Changes to New Zealand LTSSL list

The Department of Labour has today announced changes to its Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL).

The LTSSL identifies occupations that have a “sustained and ongoing” shortage of skilled workers both globally and throughout New Zealand.

Migrants who gain employment in one of these occupations may be granted a work visa under the LTSSL Work to Residence or Essential Skills instructions.

The changes to the LTSSL include:

• The addition of five occupations
• The removal of two occupations
• Changes in the requirements for several listed occupations 
• The addition of an explanatory note at the end of the list.

The occupations added to the LTSSL are Agricultural Scientist (Farm Systems Scientist), Social Professional nec (Applied Social Scientist), Life Scientist nec (Animal Scientist or Bioinformatics), Biotechnologist (Genetics Scientist), and Environmental Research Scientist (Water Quality Analyst).

The two occupations removed from the LTSSL are Secondary School Teacher, and Early Childhood (Pre-primary School Teacher).

The removal of these occupations is the result of extensive consultation with industry groups, other stakeholders and relevant government agencies alongside analysis of economic, labour market and immigration data, the Department of Labour said.

Immigration New Zealand said the changes will be made on 5 December 2011.

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