Long Term Skill Shortage List – What is it?
The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) identifies occupations that have an absolute (sustained and ongoing) shortage of skilled workers both globally and throughout New Zealand. A work visa application may be simpler for people who get a job offer in one of the occupations on the list. They may also have more visa options to choose from. Migrants applying for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category may gain bonus points towards their application if they have an offer of employment or work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage identified on the LTSSL.
It is important to realize that the LTSSL specifies criteria for each occupation. To reap the benefits of having an occupation that is on this list, you must meet the criteria that are specified for the occupation as well.
Long Term Skill Shortage List – Annual Review
Every year a review is conducted by Immigration New Zealand to ensure the Long Term Skills Shortage List keeps up with changes in the labour market.
Industry bodies may present a case to Immigration New Zealand why they believe certain occupations should be on the list. As a result of the review and assessment process, a new and updated list is presented each year.
Occupations that were removed
- Anaesthetist
- Forest Scientist
- Pathologist
- Petroleum Engineer
- Renal Medicine Specialist
No occupations were added
Long Term Skill Shortage List 2018 – Overview
The following occupations are on the Long Term Skills Shortage List from February 2018.
Construction
- Construction Project Manager (Roading and Infrastructure)
- Project Builder (including Building Project Manager and Site Foreman)
- Quantity Surveyor
- Surveyor
Engineering
- Engineering Professionals nec
- Chemical Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Production or Plant Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Electronic Engineering Technician
Finance/Business
- Procurement Manager
Health and Social Services
- Clinical Psychologist
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
- General Practitioner
- Medical Radiation Therapist
- Medical Laboratory Scientist – including Cytotechnologist
- Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
- Physicist (Medical)
- Physiotherapist
- Psychiatrist
- Sonographer
- Specialist Physician in Palliative Medicine
- Multimedia Specialist (Film Animator)
- Surgeon (General)
- Veterinarian
ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications
- ICT Project Manager
- Organisation and Methods Analyst
- ICT Business Analyst
- Systems Analyst
- Multimedia Specialist
- Web Developer
- Analyst Programmer
- Developer Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Software Tester
- Software and Applications Programmers nec
- Database Administrator
- ICT Security Specialist
- Systems Administrator
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
- ICT Quality Assurance Engineer
- ICT Support Engineer
- ICT Systems Test Engineer
- ICT Support and Test Engineers nec
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Telecommunications Network Engineer
- Telecommunications Network Engineer
- ICT Customer Support Officer
Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism
- Chef (Chef de Partie or higher)
Science
- Other Spatial Scientist
- Environmental Research Scientist
- Food Technologist
Trades
- Automotive Electrician
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
- Electrician (General)
- Electric Line Mechanic
Dear all,
I have a Bachelor’s degree in science (physics /Statistics/Maths )- NZQA assessment level 7 and Masters degree
in Computer Application-NZQA assessment level 9. I have 15+ years of work experience in Applicatione development after completing my MCA.
My query is can I claim for the bonus points for LTSSL with my bachelor’s degree at NZQA level 7 OR Master Degree at level 9?
PLS NOTE- I have a BSc degree,NOT a BTech degree.
Would appreciate if anyone can clarify on the same.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Aslam,
It depends on the NZQA assessment. If your qualification meets the requirements of one of the qualifications under the ICT professions this should be stated on the assessment report (if you asked the NZQA when you applied for the assessment to look at this).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Sam,
thanks for the awesome infos on this page.
I don’t understand if chef must have the qualification prior work experience or not. In some job it is clearly specified that the qualification must be prior work experience but not for chef. The list for chef just says that must have a certificate level 4 and 5 years of combined experience.
My certificate is post work experience, will be this valid if i want to apply for long term skill work visa or skilled migrant category?
Hi Mauro,
I’m not Sam but I’ll answer your question anyway :-).
The Long Term Skill Shortage List specifies the following requirements for a Chef: A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) AND a minimum of five years’ combined experience in establishments offering a la carte/ banqueting or commercial catering, with a minimum of two years at Chef de Partie (Section Leader) level or higher.
As it says nothing about work experience being post-qualification, this is not required.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, Is Data Analyst listed in the skilled shortage category? Thanks
Hi Sam,
Senior Data Analyst and Analyst Programmer are on the Long Term Skill Shortage list. These are both IT roles.
Kind regards,
Feija
I have a work experience in automobile industry in sales planning, Inventory, Logistics.
Supply chain management. will this fall under skill shortage category.
Hi Zaid,
No, this does not fall under the skill shortage category.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hii i have level 5 cookery certificate in newzealand and 2 years nz exp as chef and 6 years exp as chef in costa ship so will i be listed in long term skill shortage list and do i need to get ielts score to put residency on ltss.
Hi Rajender,
You always need to prove your English language ability. Unfortunately, completing a level 5 cookery certificate is not sufficient proof of English language ability, so yes, you will need to complete an IELTS.
You may have sufficient work experience to meet the criteria of the LTSSL, but it will depend on the type of Chef work you did, in what type of establishment and to what level you can prove this experience.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I am a dentist and I am studying for the exams required to register for the New Zealand dental council. I am seriously planning to immigrate permanently to New Zealand. what is your opinion?
Hi Amer,
I replied to your email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I got job offer in Nov 2018, and based on that I want to apply first long term work visa and then after half year, apply for skilled migrant visa.
Current situation: partner based work visa.
5 years of relevant experience.
Reason to get rid of partner visa ASAP( as wife is having restrictions on visa and better to have open work visa for both)
Can I do this ?
Hi Charan,
I would need to see documents and have more information to assess your situation properly.
Please contact me via the “Ask Feija a question” form on http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/. please upload any relevant documents. Your query will be emailed to me and I reply within 24 hours to emails (I only check questions on my blog about once a week).
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Sir,
I would like to know the list of PG Dip Courses that fall in the Long Term Skill Shortage List. I would like to make a choice from the list.Below is the statement that I came across on the web. Could you please advise if the region in which the course is undertaken also effects whether the course falls into the Long term Skill Shortage List?. If Yes, could you please guide to me the list of PG Dip Courses that will fall into the Category of the Long Term Skill shortage List.
“International students studying Level 8 qualifications (postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma) must be studying in an area on the Long Term Skills Shortage list, in order for their partner to be eligible for an open work visa, and in turn the partners’ dependent children to be eligible for fee-free domestic schooling ”
I am planning to PGDip in ICT and would like to bring my spouse in partner work visa and my child for domestic free education.
Thanks and regards,
Sivakumar Setty
PH: +91 93847 28796
Hi Sivakumar,
There is no official list of all the PG courses that fall under the Long Term Skill Shortage List. However, it is part of the services I offer to help you find the best suitable course for your situation. You can email me via http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/contact-us/ to learn more about the services I offer.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am a Digital Marketer and Social Media Specialist with more than 5 years of experience. Is there a skill shortage in the field of digital marketing?
Hi Anindo,
No, there is no skill shortage in the field of digital marketing. The skill shortage lists are revised regularly but I don’t expect this occupation to make the list. However, it is still possible to apply for a work visa if an occupation is not on the list. Your employer will have to show that no suitable New Zealand candidates were available before a visa may be granted.
Kind regards,
Feija
Pls I realise that sales related jobs are not on the list,can I still apply for work vixa since I have 11 years work experience in sales and marketing, pls reply. Thanks
Hi Ajayi,
If you can find a job in New Zealand and you meet all requirements you can apply for a work visa. There is no requirement that your occupation must be on one of the skill shortage list. If your occupation is on one of the lists and you meet the requirements, a visa application often is simpler and you may have more visa types to choose from.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Good day and how has your day been? I write to inform you that I have just completed my MBA in Human Resource Management in Barcelona.Before I embarked on this program,I had six years of teaching and five years of administrative responsibilities.However,I am considering New Zealand for my PhD in the same field.
I want to find out if Human Resource Management is on the Long term skill shortage list.
Please I need your response on time.
Akinwumi
Hi Akinwumi,
Human Resource Management is not on the skill shortage list. You can still qualify for a work and/or resident visa if you find a suitable job in New Zealand after you graduate (or now). If your occupation is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List a visa application may be simpler and you may have more visa types to choose from. The majority of people who apply for a work or resident visa have an occupation that is not on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija van Bokhoven
Do you have Operations Administrator (Manufacturing & Purchasing) in any of the shortage list?
