about
$2,000 US dollars more if youhire an immigration advisor.
Living in New Zealand is manyexpats' dream come true, and for
good reason.
Healthcare is publicly fundedand generally high quality.
Emergency care is, believe itor not, free.
(45:16):
Primary care, like GP visits,involves small co-pays.
You'll register with a local GPand you can access subsidized
prescriptions and mental healthservices.
There's also a privateinsurance option to subsidize
the publicly funded system.
As far as work-life balance,new Zealanders value downtime.
(45:37):
Overtime is rare and takingyour holidays is not just
encouraged, it's expected.
New Zealand culture is similarbut different from American
culture.
Aaron Martin explains what toexpect.
Aaron Martin explains what toexpect.
Aaron Martin (45:52):
New Zealanders are fairly conservative in their
demeanour.
We don't shout our wins and ourvictories and sort of celebrate
(46:13):
with the exuberance that peoplefrom the United States do, and
so often people find that assort of a bit of a thing.
Just to get used to New Zealandis sort of you know, quite a.
Someone described us, as youknow, almost a little bit more
British than the British in someways.
The other thing to get used tois also that while we speak
(46:36):
English, sometimes we don'tspeak the same language and so
there are differentterminologies and different
wordings and sayings thatsometimes know catch people
unawares.
New zealanders are also verylaid back, uh, into terms of you
know issues, about timing andyou know getting things done,
(47:00):
and I think that sometimes getsconfused as being sort of
interpreted as maybe a level ofdisinterest.
But it's just when you live ona set of small islands with 5.5
million people, life is a littlebit more relaxed.
(47:21):
People aren't so necessarilytime-focused Sometimes.
The other thing that catchespeople by surprise is actually
one of my american clients and Iwere discussing this, um about
two weeks ago.
New zealanders speak veryquietly and we stand a bit
further apart from people andthey and they sort of thought,
(47:45):
gosh, am I?
They were getting a little bitworried about gosh, am I being
very loud?
You know why am I?
You know, compared with allthese New Zealanders, I seem
very loud.
And I sort of pointed out that.
You know, we were sitting at acafe, outside a cafe, and, you
know, because we have such asmall population, you know you
(48:07):
don't have the volume of cars,traffic, people.
That means that you have tostand close to people, you have
to raise your voice to make surethat you're heard, cause people
to misinterpret either the bodylanguage or begin to sort of
(48:31):
almost doubt their own conduct,as if they're sort of you know,
gosh, am I doing something wrong?
And it's not, it's just theenvironment that you're in.
Shawn (48:43):
While reserved compared to Americans, kiwis are warm,
community-minded and welcomingof newcomers, especially if you
show humility and make an effortto contribute.
Something to keep in mind.
The cost of living in NewZealand is high, groceries are
expensive, especially freshproduce.
Rent in Auckland or Wellingtonis pretty steep and buying a
(49:04):
home is nearly impossible fornewcomers due to foreign
ownership restrictions, unlessyou gain permanent residency or
citizenship.
Smaller towns offer a lowercost of living but often come
with fewer jobs.
That said, many expats findthat the quieter pace of life
and proximity to natureoutweighs the slower career
track.
(49:24):
New Zealand has one of theworld's most diverse immigration
populations.
One in four Kiwis isforeign-born.
That's the good news.
But integration is a two-waystreet.
Americans in particular aresometimes viewed as loud,
self-important or dismissive oflocal norms.
To succeed in New Zealand,adopt a Kiwi mindset Be modest,
(49:47):
listen more than you speak andvalue community over
individualism.
Also, be aware of the country'sdeep and ongoing efforts at
bicultural reconciliation.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signedin 1840 between the British
Crown and Maori chiefs, iscentral to the country's legal
and cultural framework.
Respect for Maori language,land rights and traditions is
(50:09):
not optional, it's essential.
It's also worth noting herethat New Zealand is generally a
very safe country.
Part of the reason for this istheir strict gun laws.
Here's Aaron Martin again.
Aaron Martin (50:26):
You know we made international headlines when,
after an attack on a mosque inChristchurch, the government
immediately banned the abilityto hold and have certain
semi-automatic guns.
But New Zealand doesn't have abig gun culture.
Shawn (50:48):
But New.
Aaron Martin (50:49):
Zealand doesn't have a big gun culture.
There are shootings, but thatis just nowhere near the level
(51:11):
that you know.
It's an unusual thing, um to toto have that sort of thing
happen in new zealand.
People do not carry guns as ofright.
You must have a license that isobtained through the police.
There are stringent backgroundchecks.
The police come and check whereyou are keeping that gun.
There are strict regulatoryrequirements as to how you can
(51:34):
keep that gun in your house,right down to its state of
readiness for use and where it'slocked etc.
So that it can't be justaccessed by anyone in the house.
So there's a lot of regulatorycontrol around gun use in New
Zealand.
And gun ownership in NewZealand is probably a rarer
(51:58):
thing, usually confined to thosewho legitimately participate in
sports such as hunting or whoare into that particular sport
itself.
