New Zealand Immigration Lawyer Jobs – Live And Work In New Zealand

Immigration law is built with a passion for the profession and also comes with challenges that offer various career opportunities for many legal professionals out there.

Due to global mobility, New Zealand immigration lawyers have become one of the most demanding professions so far.

These positions offer lucrative salaries in addition to highlighting each specific role, responsibilities, and qualifications to become the right applicant.

If you are aspiring to become an immigration lawyer in New Zealand, let’s see what the country has to offer.

Best New Zealand Immigration Lawyer Jobs

1. Senior Immigration Lawyer – Average Salary: NZD 150,000

Senior immigration lawyers are known for their vast experiences in New Zealand. They have leadership capacity by heading a team or department within a law firm or corporate legal department.

These New Zealand immigration lawyers are also specialized in handling complex immigration cases, developing strategies for clients, and often contributing to policy discussions.

To be a senior immigration lawyer, you should be expected to understand how New Zealand’s immigration laws and regulations work as well as International treaties and agreements affecting immigration.

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2. Corporate Immigration Specialist – Average Salary: NZD 135,000

Corporate immigration specialists act like immigration lawyers because they assist businesses with their immigration needs.

They work closely with human resources departments to facilitate the transfer of employees into the country.

Not every lawyer can apply for this role because New Zealand considers an ideal applicant as one who has a thorough understanding of business operations and how immigration policies impact corporate strategy.

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3. Humanitarian and Refugee Lawyer – Average Salary: NZD 120,000

New Zealand immigration lawyers can work on cases involving asylum seekers and refugees and assist those seeking protection on humanitarian grounds.

This is a very challenging role that Humanitarian and refugee lawyers usually handle. As an applicant, you have to have a deep understanding of international human rights law, refugee conventions, and New Zealand’s obligations under these treaties. 

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4. Immigration Compliance Officer – Average Salary: NZD 110,000

Immigration compliance officers focus on several businesses in the country to ensure that they adhere to immigration laws.

The main aspect of this job involves conducting audits, investigating potential violations, and advising on compliant issues.

Most immigration compliance officers work closely with government agencies, large corporations, or specialized law firms. This role implies that you need to stay updated with the dynamic immigration regulations. 

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5. Immigration Policy Advisor – Average Salary: NZD 130,000

Policy advisers are also one of the hottest New Zealand immigration lawyers’ jobs that pay well.

The basic tasks involve working at the intersection of law and public policy. Policy advisers usually act as lawyers for government departments or advocacy organizations.

They analyze immigration trends, assess the impact of existing policies, and also develop recommendations for policy changes. 

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6. Immigration Tribunal Member – Average Salary: NZD 160,000

The services of Members of the Immigration and Protection Tribunal are very important to New Zealand’s immigration system.

This serves as a quasi-judicial role in moves hearing appeals against decisions made by Immigration New Zealand, which mostly includes visa denials or deposition orders.

To become a Tribunal member, you must have significant experience in immigration law and the ability to make fair and impartial decisions based on the evidence presented. 

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7. Academic Immigration Law Specialist – Average Salary: NZD 125,000

As an academic immigration law specialist you will be able to contribute to the legal field through teaching, research, and publications.

While taking on this role, you may be posted to work in universities or research institutions.

You might even be directed to take on teaching courses on immigration law, supervising postgraduate students, and researching various aspects of immigration policy and practice.

Applicants need to have a deep theoretical understanding of immigration law and excellent research and writing skills to become good candidates.

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FAQs

What qualifications are needed to become an immigration lawyer in New Zealand?

The qualifications to become a New Zealand immigration lawyer is the completion of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, along with a professional legal studies course. After being called to the bar, many lawyers can specialize in various practices, like immigration. 

How does the job market look for immigration lawyers in New Zealand?

The job market for New Zealand immigration lawyers usually grows stronger every day. The country is driven by the rising need for skilled migrants and it also serves especially as the right destination for international students and investors. 

Can immigration lawyers work remotely or internationally?

Most aspects of immigration law work can be conducted remotely based on the presence of a digitalized visa application process in the country and also around the world. 

Conclusion

To begin a career in New Zealand as an immigration lawyer, you will be presented with opportunities within the field.

While these jobs pay well, they also have their unique challenges and rewards attached.

Since the global landscape of immigration continues to go dynamic and advance, it also applies to the roles and responsibilities of immigration lawyers.