Skill shortage list checker
The skills shortage lists have been replaced by the Green List and this tool is no longer being updated. You can find out whether your occupation is on the Green List.
The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) identified occupations where there was a sustained and ongoing shortage of highly skilled workers both globally and throughout New Zealand. The LTSSL was used to assess Long Term Skill Shortage work visa applications and some Essential Skills work visa applications. An Essential Skills work visa allows you to work in New Zealand temporarily.
The Long Term Skill Shortage work visa closed to new applicants on 31 October 2021. The Essential Skills work visa closed to new applications on 4 July 2022. Both visas have been replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
If you have a Long Term Skill Shortage work visa, you may need to refer to the LTSSL if you apply for another Long Term Skill Shortage work visa or Long Term Skill Shortage resident visa.
If you have an Essential Skills work visa you may need to refer to the LTSSL if you apply for a variation of conditions.
You may also need to refer to the LTSSL if you make an expression of interest under the Skilled Migrant Category visa or are in the process of applying.
The Regional Skills Shortage List (RSSL) included occupations where skilled workers were required in particular regions of New Zealand and indicated that there were no New Zealand citizens or residents available to take up the position. This enabled faster processing of Essential Skills work visa applications.
The Essential Skills work visa closed to new applications on 4 July 2022 and has been replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
An Essential Skills work visa allows you to work in New Zealand temporarily. If you have an Essential Skills work visa you may need to refer to the RSSL if you apply for a variation of conditions.
The Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL) contained occupations in critical shortage in the construction industry across New Zealand. This list was used to assess some Essential Skills work visa applications. An Essential Skills work visa allows you to work in New Zealand temporarily.
The Essential Skills work visa closed to new applications on 4 July 2022 and has been replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
If you have an Essential Skills work visa you may need to refer to the CSSL to apply for a variation of conditions.
We use the amount of pay and ANZSCO Version 1.2 to determine if a job is skilled. Some selected occupations are treated as an exception.
To be classified as skilled for the Skilled Migrant Category you need to be either;
ANZSCO level 1-3 AND paid at or above $29.66 per hour ($61,692 per year based on a 40 hour week)
OR
ANZSCO level 4-5 AND paid at or above $41.64 per hour ($86,611 per year based on a 40 hour week)
OR
On the list of occupations treated as an exception to ANZSCO AND paid at or above $29.66 per hour ($61,692 per year based on a 40 hour week)
If your occupation is defined as skilled, you may be eligible to apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category. This is a points-based visa that considers factors such as age, work experience, your qualifications and an offer of skilled employment.
To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category you must be aged 55 or under, meet the skill level for your occupation, and meet English language, health, and character requirements.