New Zealand has a residence programme which includes a skilled and business stream, designed to support economic growth. The residence programme enables employers to supplement their workforce with talented people from overseas, and helps build New Zealand’s capability.Do you want to bring a skilled worker from overseas into your business to fill a long-term, skilled position?If this is your situation there are various options to consider. Working through this page will help you find the right option for your business.
If you need to fill a vacancy in a permanent skilled job, your potential employee might be able to apply for residence under our Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). The job you are offering will need to meet the definition of skilled employment. What is skilled employment? What you need to do.
Becoming an accredited employer enables you to recruit skilled workers into long term roles (ongoing, or for at least two years) where the salary is at least NZ$55,000 per annum. Accreditation is for 12 months, and you can renew it annually. People you recruit could be highly qualified or they might have gained their skill through experience. What you need to do.
The Essential Skills in Demand Lists are Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ’s) two occupational skill shortage lists. If you offer a job to someone in an occupation on one of the lists and the candidate has qualifications and experience as specified on the list, they can apply for an Essential Skills work visa.
You won’t need to provide evidence of attempting to recruit New Zealanders because INZ reviews the lists regularly and has concluded that employers are unable to find enough people with these skills, qualifications, and experience in New Zealand.
The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) reflects national shortages with a high skill level. If the position is long term (ongoing, or for at least two years), a Work to Residence visa can be issued. This means your employee can apply for a Resident visa after working for you for two years. View the LTSSL. What you need to do.
The Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) reflects regional shortages. An Essential Skills work visa can be issued. Your employee can work temporarily with this type of visa. In some cases they might qualify for a Resident visa under other categories. View the ISSL. What you need to do.
You’ll need to support your potential employee’s Essential Skills work visa application by demonstrating your attempts to recruit New Zealanders. This visa is temporary. If the position is skilled, your employee might be eligible for a Resident visa under Skilled Migrant Category, or you might like to become an accredited employer. What you need to do.
If you have a vacancy suitable for a graduate, the Study to Work category enables you to employ graduates and trainees who have been studying in New Zealand. What you need to do.
If your potential employee is the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, or the partner of a work visa holder, they could have an open work visa and be able to work for any employer. What you need to do.
