How to apply for your new position
The vast majority of overseas lawyers in New Zealand are sponsored by their employers. Accordingly, the more common route is to secure a job from the UK rather than resigning and pitching up in New Zealand on a tourist or working holiday visa and applying on the ground. In general, New Zealand firms are less amenable to lawyers staying for relatively short periods than their Australian counterparts, preferring lawyers who are looking to stay indefinitely or Kiwis returning home.
Visas
A temporary residency visa gained through sponsorship lasts for 3 years in New Zealand, rather that the 4 years for the equivalent Visa in Australia. Like its neighbour, New Zealand is also trying to encourage more skilled migration although, at present, solicitors are not on either the immediate or long-term occupational shortage list. In 2005, New Zealand extended the time that UK citizens under 30 can spend on a working holiday visa to 2 years but this does not allow permanent employment to be taken up. Australian citizens have an automatic right to live and work in New Zealand.
As in Australia, marrying or co-habiting with a New Zealand citizen or visa holder for 12 months (whether in a heterosexual or same sex relationship) qualifies you for a dependent visa.
Useful links
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