Annual review 2015
See my blog post on the 2016 review of the Essential Skills in Demand Lists to be informed on the latest changes.
There are three Essential Skills in Demand lists:
- Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL)
- Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL)
- Canterbury Skill Shortage List
For many migrants these are important lists as it might be easier to get your visa approved if your occupation is on one of these lists AND you meet the exact requirements on the list.
Immigration New Zealand completes a review of the Long Term and Immediate Skills Shortage list every year.The new and revised lists are effective from today (30 March 2015).
The Canterbury Skill Shortage list is reviewed several times a year.
How do the changes affect you
If you work or have a job offer in one of the occupations that have been removed, don’t worry! You probably will still be able to obtain a work or resident visa. You might have to go through some additional steps in the visa application process though.
If you do not have a job offer or work in New Zealand yet, do not be alarmed either. Just because these occupations have been removed from the shortage lists, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a high demand for them.
If you just want to start your EOI process or your EOI has not been selected from the pool double check that
If you do not have a job offer or work in New Zealand yet, do not be alarmed either. Just because these occupations have been removed from the shortage lists, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a high demand for them.
If you just want to start your EOI process or your EOI has not been selected from the pool double check that
- you have not claimed (bonus) points that you are not entitled to
- you still have enough points to make the required pass mark
If you are concerned about how this might affect your immigration prospects, call Feija on +64 (0)22 381 5145 or send an email to feija@experienzimmigration.co.nz. I’m happy to look with you at your situation and see what the best option is for you.
Long Term Skill Shortage List
The LTSSL identifies occupations that have an absolute (sustained and ongoing) shortage of skilled workers both globally and throughout New Zealand. Migrants who gain employment in one of these occupations may be granted a work visa under the LTSSL Work to Residence or Essential Skills instructions. Migrants applying for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category may gain bonus points towards their application if they have an offer of employment, work experience or qualifications in an area of absolute skill shortage identified on the LTSSL.
Summary of changes
Summary of changes
- remove External Auditor
- remove the following 19 occupations for which there have been very low volumes of work visas over the last five years and for which other immigration options are more suited
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*nec means Not Elsewhere Classified
- remove two occupations (Construction Project Manager (Chip sealing, Asphalt or other Technical Manager) (Roading and Infrastructure) and Environmental Research Scientist (Water Quality Analyst)) which have separate over-lapping listings on the LTSSL and are therefore redundant
- move University Lecturer from the LTSSL to the ISSL.
There has also been a tightening of requirements for Registered Nurses (Critical Care and Emergency, Medical, and Perioperative). Now to meet the LTSSL requirements, these nurses must have five years’ post-qualification experience.
All other LTSSL occupations remain unchanged.
Immediate Skill Shortage list
The ISSL identifies occupations that have an immediate shortage of skilled workers either throughout New Zealand or in certain regions. Migrants wishing to work in occupations on the ISSL may be granted work visas under Essential Skills instructions if they meet the specified qualifications and/or experience requirements.
Summary of changes
- remove External Auditor and Flying Instructor (Glider Pilot Instructor)
- remove Other Sports Coach or Instructor (Skydive Instructor) which has a separate over-lapping listing on the ISSL.
- remove the following 23 occupations for which there have been very low volumes of work visas over the last five years and for which other immigration options are more suited
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Submissions to add Café or Restaurant Manager to the ISSL were declined.
Resident Medical Officer is being retained on the ISSL, with experience requirements being increased to two years’ post-qualification experience.
Resident Medical Officer is being retained on the ISSL, with experience requirements being increased to two years’ post-qualification experience.
Hi there, if i have work experience in ICT and i have my past jobs to support my claims but do not have a degree in that particular area, can i still claim apply for a long term shortage skill visa?
Hi Ry,
No, you do not qualify under the Long Term Skill Shortage List if you do not have a degree in ICT or ICT related Engineering.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi how are you i have done graduate diploma in applied managament level 7 manufacturing i am doing job as a wood machinist in dry mill so which position i will need for apply residency my course is under skilled or not
Hi Manmohan,
A Wood Machinist is a skilled occupation but if you can apply for a resident visa depends on a number of factors.
Please feel free to send me your cv with extensive information on your work experience, a copy of your passport and visa and a copy of your qualification certificate and academic transcript, and your employment contract. Based on that information I will be able to make a pretty good assessment whether or not you can apply for a resident visa.
You can send your documents to info@experienzimmigration.co.nz
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I am little confused.you say remove following 19 occupations from long term shortage skills which have low volume of work visa. I plan to study masters in psychology from newzealand does it mean I won’t get any work visa even after completing my education?
Hi Neha,
The Long Term Skill Shortage List has occupations on it where there is a shortage in qualified staff. If you are suitably skilled for one of the occupations on the list and you meet the qualification requirements on the list then a work and/or resident visa application may become easier and you might have more options.
If your occupation is not on the list or you do not meet the requirements, you can still be eligible for a work visa and.or resident visa if you are suitably skilled or trained for the job that has been offered to you and your employer can prove no suitable New Zealand candidates were available.