So it's not common for peopleto own a gun in New Zealand.
Shawn (52:19):
If you're interested in permanent residency and
citizenship in New Zealand, hereare the things to consider.
If you're on a temporary visa,like the AEWV, you'll typically
need to work in your role fortwo years, meet the income and
skills thresholds and applythrough the residency pathways
so the Green List or the SMC.
Once you're granted residency,you can live and work in New
(52:40):
Zealand indefinitely, accessmost public services, enroll
your children in public schoolsand vote.
After five years of legalresidence, including at least
240 days in New Zealand per year, you can apply for citizenship.
You'll also need to show anintention to remain, pass
character checks and possiblyattend a citizenship ceremony.
(53:03):
New Zealand also allows dualcitizenship, meaning you can
keep your US passport.
The final thing I want to touchon about New Zealand also
allows dual citizenship, meaningyou can keep your US passport.
The final thing I want to touchon about New Zealand.
If you've been following alongto this series, you know that my
husband is from New Zealand.
That's where he and I met, andin last week's episode we talked
about living on an island.
New Zealand is primarily twovery big islands and a lot of
(53:25):
people question if they couldlive full-time or permanently on
an island.
So I asked Aaron Martin what hetells people when they ask him
about living on an island, kindof in the middle of nowhere.
Aaron Martin (53:41):
So is Hawaii, but you know it's a nice place and
yeah, there those um, unusualsort of differences.
New zealand is often obsessedwith the weather and you know,
like people from the unitedkingdom, and it's like, well,
that's, that's what happens when, when you live on some islands
in a great expanse to a country,you know that's landlocked and
(54:05):
I'm far from the ocean, I findthat an unusual thing.
You know that I can't see theocean or that I'm not close to
the ocean and I don't know whythat is.
But yeah, you just you know Ican't smell this, the, the, the
(54:27):
salt of the sea, air and thingsof that nature.
So yeah, you do feel that.
But you know, guess what?
Australia is only three hoursby plane.
If you want to, you know need abit of time in a much more
cosmopolitan, more populatedplace.
You know New Zealand's not thatfar from there and you know
(54:49):
it's easy to get to otherdestinations if you sort of say,
well, being in New Zealand, I'mfeeling a little sleepy because
life's so relaxed here.
I need a little bit of chaosand busyness and fun.
That's a bit different, and Iwant to go to a large
cosmopolitan center.
It's not that hard to get to.
Shawn (55:14):
So is New Zealand right for you?
New Zealand is a phenomenalchoice if you have a job offer
in a critical field, you valuesafety, stability and nature,
you're ready to embrace humility, patience and a slower pace of
life, and you're okay with asmall, sometimes insular, job
market.
It's not the easiest country toenter, but for those who do,
(55:36):
the rewards are deep and lasting.
Okay, so three options Canada,Australia and New Zealand.
Which one do you choose?
Here's the truth.
These three countries wantskilled immigrants, especially
younger ones, in high-demandfields.
So if you're under 40,college-educated, skilled in
healthcare, IT, engineering,teaching, construction or the
(56:00):
trades, fluent in English andwilling to live outside major
cities, then you're in a greatposition to qualify for any of
them.
But if you're older, don't havea degree or don't want to work
in a high demand field, it'sgoing to be tougher.
That's not to say it'simpossible, but you'll need to
get creative.
Maybe that means retraining,Maybe it means taking a
(56:21):
temporary job in a regional area, or it could mean trying for a
student visa and transitioninglater.
And all three countries dooffer family and partner
pathways if you have family inor from the country and or if
you're married to a resident ora citizen from the country.
This is where talking to animmigration advisor like Brandon
Miller, if you're interested inCanada, or Aaron Martin, if
(56:43):
you're interested in New Zealand, might pay off For the right
person with the right skills andmindset.
Canada, Australia and NewZealand can offer safety,
(57:05):
stability and a fresh start, andthey come with something else
the comfort of familiarity.
You won't have to learn a newlanguage.
You won't have to rebuild everycultural reference from scratch
.
You might even be able to watchyour favorite TV shows without
a VPN.
But, perhaps most importantly,these countries offer a future,
(57:25):
one that for many, feels harderand harder to find in the United
States.
In next week's episode, we'redoing a spotlight on New Zealand
, where my husband, Pavel, usedto live.
Like I said, it's where we met,so he'll be back and we'll be
chatting with a couple of ourfriends that made the move to
New Zealand and are still livingthere, about how and why they
did it, what they love, whatthey wish they'd known before
(57:49):
moving, if they miss their homecountries, and much, much more.
If you enjoyed this episode orif you found it helpful, please
share it with someone who'sthinking about their own escape
plan, and remember it's notabout running away.
It's about building the lifeyou want.
This is Leaving America,because sometimes home isn't
where you want.
(58:09):
This is leaving America becausesometimes home isn't where you
started.
Thank you.
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