Move from the USA to New Zealand or Australia
Start a new life abroad with clarity and confidence.

Why Americans Are Moving to Australia & New Zealand

Moving overseas is a big step, but thousands of Americans do it every year for good reasons. Here are some of the top motivations for making Australia or New Zealand your new home:

Safety & Stability

Both Australia and New Zealand boast low crime rates and strong social safety nets, offering peace of mind. Many families feel safer in communities with excellent public healthcare, effective law enforcement, and far less everyday violence than they may experience in the U.S.


Quality of Life

From clean cities and beautiful beaches to friendly, English-speaking communities, the lifestyle is hard to beat. You’ll find a relaxed pace of life, outdoor recreation, and a focus on work-life balance. Global surveys consistently rank Australia and NZ high for happiness, and it’s easy to see why when you can spend weekends hiking mountains or surfing in the ocean.


Career Opportunities

Both countries actively seek skilled workers from abroad. Sectors like tech, healthcare, engineering, education, and trades are in high demand, meaning you could land a great job abroad if you have the right experience. Unemployment is low and salaries are competitive. (In fact, as of 2025, an estimated 114,000 U.S. citizens live in Australia and around 33,000 live in New Zealand – many drawn by the professional opportunities and economic stability these nations offer.)


Long-Term Security

If you’re looking for a place to settle permanently, Australia and New Zealand provide clear pathways to become a resident or citizen. Americans who meet the requirements can transition from temporary visas (like work or study visas) to permanent residency, and eventually citizenship if they wish. Building a future abroad – buying a home, raising kids, retiring – is achievable with the right visa plan.


Adventure & Culture

Of course, it’s not all about practicalities. Moving “Down Under” is also the adventure of a lifetime! From Australia’s vibrant cities and unique wildlife to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes (think Lord of the Rings scenery), you’ll never run out of new experiences. Yet, you’ll also enjoy a familiar cultural backdrop – both countries share English language and many Western traditions, making it easier to adapt as an American.

Relocating can feel overwhelming – there are documents to gather, decisions to make, and countless little details (like "How do I ship my stuff?" or "What neighborhood should I live in?"). This is where we come in. FastLane Abroad is your personal relocation coach, turning a complex process into a clear, manageable plan. Here's what we offer to help people move to Australia or New Zealand:

✔️ Free FastLane Abroad Report (Personalized Plan)

• Customized Visa Pathways: Based on the info you provide (your age, education, career, family, etc.), we’ll identify the visa categories that best fit your situation. For example, we might determine you have a strong profile for New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant visa, or that a student-to-residence path in Australia is your most straightforward option. All visa information is drawn from official government criteria at this point, and we’ll clearly note the basics of each option (e.g. required job offer, income threshold, processing time). This gives you a realistic menu of pathways to consider – without spending weeks digging through government websites yourself.
  
  
• Eligibility Snapshot (Non-Legal): We do not provide any kind of formal visa eligibility assessment (that’s for the licensed professionals). However, your report will include helpful indicators – for instance, if a visa requires a certain degree or age limit, we’ll mention if you meet that based on what you told us. Think of it as a layman’s guide to what could work for you. The final say will be with the immigration authorities, but you’ll at least know which doors are open.
  
  
• Country & Lifestyle Insights: We don’t just stop at visas. The report will also include tailored suggestions and facts about moving to Australia or NZ given your interests. If you’re moving with kids, we might highlight information on local schools or family-friendly neighborhoods. If career is a big motivator, we’ll point you to job boards or credentials you might need to transfer (for example, how to convert a U.S. teaching license to an Australian one). Our goal is to address the practical aspects of your move – so you can start planning housing, finances, and timeline with fewer surprises.
  
  
• Document Checklists & Resources: One of the most stressful parts of immigration is paperwork. Your report will contain a checklist of key documents you’ll likely need for whichever visa(s) you pursue – things like passports, birth certificates, transcripts, professional licenses, police background checks, etc. We also provide direct links to official resources (government websites, forms, guides) so you can verify information and take next steps confidently. Think of it as having the official info distilled in one place for you.
  
  
• Licensed Adviser Referral: Importantly, we’ll include a warm introduction to a licensed immigration adviser that you can consult with for each country. Since Eat Wander Explore is not a law firm, we cannot file your visa or give legal advice directly – but we make sure you’re not left hanging. We partner with a vetted Licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand and a Registered Migration Agent in Australia. Your report will have info on how to get in touch with these professionals if and when you’re ready for formal visa assistance. (There’s no obligation to use them, but we recommend at least a consultation to double-check everything before you apply.)
  
  
• Next-Step Guidance: After you receive the report, we remain available for questions. You can email us to clarify any part of the plan. We also offer a free 30-minute follow-up call if you’d like to chat “face to face” (via Zoom) about the report’s contents or ask additional questions. We know moving abroad is a life-changing decision – sometimes it helps just to talk it through! We’re here to listen and share insights from our own experience as American expats.

✔️ Premium Relocation Advisory Service (Optional Upgrade)

• Comprehensive Relocation Plan: We create a detailed, step-by-step plan covering all aspects of your move. This can include timelines for when to initiate your visa application with the licensed agent, when to start shipping belongings, scheduling your flights, and even pet relocation if needed. We tailor the plan to your specific situation – for example, if you’re aiming to move by next July after your lease ends, we’ll work backward to set key milestones.
  
  
• Personalized Consultation Calls: You’ll have direct access to our team for in-depth consultations (via Zoom/phone). We can schedule regular check-in calls to review your progress, discuss any hurdles, or just reassure you that you’re on the right track. It’s like having a coach in your corner. Got a question about which city in Australia might fit your lifestyle? Need advice on negotiating an overseas job offer? We’re here for that and more – ask us anything.
  
  
• Licensed Partner Coordination: The visa application itself will be handled by the licensed adviser/agent. This means that they will help you prepare the necessary documents for your visa application packet – ensuring you have everything ready for the official process. For instance, if police clearances or medical exams are needed, they'll remind you when and how to get those done. The goal is to make the legal visa process as seamless as possible by handling the prep and follow-up from our side, while the licensed professional handles the legal submission and representation.
  
  
• Job and Housing Support: Moving isn’t just visas – you might also need a job in your new country or a place to live. We provide support on those fronts too. We can share local job portals, recommend recruiters, or even identify companies known to hire Americans. If you’re already job hunting, we’ll help polish your international résumé/CV and point out any credential conversion you should do (like transferring U.S. certifications to Aussie/NZ equivalents). For housing, we offer guidance on the best neighborhoods, average rents, how to find short-term accommodation when you first land, and how to secure long-term housing. Essentially, we try to eliminate the “unknowns” so you feel at home faster.
  
  
• Ongoing Email Support & Resources: Our advisory clients get priority email support. Have a question at 9 PM? Shoot us a message – we’ll get back with a thorough answer or find a resource that can help. We also add you to our members-only online group (e.g. a WhatsApp community of fellow relocators) where you can ask questions and share experiences with others on the same journey. It’s a great way to build a support network even before you move.
  
  
• Post-Arrival Guidance: Our help doesn’t stop once you get on the plane. We’ll check in after you arrive in Australia or New Zealand to see how you’re settling in. Need advice activating your local bank account, getting a driver’s license, or registering for healthcare? We’ll walk you through those first weeks’ to-dos so nothing falls through the cracks. We want you to feel comfortable and prepared in your new home.