After graduating with a Master Degree, you may be eligible for a 12 month open job search visa. You may work in any occupation and for any employer. But you will need a job offer that is relevant to your qualification or previous work experience to apply for any further visa (based on skills).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Few months ago (in June) I got Essential Skills visa. Only for a year and I want to apply for the second Essential Skills visa. My occupation was not on any of those three mentioned lists. But it was on List of Skilled Occupations. And I got the visa. So did something changed and I’m not eligible to get another Essential Skills visa? I have a job offer from the same company.
Hi Matt,
Your occupation must be on the List of Skilled occupations to be able to put in a resident visa application based on that occupation. For a work visa under Essential Skills you may even be able to put in an application based on an occupation that is not on the List of Skilled occupations.
If your occupation is on one of the three Skills in Demands List and you meet the criteria on that list, a work (and resident visa) application may be easier. There is no requirement though for your occupation to be on one of the three Skills in Demand Lists to be able to apply for a work visa. Nothing has changed in that regard.
Kind regards,
Feija
Great! Thanks for help
Dear Feija,
My husband is an HVAC technician and currently working in Auckland in the same field. I want to apply for him under skilled migrant category but his skill is not listed under long term or immediate skill shortage but it is listed under Canterbury list. So, is it possible to apply for EOI for him on his current job in Auckland? Or we have to wait until he finds a job in Canterbury ( which will be possible after May 2017).
I am currently doing a postgraduate diploma in Business Management.
Please advise me if he also needs to register his qualification and obtain NZQA certificate and will require to sit for an IELTS exams?
Please let me know by email if possible.
Hi Alka,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
HI Feija
I have done bachelor in applied management majoring in accounting from nz, do i have to submit the ielts and How long i have to wait for applying residency?
Hi Manu,
If you completed at least 2 years of your Bachelor Degree in New Zealand (full-time study) you do not need to sit an IELTS test to meet the English language requirement for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category.
You can start a resident visa application as soon as you believe you meet the required points total (160).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am clinical coder from India having four plus years of experience in the coding industry. I am relocating to NZ, my husband is working in NZ and he is holding PR status.
Can I get a clinical coder job and what is the IELTS band required to get a clinical coder job in NZ.
Thanks,
Santhi.
Hi,
Is the minimum number of points now 140 instead of 100? Will INZ consider the EOI if it’s a point score of 135? Besides that, any idea at which month of the year annually does INZ update the Long Term Shortage List?
Thank you very much.
Hi Junnie,
At the moment (July 2016) you can submit an EOI if you have 100 points or more but your EOI will only be selected if:
– you have a job offer and 100 points or more or
– you DO NOT have a job offer and 140 points or more
With 135 points is not worth submitting (and paying for) an EOI unless you have a skilled job offer from a New Zealand employer.
The Long Term Skill Shortage List is updated every year in around March/April.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi i am deepak.i am doing graduate diploma in business management level7.
its just that i want to know that which kind of job that i should to extend my job search visa.
and in which kind of part time job should i need to work to get an experience related my course. pls do reply i dont have any guidance here to help me.
waiting for your reply.
thank you.
Heyy feija I have done my diploma level7 in It and now working as a water blaster and my employer is happy to support me for the residency thing is there any chance getting residency working as a water blaster??
Hi Vishnu,
To be able to successfully apply for a resident visa as a Skilled Migrant you need a job offer that is considered skilled. This means it must be skill level 1,2, or 3. These are occupations were you need a trade qualification or Bachelor or higher degree for (or 3-5 years work experience) to be able to do the job.
If you do not have a skilled job offer you need a number of years work experience in a job that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and a relevant qualification.
As I do not know what your job description exactly is, it is difficult to provide accurate advice on your situation.
What I can tell you that normally someone with a job as a Water blaster is not eligible to apply for a resident visa as it is not considered to be a skilled occupation.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I hope to work in New Zealand as a carpenter since I have had experiences working abroad as such (carpenter), welder, etc. I checked out for recruitment agencies which could be of help. However, I was instructed to apply for my visa first and have all the paperwork in so to apply in their agency. Is that the appropriate process? If so, what must I do? Should I apply for a work visa then, or should it fall in other category? Thank you so much.
Hi Joel,
If you wish to apply for a work visa you need a job offer from a New Zealand employer first.
There is an exception which is a Working Holiday Visa. This is a work visa that is valid for 12 months. You can apply for it if you are under 31 years of age (generally) and never had one before. It’s only available for people from certain countries.
I have also send you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I hope to work in New Zealand as a carpenter since I have had experiences working abroad as such (carpenter), welder, etc. I checked out for recruitment agencies which could be of help. However, I was instructed to apply for my visa first and have all the paperwork in so to apply in their agency. Is that the appropriate process? If so, what must I do? Should I apply for a work visa then, or should it fall in other category? Thank you so much.
Hi dear.
I did bachelor in medical laboratory technician from India have three year experience as well and now already in Nz but m doing post graduation in buisness enterprise it will complete in month so I want to go back in medical field and I saw there is very good chances for PR .. Can you plz help me further ? Thanks
Hi Meenakshi,
There are good possibilities to be granted a resident visa if you meet the requirements for either a Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist.
You probably do need a job offer from a New Zealand employer to qualify for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category.
I have send you an email as well.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Pamela,
You and the children would have to apply separately for a visa. It is not possible to include dependents on a work visa application.
If you need more information on which visas to apply for, send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
My husband has over 11 years experience as an Automotive mechanic in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. He also has the equivalent qualifications to a Nzqa level 4. This is shown on the immediate skills shortage list . If he applies for this visa would we ( wife and two children) go on the same visa as him or apply for another visa. I am a primary teacher and I have been qualified for 9 years however my qualification and experience is not in any skills shortage list.
Dear Feija
I am a civil engineer with 10 year experience, considering the chances to get an off-shore Residence Visa. So, would you please help me to clarify this
I’m in Long Term Skill Shortage List and can get offer as a civil engineer or construction project manager. Do my NZ employer need to show that that they have genuinely tried to find a New Zealand worker to fill the position or not when they sponsor me?
Hope to get your advise.
All the best
Hi Kevin,
If you meet the requirements on the Long Term Shortage List (LTSSL) exactly an employer does not need to prove that they could not find any suitable New Zealand candidate.
Send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want more information. Fees may apply.
Kind regards,
Feija
Many thanks Feija. Your reply is really helpful. All the best
Hi feija
My wife has got overall 5 band in ielts.she has done her M.A. B.ed at back home.does she really need to take ielts test if she applying for level 7 courses in New zealand.n the course i have done is listed in immediate skilled shortage list.
Pls advice me can she apply for level 7 courses without ielts?? & can i get work visa as my course listed on ISSL.???
Regards
Janak
Hi Janak,
There is no IELTS requirement when for a student visa.
Universities and polytechnics usually do have an IELTS requirement for international students. You need to talk the the university or polytechnic where your wife wants to enroll to see if they accept any other form of proof that your wife has the required English language skills.
Please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz as I’m not sure what your plans are and if you are following the best possible pathway.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi there,
I am electronic technician working from last two months. I have completed my study in level 7 in diploma electronic and telecommunication.
How long i have to wait for applying residency?
Hi Apneet,
If your job offer is full time, ongoing and sustainable (either a permanent contract or a contract for at least 12 months with a single employer) and you meet the other requirements you can start your resident application under the Skilled Migrant Category any time.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, manpreet
I want to know that I am student and my husband holding a dependent visitor visa. I am doing level 7 management course in which my main course is Human resource management. My husband can apply for work visa. Because now I have given a birth to girl child and it is not easy for us to handle all the charges. I am doing any work and husband too. We are finding lot of difficulty in clearly the charges of hospital and also we are not able to meet our daily and own needs. Please give me advise that what we can do. We are really in big problem so please help me.
Thanks
Hi Manpreet,
Unfortunately, your husband cannot apply for a work visa as a dependent as your qualification is not in an area of absolute skill shortage.
He could try to get a job offer and apply for a work visa in his own right.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I just like to inquire if Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering is a required qualification for Absolute Skills Shortage?
Thank you,
Hi Jondill,
It depends on what your occupation is and if your qualification has been assessed in New Zealand.
If your occupation falls under the Engineering occupations then different requirements apply as for an occupation that sits on the Long Term Skill Shortage List under ICT.
There is not a lot I can say without knowing more about your qualification.
Kind regards,
Feija
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
Does university lecturer means that the position must be at a university (eg Waikato University, University of Auckland etc) or it also covers polytechnics as well.
Thanks
Hi Jaspal,
It only includes universitties as the position of lecturer requries a person to deliver lectures and conduct tutorials at a university AND conduct research in a particular field of knowledge
Research usually only takes place at universities.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
I have a PhD and am planning to apply for PR. Assuming after EOI I am invited to apply for PR.
To indefinitely attain the PR (which I believe is after a 2 year period), do I have to work in that specific field, i.e. as a lecturer?
Lets say, I do get a job, but not as a lecturer, is it still counted to be granted a PR?
Please advice.
Regards
Hi Jaspal,
When a resident visa is granted you can work in any occupation you like. This will not affect the application for a permanent resident visa, which you can submit after you have held a resident visa for at least 2 years and meet the other requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi, i really need your advise please help me in solving my doubts, me and my wife are applying for spouse visa she will be applying for post graduate in finance and have westpac experience in india. My doubt is if she gets job in finance will we be able to get pr as it is not mentioned in lssl or issl , can we get pr if job profile is not in that list.Thank u.
Hi Yuvraj,
An occupation does not have to be present on one of the skills in demands lists to be able to apply for a resident visa.
An occupation must be present on the list of skilled occupations though.
So yes, if your wife finds a job in finance that is present on the list of skilled occupations AND she has either recognised and relevant work experience or a recognised and relevant qualification to prove she is skilled to do this job AND you meet the other requirements for a resident visa, you should be able to apply for a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija