2017-Feb 10: Changes to the Essential Skills in Demand Lists

Visa Pak 296: Changes to the Long Term Skill Shortage list and Immediate Skill Shortage list, February 2017.

Visa Paks

10 February 2017

The Ministry has completed its annual review of two of the Essential Skills in Demand Lists – the Long Term Skill Shortage List and the Immediate Skill Shortage List.

The amendments have been posted here:

Essential Skills in Demand List review 2015

The changes will take effect on 27 February 2017. Any applications lodged before those dates should be assessed on the current rules.

Some further amendments are currently being finalised for the requirements for occupations on the skill shortage lists. This includes consultation with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to ensure that relevant qualifications are updated.

The Essential Skills in Demand Lists are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that the Ministry’s policy is flexible and responsive to changing economic and labour market conditions. As part of reviews, information is gathered from submissions made by external stakeholders and this is considered alongside economic, labour market and immigration data. It is important that the lists reflect genuine skill shortages so New Zealanders are not disadvantaged in seeking employment and training.