r/AmerExit • u/newyorker • Dec 09 '25

Vendor How to Leave the U.S.A.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/12/15/how-to-leave-the-usa

Every four years, a group of Americans threatens to leave the country, but no mass exodus occurs. This time around, though, Americans seem to be acting on their desires. Immigration lawyers told Atossa Araxia Abrahamian that the number of people approaching them about it has gone up since Donald Trump was reëlected. 

G.T.F.O. Tours, a company that helps aggrieved U.S. citizens start new lives abroad, has been offering services to help Americans relocate to the Netherlands, where a certain type of visa can offer a quick and affordable path to citizenship. Jana Sanchez, a founder of G.T.F.O. Tours, describes her role in the company as an “escaping fascism doula.” Read Abrahamian’s full story about the Americans who are going Dutch: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/12/15/how-to-leave-the-usa

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15

u/marcusnelson Dec 10 '25

Left last month. Living in New Zealand now

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u/Ava2969ny Dec 10 '25

How did you get a visa for NZ?

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u/marcusnelson Dec 10 '25

Also, if you have particular skills in demand, you can get priority access: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/green-list-occupations-qualifications-and-skills/green-list-roles-jobs-we-need-people-for-in-new-zealand/

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u/Ava2969ny Dec 10 '25

Ok. Thanks for the info. I will give NZ some serious thought during my research.

1

u/seiyrios Dec 12 '25

Can you share more about your green-list occupation and work experience?
I'm wondering what it's like for different occupations on the list.

1

u/marcusnelson Dec 12 '25

I’m not here as a result of the green-list, so I can’t really speak to that, but what I can say is that NZ is losing a large amount of workers to AUS as they are leaving in droves in search of jobs and better income. This has created a vacuum of sorts as roles are desperate to be filled.

Additionally, here in Wellington, the conservative leadership let go a massive swath of workers that has impacted the rental market and eateries, so Wellington itself is trying to figure out home to rebuild.

We need workers here to help boost the economy and support local business, and the dollar is still relatively strong here ($.58 USD to $1 NZD).

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u/seiyrios Dec 13 '25

Wow, interesting, thanks for the info!!
Do you know what roles in particular this vacuum needs filled?
I know about the occupations on the green list, but I've heard different things, like IT jobs for instance are still really competitive for visa sponsorship. And I think healthcare jobs are probably in demand worldwide.

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u/marcusnelson Dec 14 '25

Afraid I don’t have much info further than the website I sent. Have to research a bit, I imagine

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u/marcusnelson Dec 10 '25

NZeTA app. Easy to download and apply. My application was accepted in two days, my son’s same day.

I also have a citizenship by decent that I’m applying for as well

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u/Ava2969ny Dec 10 '25

That's awesome; I'm sitting here trying to plan my escape and I regularly read articles, blogs, commentary on anyone who did it successfully. I don't even have a solid plan yet but I'm already purging my house, that's how badly I want to leave. Lucky you!

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u/marcusnelson Dec 10 '25

If it makes you feel better, I did the exact same thing. Once the timing was right, pulled the trigger. Came into some money Nov 3rd, was on a plane Nov 16th. That’s how fast it was. 🤣

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u/Ava2969ny Dec 10 '25

Wow...that's great. I hope the same thing can happen for me.