New Zealand jobs for skilled immigrants; One hot attractive destination for skilled immigrants in recent times is New Zealand, attributed to its high quality of life, strong economy, and a captivating landscape.

For safety reasons the country ranks high in global indices, education, overall wellbeing, which makes it a hot choice for professionals seeking new and viable opportunities.

Following the country’s growth, the demand for skilled workers in arrays of industries have continued to grow tremendously.

In this guide you will get to understand the New Zealand job market and how it serves the purpose of skilled immigrants, visa pathways, immigration process, as well as tips to securing employment.

About the New Zealand job market

Some sectors of the New Zealand job market have expanded, with higher demand for skilled workers, giving a relatively low population, certain industries face labor shortages, prompting action on the part of the government to actively look out for skilled immigrants to fill the voids.

Benefits of moving to New Zealand as a skilled immigrant

While New Zealand visa allows you to stay permanently in the country, it also means that you can access the following;

You are free to live, work and study in New Zealand
You have more or less the same rights and privileges as New Zealand citizens
Access to its healthcare and education systems
Buy same house as New Zealand citizens
Voting rights after you’ve residence in the country for at least 12 months.
You can include your partner and dependent children, aged 24 and under, in your residence application.

The New Zealand job market for skilled immigrants

Given a low population index of New Zealand, some industries are in serious labor shortage, prompting urgent need for skilled immigrants in the following areas;

Healthcare and Medical services

New Zealand’s healthcare system requires skilled professionals like doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, as well as allied workers.The ongoing health reforms alongside aging population has made for a huge demand for healthcare workers in the system.
Skilled medical professionals often find it easy to secure work visas and permanent residency, also listed on the government’s long-term skill shortage list.

Information and communications Technology

The ICT sector is growing tremendously in NZ, with high demand for software developers, network engineers, cyber security experts, and data analysis. Both private and public sectors are keen to hiring skilled immigrants in ICT.
Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are hubs for tech startups, established firms offering job opportunities. Skilled immigrants with expertise in coding, AI, cloud computing, and cloud computing will always find job openings.

Construction and engineering

The NZ real estate has experienced a boom in recent records, driven by infrastructure and housing shortages. This has brought a significant demand for engineers, architects, surveyors, and construction workers.
Civil, structural, and mechanical engineers are in high demand in cities like Auckland, the earthquake recovery effort in Christchurch have also bolstered the demand for engineers and construction workers in town.

Education and teaching

The NZ education sector has shortages, within the early childhood education and secondary school teaching in subjects like Mathematics, science and technology. International teachers with specialized skills may find it easier to secure jobs.

Agriculture and horticulture

This is one of the primary drivers of New Zealand economy, it offers a wealth of job opportunities for skilled workers.
There has been a labor shortage in rural and farming areas, this thus becomes an excellent opportunity for skilled farm managers, agricultural technicians, and specialists in environmental sustainability.

Trades and services

Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are in high demand, government push for large scale construction projects and the growing need for housing, means that tradespersons can seek and find job opportunities across New Zealand.

Eligibility criteria for New Zealand skilled immigrant visa

Be sure to understand that the specific requirements vary for each type of visa, however, the general eligibility criteria for New Zealand work visa include;

Meeting health requirements and passing a background check
Having necessary skills and experience for your potential line of work
Having sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay
Meeting minimum age requirements, typically requiring you to be at least 18.

However, rest assured that there may be more stringent requirements for specific visa types.

Work visas available in New Zealand

You will find the most popular work visas in NZ, covering various categories, and designed to meet different immigration needs.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The accredited employer work visa is ideal if you have a job offer from an approved New Zealand employer, in this case the employer sponsors your visa application making it faster.

New Zealand Diplomatic Visa

New Zealand Diplomatic Visa caters to individuals employed by foreign governments or international organizations in New Zealand.

This is tailored to facilitate the entry and stay of diplomatic personnel, ensuring they can effectively carry out their duties while complying with the laws and regulations of New Zealand.

Entertainers Work Visa

Professionals and artists can work in New Zealand using the Entertainers Work Visa, this type of visa fosters culture, exchange, enriching the local arts scene, fostering international collaboration with the entertainment industry in New Zealand.

Long-Term Skill Shortage List Visa

This visa is designed for applicants with skills in high demand by the New Zealand, this visa offers a pathway to residency by tackling the shortage in the labor market.

Post-Study Work Visa

If you are a graduate from New Zealand, you can apply for this visa to gain work experience, ensuring a great option for graduates, facilitating integration into the New Zealand workforce and contributing to the country’s ongoing efforts toward attracting and retaining talents.

Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa

This visa caters to workers employed by accredited seasonal employers in specific industries like; agriculture, horticulture, and viticulture.

Application process for New Zealand skilled immigrant Visa

The application process for New Zealand work visa involves the following;

Identify the appropriate visa: It’s crucial to research and select the visa that best suits your situation and preferred work experience.
Complete the online application form (INZ 1015): The New Zealand immigration offers a user -friendly online application portal which requires you must provide personal information, details about intended work, as well as supporting documents.
Pay fees: Be rest assured that visa application fees vary depending on your circumstances and visa type. Have necessary funds ready.
Attend an interview: You may be required to appear in an interview with an immigration officer.

Cost of work visa in New Zealand

New Zealand work visa fees range from NZ$220 TO NZ$820 approximately USD136 to USD504 depending on the visa type and complexity.

You may be required to incur additional cost for medical certificates, and biometrics.

To qualify for a skilled migrant resident visa

You must have an acceptable job offer in New Zealand
You will need six points
You must meet all of the standard visa requirements

Self-assessment point

Kindly check if you fulfill the 3 key requirements of the SMC policy and find out how you can boost your chances of success.

Do you have an acceptable job offer in New Zealand?

You must be employed with an accredited employer, one approved by immigration of New Zealand to employ workers on the Accredited Employer Work Visa, and either full-time and permanent, for fixed term of at least 12 months or contract for services at least 6 months.

Can you claim the necessary six points

Check your points score under the new policy settings.

6 points for

Either New Zealand occupational registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 6 years of training.
A PhD or Doctorate or
Income from a New Zealand job or job offer that pays 3 times the median wage in New Zealand.

5 points for

New Zealand occupational registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 5 years of training, or a Mater’s degree.

4 points for

Either New Zealand occupational registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 4 years of training, or
An Honours Degree or Post-graduate Diploma, or
Income from a New Zealand job or job offer that pays 2 times the median wage in New Zealand.

3 points for

Either New Zealand occupational registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 12 years of training, or
A Bachelor’s degree or Post-graduate Certificate, or
Income from a New Zealand job or job offer that pays 15 times the median wage in New Zealand.

skilled jobs are in demand in New Zealand

Here are most in-demand jobs in New Zealand

Registered nursing
General practitioners
Teachers and education
ICT, Electronics and communications professionals
Electricians and plumbers
Surveyors
Civil engineers
Psychology, counselling, and social work

How to apply to New Zealand as a skilled worker

If you have a job offer from an accredited employer, and qualify for 6 points for your skills and work in New Zealand, you submit an expression of interest, if it’s accepted, you’ll be invited to apply.

What jobs are in shortage in New Zealand for foreigners?

Automotive electrician
Chef
Clinical psychologist, etc.

Which city has the most job opportunities in New Zealand?

Auckland stands out as a premier location for job seekers in New Zealand, offering a very wide range of opportunities.

In August, the city had nearly 11,000 job listings, more than triple the number in Wellington, the next closest region.

What is the age limit for skilled immigration in New Zealand?

Be sure you are younger than 55 years of age when you are invited to apply, work experience that is skilled. Qualifications are recognized by New Zealand Qualification Authority.

What qualifications do I need to work in New Zealand?

You need to show that you meet the skills, qualifications, work experience and other requirements of the job you have been offered.

Evidence of qualification can include; original or certified copies of your qualifications, evidence the New Zealand Qualification Authority recognizes you your qualification.

Can I get a job easily in New Zealand?

Since New Zealand is such an appealing destination, finding work can be challenging, there are various categories of work visas, and not all are available to all applicants or professions.

Can I apply for a New Zealand work visa without a job offer?

An open work visa allows the holder to work for any employer in New Zealand. These types of work visa do not require an offer of employment at application stage.

However, are only available to specific applicants applying under working holiday visa, etc.

What is the most needed job in New Zealand?

Medical industry, registered nurses are always in demand in New Zealand and will continue to be one of the most in-demand jobs for years to come.

What part of New Zealand is best to work?

Whether you settle straight into city life or head off for ski seasons, harvest work or hospitality jobs in more rural locations. New Zealand’s cities permanently feature as some of the most livable cities in the world;

South Island Dunedin
South Island ChrisTchurch, etc., are some of the best cities to live and work in NZ.

Can I convert my visitor visa to work visa in New Zealand?

You may be able to work part-time in NZ if you have applied for, or are included in your parent’s application for an eligible residence visa.

If you are eligible and already have visitor visa you can apply for part-time work rights by using the paper variation of conditions form.

Do New Zealand jobs pay well?

NZ wages vary by industry, as a guideline, salaries are higher where the cost of living and housing is dearer.

The median income in New Zealand is under NZ$29.66 per hour as of February 2023.

Conclusion

New Zealand offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled immigrants across a range of industries. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, an engineer, a teacher, or a tradesperson, the demand for skilled labor is high.

By navigating the visa process, tailoring your job search, and understanding the local job market, you can increase your chances of finding rewarding employment.