New Zealand Expands Work Visa Options with 66 In-Demand Jobs

This opportunity not only benefits the workers but also allows their families to settle and contribute to New Zealand society.

November 2024 – New Zealand has significantly expanded work visa opportunities, updating its Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) to include 66 high-demand occupations.

The update opens doors for skilled international workers, offering potential pathways to residency and family inclusionpp

According to DAAD, the updated LTSSL presents substantial opportunities for foreign workers to secure employment and residency in New Zealand. The visa options for those in eligible roles are diverse and can facilitate long-term stays:

Essential Skills Work Visa: Designed for roles that cannot be filled by New Zealand citizens or residents, this visa allows workers to bring their families and can lead to further visa opportunities.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: A points-based visa that grants qualified professionals a direct route to permanent residency.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Available to workers hired by New Zealand’s government-accredited employers, facilitating an efficient transition to work and potential residency.
Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa: This visa is specifically for those filling LTSSL-listed roles and provides a structured path to permanent residency through the Work to Residence program.

Job Search Resources

Those seeking to explore employment opportunities in New Zealand can leverage several platforms:

• Seek.co.nz: The country’s leading job portal with extensive listings.
• Trade Me Jobs: A popular site for a variety of job categories.
• Careers.govt.nz: A government-run resource offering career advice and job opportunities.
• New Kiwis: A job portal managed by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, focused on helping new arrivals.
• Workhere New Zealand: A specialized site connecting international professionals with New Zealand employers.

Additionally, recruitment firms like Robert Walters New Zealand, Hays Recruitment New Zealand, and Randstad New Zealand are key players in matching skilled workers with employers.

High-Demand Occupations

The LTSSL spans several sectors, including engineering, healthcare, education, IT, and skilled trades. Here are some prominent roles and expected salary ranges:

Engineers: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Geotechnical Engineers, with salaries between NZD $75,000 and $130,000.

Healthcare Professionals: Roles like General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Midwives, and Physiotherapists, earning between NZD $60,000 and $200,000.

Tradespeople: Positions such as Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Welders, and Automotive Mechanics, with salaries from NZD $50,000 to $95,000.

Educators: Secondary School and Early Childhood Teachers, earning NZD $50,000 to $90,000.

IT and Technology: Software Developers, ICT Systems Analysts, Network Administrators, and Data Analysts, with salaries ranging from NZD $70,000 to $135,000.
These roles are essential to New Zealand’s economic growth, and workers with the appropriate qualifications and experience can benefit from the new visa options.

Qualifications and Salaries

Each job listed on the LTSSL comes with specific qualifications and salary expectations. For instance, Civil Engineers must have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, earning between NZD $80,000 and $120,000 annually. Registered Nurses can expect salaries ranging from NZD $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience and specialization.

Path to Permanent Residency

Sksilled workers who secure a position under the LTSSL Work Visa can progress toward permanent residency through the Work to Residence pathway. This opportunity not only benefits the workers but also allows their families to settle and contribute to New Zealand society.

The full LTSSL includes roles across multiple sectors, accommodating a wide range of professionals and tradespeople. Those qualified are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and consider New Zealand as a long-term destination for work and family life.

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