New Zealand Expands Work Visa Opportunities with 66 High-Demand Job Openings

In November 2024, New Zealand revised its Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), which included 66 in-demand jobs.

This allows qualified people to apply for work visas, family inclusion, and a path to permanent residency.

According to a recent DAAD assessment, the new LTSSL represents a significant potential for international workers because it provides multiple visa choices.

These visas allow for long-term stays in New Zealand and a road to permanent residency, giving it an excellent option for persons in the specified professions.

Work visa options for skilled professionals

• For those filling employment on the LTSSL, New Zealand has numerous immigration options:

• Essential skills work visa: For those filling positions that New Zealand citizens or residents are unable to fill, this visa may lead to longer-term visa choices and the ability to bring their families.

• The skilled migrant category (SMC) resident visa is a points-based visa that provides a straight path to residency for competent workers in high-demand sectors.

• Accredited employer work visa (AEWV): with people working with government-accredited employers in New Zealand.

• Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa: Designed specifically for those filling roles on the LTSSL. This visa provides a path to residency via the Work to Residence pathway.

Where to Find Jobs in New Zealand

Those interested in obtaining jobs in New Zealand can begin their search on many main platforms:

• Seek.co.nz is New Zealand’s largest job portal, with hundreds of listings.

• Trade Me Jobs is a popular website for a variety of job categories.

• Careers.govt.nz: A government website with job listings and career advice.

• The Auckland Chamber of Commerce manages New Kiwis, a career platform for newcomers to New Zealand.

• Workhere New Zealand: Helps overseas talent find work in New Zealand.

Furthermore, DAAD advises that recruiting agencies such as Robert Walters New Zealand, Hays recruiting New Zealand, and Randstad New Zealand specialise in linking international experts with organizations looking for competent individuals.

The LTSSL lists 66 high-demand jobs.

The LTSSL offers 66 vocations from several areas, including engineering, healthcare, education, and skilled trades. The following are some of the main roles on the list.

• Civil, electrical, mechanical, and geotechnical engineers (salary range: NZD $75,000–$130,000).

• General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Midwives, and Physiotherapists (Salary: NZD $60,000-$200,000).

• Tradespeople include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and automotive mechanics (salary range: $50,000-$95,000.

• Secondary School Teachers and Early Childhood Teachers (salary range: NZD $50,000-$90,000).

• IT & Technology: Software Developers, ICT Systems Analysts, Network Administrators, and Data Analysts (salary range NZD $70,000-$135,000).

These positions are critical to New Zealand’s economy, and those with the requisite qualifications and experience in these disciplines may be eligible for one of the work visas.

Qualifications and salary expectations.

According to DAAD, each job on the LTSSL has specific qualifying criteria. For example, to work as a Civil Engineer in New Zealand, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Salaries can differ by position; civil engineers can earn between NZD $80,000 and $120,000 per year, whilst registered nurses commonly earn between NZD $60,000 and $100,000.

The whole list of 66 vocations includes both highly qualified professionals and competent craftsmen, providing opportunity in a wide range of industries.

Those with the necessary qualifications are encouraged to apply for these in-demand positions to take advantage of the available work visa alternatives.

Path to permanent residency.

Those who qualify for the LTSSL Work Visa can progress to permanent residency via the Work to Residence program. This enables talented workers to settle in New Zealand, contribute to the workforce, and get long-term residency for themselves and their families.