Essential Skills lists
 

Essential Skills in Demand Lists

NZIS has changed the way that you can search our Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) and the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL). They have integrated the electronic lists; together, they are to be known as the Essential Skills in Demand Lists.

Essential Skills in Demand Lists

The Essential Skills In Demand Lists are the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) and the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL).

NZIS use the LTSSL ( Long Term Shortage) in relation to both temporary work policy and residence policy. If you come to work in New Zealand based on meeting the LTSSL requirements, you may be eligible for residence through our Work to Residence (Long Term Skill Shortage List) policy, or the Skilled Migrant Category.

NZIS only use the ISSL (Immediate Shortgage) in relation to temporary work policy. If you come to work in New Zealand based on meeting the ISSL requirements, there is no direct link to residence.

If you meet the requirements on the list, and the policy requirements, NZIS will accept that no New Zealanders are available for the position(s).

What if my occupation is not on one of the lists?

If you want to apply for a temporary work visa/permit (or recruit temporary workers from overseas), the occupation does not have to be on one of the lists. The employer must show that they have genuinely searched for suitably qualified and trained New Zealander workers, and we will undertake a labour market test. Alternatively, an employer with Approval in Principle may be able to recruit employers from overseas.