New Zealand is one of the countries that has opened its borders to skilled migrants to fill the gap in skilled workers as they look to keep their rapidly developing economy on track and make up for the shortage in skilled workers.
New Zealand maintains several “skill shortage lists” to help identify occupations facing labor shortages both in the long and short term. For those considering relocating to take advantage of opportunities, having an in-demand skill can significantly ease the process of securing both a job and a visa. The shortage lists play an important role in New Zealand’s immigration system by prioritizing skills that are critical to the country’s economy. In this article, we will explore New Zealand’s various skill shortage lists in-depth, outlining the key occupations featured and how possessing a listed skill can streamline your path to living and working in New Zealand.
There are four skill shortage lists in New Zealand:
- Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) – This identifies occupations in ongoing shortage throughout New Zealand that can lead to work and residency visas.
- Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) – This highlights occupations with an immediate need in New Zealand where citizens/residents can’t fill roles, allowing for faster essential skills work visas.
- Canterbury Skill Shortage List (CSSL) – Created after earthquakes, this includes skills needed to rebuild Christchurch, qualifying those with job offers for essential skills visas and potential residency.
- List of Skilled Occupations – Occupations on this list qualify for the skilled migrant residency visa if criteria around age, experience, and qualifications are also met.
More details on the skill shortage list
Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL)
- Visa requirements:
- Job offer in an occupation on the LTSSL
- must meet additional requirements (e.g., qualifications)
- Application process:
- Apply for a Long Term Skill Shortage Work Visa or residency under the Skilled Migrant Category
- Submit necessary documents (e.g., qualifications, job offer)
- Type of jobs on this list: Engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers
- Important details: Previously used to assess eligibility for various visas. Closed to new applicants since 31 October 2021, replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- Other requirements:
Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL)
- Visa requirements:
- Job offer in an occupation on the ISSL
- Must meet skill level requirements
- Application process:
- Apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa
- Provide proof of job offer and qualifications
- Type of jobs on this list: Construction workers, chefs, nurses
- Important details: Occupations on the ISSL allow for quicker visa processing. Focuses on immediate skill shortages.
Canterbury Skill Shortage List (CSSL)
- Visa requirements:
- Job offer in an occupation on the CSSL
- Must meet skill level requirements
- Application process:
- Apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa
- Provide proof of job offer and qualifications
- Type of jobs on this list: Builders, electricians, plumbers
- Important details: Specifically addresses skill shortages in Canterbury post-earthquakes. Applicants may get residency if on LTSSL.
List of Skilled Occupations
- Visa requirements:
- Must meet the skill level and other criteria (e.g. age, experience, qualifications)
- Application process:
- Apply for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Type of jobs on this list: Accountants, teachers, medical practitioners
- Important details: Points-based system for residency applications. Occupations on this list are eligible for residency.
General requirements for all skill shortage lists:
- Qualifications:
- You must have the relevant qualifications for the occupation you are being offered. This typically means holding a degree or diploma that is recognized in New Zealand.
- If your qualifications are obtained overseas, they must be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to ensure they meet New Zealand standards. If your qualification is not on the NZQA list of recognized or exempt qualifications, you will need to provide a report from the NZQA confirming its comparability.
- Work Experience:
- You must demonstrate that you have the necessary work experience related to the occupation. This includes providing documentation that shows:
- The nature of your previous work.
- The duration of your employment.
- The average number of hours worked per week.
- Contact details for your previous employers.
- Your work experience should be relevant to the job offer in New Zealand.
- You must demonstrate that you have the necessary work experience related to the occupation. This includes providing documentation that shows:
- Occupational Registration:
- For certain professions, you may need to hold a valid occupational registration or license to practice in New Zealand. This is particularly relevant for regulated professions such as healthcare, engineering, and teaching.
- Health and Character Requirements:
- You must meet health and character requirements, which typically involve undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Depending on your occupation and qualifications, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.