From initial preparation to successful settlement, approximately how much time and budget are required for the entire immigration process?
Hey friend! Reading your question feels like looking at my past self. This is absolutely the top two concerns – and headaches – for anyone considering immigration. Don't worry, I'll break it down for you in plain language so you have a clearer picture.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer because everyone's path (migration category) and family situation (single or with dependents) are different. Let's take the most common and mainstream path – Skilled Migration – as an example, and go through a rough budget and timeline for a family of three.
Overview: The One-Sentence Summary
- Time: From the moment you commit to preparing, to settling down in New Zealand, expect roughly 1.5 - 2.5 years if things go smoothly. If you hit snags (like job hunting difficulties), 3 - 4 years is quite normal.
- Budget: Considering all costs, preparing a total budget of ¥250,000 - ¥400,000 RMB for a family of three will allow you to proceed confidently without financial panic.
Does that sound scary? Take a breath. Let's break down this "big task" into three phases and see where both your time and money will go, step by step.
Phase 1: Preparation Stage (Based Overseas, Remote Prep)
Think of this phase like "character creation" and "gear gathering" before starting a game. It's the foundation of your entire migration journey.
- Time: 6 - 18 months
- Budget: ¥10,000 - ¥20,000 RMB
| Item | Time Spent | Budget (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Test (IELTS) | 2-6 months | ~¥2,200 per attempt | Hard requirement. Most skilled migration requires an overall band score of 6.5. Allocating months from prep to results is normal. |
| Qualifications Assessment (NZQA) | 2-4 months | ¥4,000 - ¥5,000 | Verification of your overseas qualifications by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. |
| Occupational Registration/Assessment | 2-6 months | ¥3,000 - ¥10,000+ | Required for specific occupations (e.g., engineers, nurses, electricians) through relevant industry bodies. |
| Finding a Job (Crucial!) | 3-12+ months | ¥0 (Mental effort mainly) | This is the most variable part! You need a suitable job offer from a NZ employer. It heavily depends on your profession, experience, and luck. |
| Document Certification & Translation | 1-2 weeks | ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 | Necessary for documents like birth certificates, police clearance certificates, etc. |
| Subtotal | Time primarily dictated by job search (tasks can be done concurrently) | ~¥10,000 - ¥20,000 | Time-saving Tip: Do IELTS, NZQA assessment, and job hunting simultaneously to greatly speed up the process. |
Phase 2: Application Stage (Submission & Processing)
Gear gathered! Time to formally "submit the quest" and await immigration processing.
- Time: 10 - 24 months
- Budget: ¥28,000 - ¥80,000 RMB
| Item | Time Spent | Budget (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Visa Application (AEWV) | 1-3 months | ~¥3,800 ($755 NZD) | First step after getting a job offer – allows you to enter NZ to work. |
| Medical Examinations | 1 day (expedited) | ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 per person | Required for everyone (~ 1-week turnaround). Must be done at panel physicians. |
| Residence Visa Application (SMC) | 9-18+ months | ~¥23,000 ($4890 NZD) | The final "green card" application. NZ skilled migration is points-based; submit when you meet the points threshold. Long processing times demand patience. |
| Licensed Immigration Adviser / Lawyer Fees (Optional) | Throughout | ¥20,000 - ¥50,000+ | Not mandatory, but can handle complexity, reduce stress, and potentially improve success rates. |
| Subtotal | Apply for work and residence visas sequentially | ~¥28,000 - ¥80,000 | Important Reminder: Always check Immigration NZ's website for the latest processing times and fees! This waiting period is the toughest – maintaining a realistic outlook is key. |
Phase 3: Landing & Settlement (Moving to New Zealand)
Congratulations! Visa granted! Time to book flights, but this is where major spending kicks in.
- Time: 1 - 3 months (Initial settlement)
- Budget: ¥165,000 - ¥335,000 RMB
| Item | Budget (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | ¥15,000 - ¥30,000 | One-way tickets for three, excluding peak season premiums. |
| Sea Freight (Optional) | ¥20,000 - ¥40,000 | An option if shipping all belongings, but slow (2-3 months). Many bring essentials only and repurchase later. |
| Temporary Accommodation | ¥10,000 - ¥20,000 | Airbnb/hotel stay for ~1 month while finding a long-term rental. |
| Rental Set-up Costs | ¥20,000 - ¥35,000 | Renting usually requires 4 weeks' bond + 1-2 weeks' rent paid upfront. A significant initial outlay. |
| Buying a Car | ¥40,000 - ¥100,000+ | A car is absolutely essential in NZ! A reliable used vehicle is a practical first choice for most newcomers. |
| Furnishing/Appliances | ¥20,000 - ¥50,000 | Furniture, whiteware, cookware, bedding... Even buying second-hand, it all adds up. |
| Initial Living Expenses | ¥40,000 - ¥60,000 | Covering food, transport, essentials for the family until your 1st paycheck (possibly 1-2 months). Aim for 3 months' expenses minimum for safety. |
| Subtotal | ~¥165,000 - ¥335,000 |
To Summarize
The Time Equation:
- Best Case Scenario: Smooth job search (6 months) + Fast visa approval (12 months) = Approximately 1.5 years.
- Typical Scenario: Average job search (12 months) + Standard processing time (1.5 years) = 2.5 - 3 years.
Remember, much of this time is spent while still living your normal life overseas, it doesn't mean taking years off work entirely.
The Budget Equation (Family of Three):
- Upfront Costs (Based Overseas): Prep & Visa Applications ≈ ¥30,000 - ¥90,000 RMB (Depends on legal help).
- Settlement Costs (After Landing): Flights + Housing + Car + Living Expenses ≈ ¥170,000 - ¥340,000 RMB.
- Total Budget: Add these together plus an emergency buffer. Therefore, preparing ¥250,000 - ¥400,000 RMB is a solid, realistic figure that allows you to navigate the process confidently.
Migration is a major life project and family investment – truly a test of endurance and financial commitment. Understanding this process clearly and planning each step meticulously gives you the confidence to navigate this journey with certainty.
Hope this detailed breakdown helps! Wishing you all the best!