Hi Titus,
No, that occupation is not on any of the current Skill Shortage Lists.
Kind regards,
Feija
How can i get job offer in New Zealand after i have done all the necesssary assessment with New Zealand aurthrise assessment body like am a surveyor in Nigeria am about to do my assesssment with New Zealand institution of surveyor as required from new zealand immigration for skilled migrant.
Popular job websites are trademe.co.nz and seek.co.nz.
Perseverance is important as you will be rejected a lot.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi… I have 11 yrs of experience in IT and eligible in long term skill shortage list. Which visa I need to apply if I want bring my spouse and children along with me for permanent stay.
A resident visa allows you to stay indefinitely in NZ. Based on the information you have provided I can’t determine if you meet the requirements for one of the resident visa categories. In almost all cases, you need a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Feel free to send me your cv with detailed info on your work experience and qualifications (go to experienzimmigration.co.nz and ask a question or complete free eligibility form) and I’ll be able to assess your situation more accurately.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, do you have any advice in seeking an employer from overseas? Procurement Manager is on the long term skills shortage list but from vacancies I’ve come across there’s no indication they’d be willing to consider overseas applicants? Are there any specialist agencies or job sites you’d recommend?
Thanks in advance.
Dan
Hi Daniel,
You need a lot of perseverance and basically ignore the sentence at the end of vacancies that you need to have the legal right to work in New Zealand. This is mandatory to put in a job vacancy.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hallo. We would like to find out if cabinetmaker is on the shortage list? My husband have 15 years of work experience. Thank you.
Hi Bilmy-Ann,
No, Cabinetmaker is not on any skill shortage list at the moment.
However, you can apply for a work visa if your occupation is not on a skill shortage list. You need a job offer in New Zealand. And if your occupation is not on the skill shortage list, your employer will need to prove they couldn’t find a suitable NZ candidate.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I have Masters Degree in Environmenral Engineering and IELTS but I don’t have a work experience in this field. Is there a chance I can apply for Long Term Skill Shortage list?
Hi Julia,
Maybe. You’ll need to have an assessment done by Engineering New Zealand. If the outcome is positive, a visa application may be simpler as you meet the conditions on the list. You still need to meet all requirements for a visa application. If you do not do the assessment or the outcome is not so good then you may still be able to apply for a visa based on skills (temporary or resident). A job offer as an Environmental Engineer from a New Zealand employer is required before you can apply for a visa based on skills.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi , my wife is planning to do level 8 course and I am a welder if I am able to find a good job will I be able to apply for PR
Hi Lijish,
If your job meets the requirements for a resident visa (skilled, ongoing and minimum hourly rate of NZD 24.29 (rate up to November 2018, indexed every November) and you can claim at least 160 points, meet English language, health, and character requirements, then yes, you should be eligible to apply for a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I have masters degree in intellectual property law and international business law. If I got an open work visa since my husband is going to have student visa, will I be able to find a job easily in New Zealand. Or else do I need to study a subject in the long term shortage list. Please advice. Thanks
Hi Nad,
Time will tell if you can find a job easily. It depends on your previous work experience and whether your qualifications and experience are relevant to New Zealand companies. I would definitely try to find a job first. You can always decide to study if it is really difficult to find a job. Qualifications are not always a major deciding factor when it comes to hiring people. So having a New Zealand qualification (on the Skill Shortage List or not) might not make it easier to find a job.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi , I am planning to do post graduate diploma (1 year)in international business level 8 already got the IELTS score and arranged the funds but I doubt whether the new law regarding post study work will create any problems
Hi Nimisha,
The new policy around post study work visas has not been announced yet. The proposed changes are currently under consultation. When Immigration announces the new policy (later this year), I will be able to tell more. Level 8 courses appear to be unaffected by the new proposed policy. But until the new policy is released I can’t be sure.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi is welders in the shortage list, I have a experience of 10 years
Hi Legiesh,
Welders are on the Canterbury Skill Shortage List. This means if you can find a Welder job in Canterbury (the city of Christchurch is in Canterbury) and you meet the requirements on the list, then your work visa application may be simpler. There are no benefits for a resident visa application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
I am an engineering graduate in I.T. and an airline pilot (captain). I have 10+ years of experience.
I wish to understand if any of these qualifications are required skills in short supply in New Zealand or any of its provinces.
Warmest regards,
Ashish Banerjee.
Dear Ashish,
There is a shortage in most IT occupations. A number of them are on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. It depends on your exact qualification and how it compares to a New Zealand qualification if you would meet the conditions of the list. If you meet the conditions a visa application may be simpler and/or you may have more options to choose from. If you do not meet the requirements of the list, you may still be eligible for a visa for New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
i studied international business level 8 and currently i am on my open job search. i am searching for a job at the moment in order to extend my open job search visa to a work visa. Can you advice me if i need to find a job of procurement manager for me to be able to apply for a work visa after my open job search visa expires?
Hi Niel,
To be able to apply for a postgraduate employer-assisted work visa, you need a job that is relevant to your NZ qualification (they look at your major) and relevant to the level of the qualification. For a level 8 qualification, a manager’s position is good (whether it needs to be in procurement depends on your major. A job as professional (e.g. procurement specialist) should work as well. A position in admin where you just order stock, most likely, is not sufficient (to stay in the procurement example).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi are accounting people desired in any skill shortage list ?
Hi Sushil,
Yes, the occupation of Accountant is on the Immediate Skill Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi is a truck driver on the list anywhere, what would u recommend for a multi sort skilled person for a job to pursue, should of done sheep shearing
Hi Connor,
Truck Drivers are on the Canterbury Skill Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
The profession that I opted for (Applied Management) is not to be found on the updated LTSSL. What is the next procedure in order to get a job.
Hi Aksah,
Applied Management is not really an occupation but more a major you choose in a Business course so it never was and never will be on the LTSSL.
This does not need to be an issue though. If you can find a job that is relevant to your qualification and your qualification is recognised in New Zealand, you still should be able to apply for a work visa.
If you studied in New Zealand you may be eligible for a postgraduate work visa (either an open job search visa or an employer-assisted).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
In total, I have 11 years experience as follow:
1 year as Autocad Operator
7 years as Architectural Inspector
1 year as Architect/Projects Coordinator
2 years as Quantity Surveyor
Although I am a registered and licensed Architect in my home country, I am planning to pursue Quantity Surveying jobs in New Zealand so that I don’t need Occupational Registration.
With that, how many points can i gain in Work Experience?
Hi,
I have not enough information to provide an answer to your question.
If you wish to know how many points you can claim, I offer a Detailed Points Assessment (a fee applies).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi is it includes beauty parlour course in long term skills ?
Hi Inderjeet,
No, at the moment, a beauty therapist is not included in the Long Term Skill Shortage List or any of the other Skills in Demands Lists.
Kind regards,
Feija
D to ear Feija
What is the basic estimated cost involved (application – visa approved) to immigrate to New Zealand.
Hi Ronel,
The total costs depend on the type of visa application. For a temporary work visa you pay around NZD 300 to Immigration New Zealand. A medical check will costs you around NZD 500-600. If you have a partner and/or dependent children that come with you, they have to pay these fees as well. There are several smaller costs. For a resident visa application the fee you pay to Immigration New Zealand is ND 3,000 but a lot of additional costs may be involved such as qualification assessment (NZD 746 – may be required for work visa), and an English language test (around NZD 400). Translations can add up quickly too. If you wish to involve an adviser, you’ll have to add their fee too.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I have done my diploma in lvl 7. Wants to study level 8. Which courses are in long term skill list for level 8 please.
How about the partner visa of a student who is going to start 3 years bachelor of nursing,, will partner get work vis??
Hi Amrita,
It goes a bit far to give a list of possible courses in this blog. In general, the rule applies that for a partner to be able to apply for a work visa (and your child to be eligible for domestic tuition fees), your study must be in an area that is specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. This applies to both a Bachelor degree and a level 8 course.
Kind regards,
Feija
Are accountants not on the list?
A colleagues family immigrated last year and I was led to believe they were.
HI Dianne,
Accountants have been added to the Immediate Skill Shortage List in April 2018. To benefit from an easier visa application you must meet the requirements of the list.
Kind regards,