Press Releases

NZ Immigration: Skill Shortage List changes take effect today

30/05/2019

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment has skill shortage lists to reflect the shortages in the labour market. The lists are reviewed and updated regularly. The Essential Skills in Demand list review for 2018 / 2019 took effect this week, with some occupations added to the lists.

• The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL)
• The Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL)
• The Construction and Infrastructure Shortage List (CISSL)

The Regional Skill Shortage List replaces the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) and the existing 6 regions have been expanded to a 15-region model. This will better reflect the skill shortages that exist in the regions and gives temporary migrants a better idea about opportunities in regional areas. This 15-region model will also be applied to the Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL).

See details of the 2018 /2019 changes

Employer Tip: Using the lists correctly
A common mistake employers make when using the lists, is thinking that if the occupation's name is on the list, that they will not need to advertise and prove that they have been unable to find a suitable candidate in New Zealand.

That is only true IF the candidate you put forward for a visa meets the required standards (such as qualifications, registration or work experience) for that occupation, as set out in the skill shortage list.

You can view these required standards by using our Skill shortage list checker tool. You can view the required standards by expanding the list.

See the example for General Practitioner below: