NewZealand - Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Policy requirements

If you are qualified and skilled in an occupation for which New Zealand has a critical and ongoing skill shortage, you may be eligible for a work visa and permit under their Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Policy.

All of these occupations are listed on their Long Term Skill Shortage List (also called the LTSSL), which is updated twice each year.

If you are successful they will issue you with a work visa and/or permit for up to 30 months. When you have worked here in an occupation on the LTSSL for two years you can apply for residence.

Requirements you must meet

In addition to meeting our requirements for health and good character you will need to show us that:  
  • - you have an offer of employment which meets departments requirements (see below)
  • - you are suitably qualified through either training or experience to do the job
  • - you are either fully or provisionally registered – if your occupation requires registration in New Zealand. 
You should be under 53 years of age when you apply for the work visa or permit. This is because you have to be under 56 years to be eligible for residence after two years.

Requirements your job offer must meet

Offers of employment must meet certain minimum requirements. To be acceptable under this category, an offer of employment must be: 
  • - in an occupation on the LTSSL
  • - genuine
  • - full time (on average, at least 30 hours a week)
  • - for a term of at least two years.