Long Term Skill Shortage List
The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) is a list of occupations that are in demand in New Zealand. Every year Immigration New Zealand reviews the list after listening to industry bodies. Their members indicate where they have problems filling vacancies with suitably qualified New Zealand citizens or residents.
Immigration New Zealand amends the LTSSL around March every year.
This year no new occupations are added to the LTSSL. The following occupations are removed:
- Registered Nurse – Aged Care
- Registered Nurse – Critical Care and Emergency
- Registered Nurse – Medical
- Registered Nurse – Perioperative
- Ship’s Engineers
- Ship’s Masters
- Ship’s Officers
The outcome of the review also kept Chef on the LTSSL. Registered Nurse (Aged Care) moved from the LTSSL to the ISSL for all regions of New Zealand.
Migrants applying for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) may gain bonus points. They need to have an offer of employment, work experience and/or qualifications in an area of absolute skill shortage identified on the LTSSL. However, they must meet the requirements on the list to claim points.
Migrants may also be eligible for a Work to Residence visa – Long Term Skill Shortage List. When they apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa the process for employers is easier.
Immediate Skill Shortage List
The Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) identifies occupations that have an immediate shortage of skilled workers either throughout New Zealand or in certain regions. Migrants who obtain a job offer in an occupation on the ISSL may be granted work visas under Essential Skills instructions. However, they must meet the specified qualifications and/or experience requirements.
The outcomes of the review of the ISSL are to:
- add the following 7 occupations:
- Bricklayer (a)
- Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) (c)
- Composite Technician (c)
- Floor Finisher (b)
- Stonemason(a)
- Telecommunications Cable Jointer (c)
- Telecommunications Technician (c)
- (a) only for the Auckland/Upper North Island region.
- (b) only for the Auckland/Upper North Island and Waikato/Bay of Plenty regions.
- (c) for all regions of New Zealand
Removed occupations
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- Upholsterer
However, submissions to move Apiarist from ISSL to the LTSSL were declined.
How do the changes affect you?
No job offer yet
Don’t panic, if you have an occupation that is no longer on the list but you do not have a job offer or work in New Zealand yet. Just because these occupations are no longer in demand, doesn’t mean you will not be able to find a job. A visa may still be granted if you meet the requirements.
Your occupation is no longer on the list
You can’t claim bonus points in an SMC application if your occupation is no longer on the LTSSL. Generally speaking, if you have a job offer (outside of Auckland), a recognised qualification, several years of relevant work experience and you are younger than 45, you probably will still be able to obtain enough points. Of course, every person and every circumstance is different so please check thoroughly (or get help) to see if you qualify.
However, If you are currently on an Essential Skills work visa and need to renew your visa, you may be affected. Your employer will now have to prove that they can’t find a suitable New Zealand candidate for this position before a (new) visa may be granted.
If you are on a Work to Residence (LTSSL) visa and you work in one of the occupations that is removed from the LTSSL, you no longer are able to apply for a resident visa after 2 years. You might be eligible to apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category though.
If you just want to start your EOI process or your EOI is in the pool double check that:
- you only claim (bonus) points when you meet requirements
- you still have enough points to make the required pass mark
If you are concerned about how these changes might affect you, ask me a question via the button below. I’m happy to look with you at your situation and see what the best option is for you.
Feija van Bokhoven is the Managing Director of Experienz Immigration as well as a Licensed Immigration Adviser. In this capacity she has helped numerous clients obtain a visa for New Zealand and helped them fulfill their dream of living in New Zealand.
Ask Feija a question
Hi Feija,
my wife is doing diploma in cookery level 4 and 5. she has almost completed level 4 in which she has completed the basic tasks for cookery and bakery. now she has two option for level 5. first one is gastronomy in which cookery tasks will continue with deeply. second option is professional bakery. i want your recommendations please , which part she should choose from gastronomy or bakery for getting better future in NZ.
Hi Majinder,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hey Feija,
I was wondering if I took a diploma in Computing area that is on the long term skill shortage list, my spouse would be eligible to get a work visa? What seems to be unclear to me is where I have to look at? The possible graduation area or the qualification itself? For instance, There are a bunch of IT professions quoted on the long term skill shortage list, but the qualification column says bachelor level 7 with 360 credits. My final question, will my spouse be eligible for the work visa only if I took the bachelor or a diploma level 7 would be enough?
Thanks in advance
With kind regards
Hi Christian,
You ask some good questions and I’m happy to answer them but it goes a bit far to do that here.
Feel free to ask a question on the homepage of the website and we can look into this a bit more.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feja,
I’m Shali (25 yrs old). currently working as a chef de partie in wellington. I’m on open job search visa. Completed level 5 dip in professional cookery.
if I get the 24.29 hourly rate,
Can I gain 160 points?
I wonder that i can get 10 points for absolute skills shortage.
Is there any possibily to apply for the recident ?
thanks
Hi Shali,
Please send me a message through the home page of my website (http://www.experienzimmigration.co.nz) and attach your cv. If you wish you may also submit your diploma and your employment agreement and position description. I can give you a high-level overview of your options for free. At the moment I do not have enough information to determine if you may qualify.
For a more detailed calculation of the points, you can claim I offer a Detailed Points Assessment (a fee applies).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
My husband’s occupation ‘illustrator – animator’ is added in NZ skill list.
*He is 28 yrs
*6 years work experience in his field “Animator”
*bachlor in media sceince – animation.
*component english
But how can we complete the points ??? Becuase we dont have any job offer letter.
Is there any way out for applying? Plssss reply
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Please send me a message through the home page of my website (http://experienzimmigration.co.nz) and attach your cv. If you wish you may also submit the Bachelor Degree. I can give you a high-level overview of your options for free. At the moment I do not have enough information to determine if you may qualify.
Most people need a job offer in New Zealand so they can claim enough points.
For a more detailed calculation of the points, you can claim I offer a Detailed Points Assessment (a fee applies).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello
I am 23 year old Indian girl …the nz immigration has granted me an AIP for student visa. I m going to study Pharmacy Technician course over there.It was listed in the Immediate skill shortage list but now it is not there ….will I able to apply for a PR later on? What are my options after studying over there for 15 months?
Hi,
If you can apply for a resident visa depends on a number of factors. Whether an occupation is listed on the Immediate Skill Shortage List is not one of the factors. Gaining a New Zealand qualification is also not an automatic pathway to a resident visa.
You need to score at least 160 points in a points system. You can get points for age, work experience, job offer in New Zealand and qualifications. You also need a skilled full time job offer from a New Zealand employer with a pay rate that is over the required minimum. You also must be of good health and character and speak English well.
I would be happy to advise you on your visa options after you graduate in a Consultation. Just provide your details at http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/contact-us/ and we’ll go from there.
Kind regards,
Feija
I would like to ask,what if my job is not either on short term,intermediate or long term skills? Is there anyway i can get a skilled migrant work visa from my employer or is there anyway for me to apply residency in the future?
Hi Chloe,
It is not mandatory for your occupation to be on one of the Skills Shortage Lists to get a work visa or a resident visa. If your occupation is on one of those lists a visa application usually is simpler. This does not mean you are not able to get a work or resident visa if your occupation is not on the list.
This depends on a lot more factors, such as your hourly rate, the skill level of your occupation, your previous work experience or qualifications, your age etc.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I just want to know that I have applied for student visa from India for Diploma Business Leadership & Management level 5 & 6 and I handle the interview call very nicely but at the end of the call she told me that You have to submit few medical documents as well as also re-medical should i get the visa after the successful completion of re-medical.
Regards,
Ronark Patel
Hi Ronark,
I can’t tell you if you will be granted a visa after you submit the requested medical certificates. Immigration New Zealand makes that decision. What I do know is that if you don’t submit the requested documents, you will certainly not be granted a visa. So, if you want to have a chance of a student visa being granted, you’ll have to submit the requested medical certificates.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Next year I need to decide whether I go study in NZ for Pharmacy Technician Course Level 5 (In order to practice my profession there) or take different path and study in my country Masters in Audiology. Can help me decide which should I take in order to be granted PR in NZ later on?
I am currently working as Pharmacy Technician in Asian Country now, got 10 years experience. Would want to continue my career but since NZ kept changing and increasing minimum requirements for Skilled Migrant Category Visa, I’m afraid later on Pharmacy Technician will not reached the minimum salary requirement which is roughly $23/hour now. Pharmacy Technician is on immediate skill shortage list. While audiologist is not on the skill shortage list, but the salary would be higher as it is on Skills Level 1, rather than technician which is at Level 2. Hope u can help me.
With regards to points system which one would weigh more than the two? Pharmacy Technician with 10 years experience, or as an audiologist with less experience but higher salary being on Level 1 skills? Your reply would be greatly appreciated.
Hi,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My wife is a qualified primary teacher. She has 130 points on her EOI for age, qualifications and experience.As her skills are in the education sector it is hard to get a job offer while out of NZ. Can she go ahead with her EOI with 130 points? Would she have a chance of being selected from the pool? If yes, can you assist us in our application?
Kind Regards,
Raj
Dear Raj,
Only EOI’s with 160 points or more are selected from the pool. If your wife/you score 130 points there is no point in submitting an EOI. Complete waste of time and money.
Finding a job or enrolling in a suitable course might be possible other options.
I would be happy to assist with figuring out the best way forward in your circumstances and of course, with a possible visa application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thank you for your reply. I would definitely be interested with assistance in my wife’s job search. She is a qualified Primary Teacher from University of Western Sydney and holds a provisional teaching licence for NZ. But our job search has beared no fruit solely for the reason that schools not wanting to go through the hassle of getting necessary approval for recruiting overseas teachers. If she was to get a job offer she would be eligible for 50 points talking her total to 180 which would enable her to submit her EOI.
We would be interested if you can assist in her job search and application for PR thereafter.
Kind Regards,
Raj
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
I m citizen of India having my son as international student studying at New Zealand,can i buy property/office in my or my sons name at New Zealand???? If yes then can my son get advantage of obtaining Points for getting residency by getting job in that office if that office operates same field in which my son is going to finish his studies of level 7?????
Hi,
Probably not. The new Labour government has put some measures in place that make it impossible or more difficult for foreigners (people who are not residents or citizens of New Zealand) to purchase existing properties.
Your son will need a suitably skilled job that pays above a threshold rate and also is market rate (among other criteria he must meet). The job offer must be genuine and sustainable. I’m not sure that what you propose would fall into this category.
Kind regards,
Feija
I m a partner of a student who is studying Bachelor of Nursing. Reg Nurse is no longer in LSSL. My work visa wil expire on coming month.one of my friend who is same as mine got work visa last month. But one other friend work visa they declined. How does it happen.
Hi Adkin,
It depends on the qualification your partner is studying for if you will get a work or a visitor visa.
If your partner is studying for a Bachelor of Nursing I would say you can apply for a visitor visa. Maybe your friend’s partner is studying towards a post-graduate qualification.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello good day,
Sorry looking for information about my job and how to apply for a residency in new zealand.
Can you help with one thing?
I have a permanent full time job which is “ICT help desk support” can I apply for a residency visa with this job? Is my job in the shortage list or long term visa? Can I apply?
Dear Henry,
The occupation of ICT Support Officer is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. However, if you can apply for a resident visa depends on your job description, age, qualification, pay rate, previous work experience, your health, your character and your English Language ability.
Based on the information provided I can’t tell if you can apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I am a University Lecturer in Sri Lanka Since 2004.
so can i clam points under absolute skills shortage?
Hi Kaushal,
No, you can’t. University Lecturer is not present on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Kind regards,
Feija
do you assist in finding a job, i am studying level 7 diploma in telecommunication and electronics ??? what are the chances of getting job offer after doing it?????
Hi Rajinder,
As part of my service to clients, I refer them to a reputable job search agency, if they wish. However, as you are in New Zealand it might be easier (and cheaper) for you to just go to recruiters and see what they can do for you.
Whether or not you can find a suitable job depends on many factors, the two most important are:
– availability of jobs in your area of expertise
– how you present yourself in a job interview (not only the way you dress but also the answers you give to questions and whether the employer believes you are the best fit for the position (in terms of experience/knowledge and how you fit in the team)
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am an employer and we really struggle to recruit Personal Care Assistant’s. At the moment the role is defined as a skill level 5 Anzsco code 423313. Because of this it is really difficult for our existing visa holders to renew their Visa’s. Do you know how we can apply to get this role on the skill shortage list?
Thanks,
Courtney
Hi Courtney,
Immigration consults with industry bodies each year to determine which occupations should be included on a skill shortage list. The best approach would be to contact your industry body and if it this is a nationwide or regional issue they might be able to negotiate with Immigration New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I applied for the long term shortage skilled visa and I have a job offer ..
I have submitted all the police certificates and my medical certificate is good too.
I am a developer .
But I am still worried can my visa be rejected with all of that?
Dear Morad,
It is a bit unclear to me if you applied for a temporary work visa or a resident visa.
As I haven’t seen your application nor the supporting evidence that you submitted I can’t really say anything about your application.
In general, if you have supplied all required evidence (including the documents your employer must provide) and you meet all requirements (health, character, job offer, work experience and/or recognised qualification) then you should be fine. If you haven’t then yes, your application may be declined.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am from India,last year I got my PR with the contribution of my spouse level 7 qualification Points. Now due to some dispute among ourselves we have decided to get separate,So does our divorce will affect me any way in my legal status having got my PR with the contribution of points from her qualification. Secondly, if I in future get remarry to some other girl outside New Zealand is there any type of restrictions in bringing my new spouse to New Zealand and getting new spouse in getting permanent Residency? Regards Guru Singh
Dear Guru,
From your information I understand that you were granted a resident visa (not a permanent resident visa) last year. This was granted because at the time you met the requirements of the visa you applied for. This means your resident visa will remain valid even if you and your spouse divorce. If your relationship was not genuine and stable at the time you resident visa was granted, you may have provided false and misleading information to Immigration New Zealand. This is a serious offence.
There is a 5 year stand-down period in which you are not able to sponsor a partner for a resident visa. This period begins from the moment your spouses resident visa was approved. You might not be able to apply for a resident visa for a new partner straight away.
You may only sponsor 2 people in your life time. A new partner would be number 2 so if that relationship ends you will not be able to sponsor any more partners.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi feija, I lodged my essential skill work visa application with my partner application as well on 31 of June and it hasn’t been decided yet, would new rules effect my partner’s application, thanks
Dear Kamal,
The changes apply to all applications made on and after 28 August 2017.
Therefore, you and your partner’s application should be assessed under the current instructions (current on 24 August 2017).
Kind regards,
Feija
is post graduate doploma in international business have jon optiond which lead to residency.
Hi Cilvy,
To be able to apply for a resident visa through the Skilled Migrant Category you must be able to claim 160 points. In addition, you must be of good health and character, meet the English language requirements and almost everyone will need a full time skilled offer of employment that meets the income threshold (from August 28, 2017).
The key is to find a suitably skilled job after graduating. There is no automatic pathway for graduates to residency. Experiences from the past have shown that it might be quite difficult to find a job on a suitably skilled level when you are a graduate of a level 7 business course. This will also depend on your work experience prior to studying in New Zealand. If you have a good number of years work experience in your field of study, it might be easier to find a suitably skilled job then when you have no prior work experience at all (or work experience in a different field).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Here briefly about myself:
I came to NZ since 2010. This year I’m turning 23 yrs old. I got my qualifications level 5 and offered full time work as a chef for about 1 year. I still on going with this job at the same employer.
Will my case be affected after rules changed in August? If so is there any options for me to continue stay in NZ.
I would love to hear a great suggestions from you. Thank u for your time.
Best regards
Maly
Dear Maly,
The proposed changes are for Essential Skills only. Any changes that might happen this type of work visas have not been announced officially yet so I can’t comment on whether you will be affected or not. If you wish to apply for a resident visa (if you qualify for enough points), you’ll need an hourly rate of at least NZD 23.49 (rate is indexed each year).
Please contact me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz for more information on how you may be affected by the changes and to find out if there are any other options for you (a fee may apply).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have the following points as far as I can ascertain:
Age – 5
Job offer in Auckland – 50
Degree NZQA – 50
20 yrs experience in field – 30
Close family resident in NZ – 10
Total – 145 so far
Can I get other points for being on a skilled occupation list, or job outside of Auckland?
I have been offered a job in Early Childhood Education. Is this on the skilled or immediately needed occupation list and can it help me?
Thanks
Gill
Hi Gillian,
I can complete a Detailed Points Assessment for you, if you wish. A fee applies.
Based on the information you have provided, I may see options for you.
Please send me an email at info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want to learn more.
Kind regards,
Feija
i am studying at Auckland at queens academy diploma in electronics and communication level 6 -7, twenty month course, my diploma will be completed in march 2018. is there pathway leading to residency once i complete my education
Dear Kavya,
I can only comment on how the current policy works so any changes in policy between now and the moment you graduate I can’t take into account.
Basically, you will need a skilled full time job from a New Zealand employer to qualify for residency (and you need to meet enough other criteria to claim 160 points in total).
When you graduate your qualification gives you access to a 12 month job search visa and a subsequent work visa for up to 2 years if you find a job that is relevant to your NZ qualification in both level and responsibilities. The job search visa is an open work visa and allows you to work for any employer in any occupation. This will give you the rights to work in NZ sought after by employers.You can use this time to find a suitably skilled job and, if you qualify, you may apply for a resident visa.
For a more detailed assessment of your situation I provide a Detailed Assessment (a fee applies). Please email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz for more information.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I am a partner of a student who is studying Bachelor of Nursing. As Registered Nurse in no more in the long term shortage list, my work visa got declined. I just want to know, does this rule apply to the existing students or only the new who are yet to come to NZ
Hi Libin,
I’m sorry your work visa application was declined.
This rule applies to all work visa applications for partners of student visa holders after the new Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) was published, which was 27 February 2017. Only partners of students who study for a Bachelor degree that is on the LTSSL are eligible for a work visa. The rule in itself has not changed. It’s just that occupations and qualifications have been removed from the list. The list is amended every year.
Kind regards,
Feija
Kind regards,
Feija