Faced with ongoing labor shortages, New Zealand is simplifying the process for obtaining a residence permit. Published in April, the updated list of critical skills highlights many opportunities for foreign talents, particularly in healthcare, telecommunications, and engineering.
To attract and, more importantly, retain foreign talents, New Zealand is offering a fast-track pathway to permanent residency. Eligible foreigners must hold a position listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL).
Four professional sectors are primarily concerned:
- Healthcare: Nurses, psychiatrists, general practitioners... The healthcare sector remains in a critical state, particularly in aged care services.
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Cybersecurity experts, software developers, web programmers...
- Engineering and finance: Civil engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors...
- Telecommunications: Telecommunications engineers, network administrators.
Other professional sectors are also actively seeking new workers who can also benefit from a fast-track visa process:
- Agriculture and aquaculture: Livestock farmers, dairy producers, veterinarians, butchers, agricultural engineers, aquaculture experts...
- Education and health: Teachers (early childhood, primary, secondary), dietitians, physiotherapists, medical laboratory technicians...
It should be noted that New Zealand has an official list of regulated professions. These professions require prior recognition of the expatriate's qualifications and registration with the professional regulatory bodies governing the activity.
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