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Australia or New Zealand: which country makes family immigration easier?

written by
Natasha Machado
25/7/2025
Read in
5 min
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When you dream of doing an exchange with your family, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Which country will make this dream more feasible?” If you're considering Oceania, you've probably heard of the incredible opportunities in both Australia and New Zealand. But which of these destinations actually makes family reunion easier during the exchange? Let's dive into the details that make all the difference when making this important decision.

Why New Zealand stands out in family immigration

Imagine being able to study while your partner works legally and your children attend public school for free. Does it sound too good to be true? In New Zealand, this is a much more accessible reality than you might think.

The New Zealand differential is in flexibility of your family immigration policies. When you enroll in higher level courses (Level 9, such as a master's degree) through the program Study and Work in New Zealand, your family gets benefits that really make a difference:

  • Partner visa with open right to work for your spouse or partner
  • Free public education for children, under the same conditions as a resident child
  • More simplified process to apply for dependent visas

This humanized New Zealand approach recognizes that close-knit families tend to settle better and contribute more to local society.

How it works in practice in New Zealand

New Zealand politics is pretty straightforward: if you're studying on a qualifying course, your family can join you with real benefits. O Partner visa is a game-changer, it not only allows your spouse to live in the country but also to work without restrictions.

For families with children, the advantage is even greater. Children can attend public schools for free, which represents significant savings and guarantees international quality education. It's like having a second educational opportunity for the whole family.

Now, if you're thinking of starting with just Learning a language abroad, it is important to know that for English language courses, each member of the family must apply for their own visa independently. But even so, the process tends to be more transparent and accessible.

The Australian scenario: opportunities with more demands

Australia also offers the possibility of bringing in dependents, make no mistake. The program Study and Work in Australia remains one of the most sought after options by Brazilians. However, the rules are stricter and the costs tend to be higher.

What sets Australia apart is that It does not automatically offer the right to work for student partners. It all depends on the type of course and visa you have. In addition, the financial requirements are more stringent, you need to prove that you have sufficient resources not only to support yourself, but to support the entire family.

For many Brazilian families, these requirements can represent a significant obstacle, especially when compared to New Zealand's more flexible approach.

Exclusive New Zealand benefits for families

One of New Zealand's most interesting policies is to allow Can children of students up to 24 years old live in the country as dependents. This is particularly advantageous for families with older children, who in Australia would have to seek their own visas.

This age flexibility reflects a broader understanding of the concept of family, especially relevant to Brazilian culture, where family ties tend to be more extended over time.

Practical comparison: costs and benefits

When you put the numbers on the table, the difference becomes even clearer:

New Zealand:

  • Partner Visa: right to full employment
  • Child education: free in public schools
  • Age of dependents: up to 24 years
  • Process: more simplified

Australia:

  • Dependent visa: higher costs
  • Right to work: depends on the type of visa of the main student
  • Financial requirements: more stringent
  • Process: more bureaucratic

Planning is fundamental

Regardless of the chosen destination, family planning for an exchange requires special care. Documentation of all family members, adequate financial proof, and correct timing of applications are crucial elements for success.

The good news is that both Australia and New Zealand are countries that value families and offer an excellent quality of life. The difference lies in the bureaucratic and financial details that can make your journey easier or more complicated.

Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we understand that taking the family to the exchange is a decision that goes far beyond studies - it's about building a better future for everyone you love. Our specialized team is experienced in helping Brazilian families both in New Zealand and Australia, offering personalized guidance for each situation. Contact us and discover how we can help your family to fulfill this international dream safely and with peace of mind!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy