New Zealand · Skilled Worker Visa

Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-20 · Our methodology
6/10 diff
Challenging

AUDIT 2026-06-10: PROGRAMME CLOSED — Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa closed 4 July 2022 — replaced by the Accred…

Min income
Processing
150+ days
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

AUDIT 2026-06-10: PROGRAMME CLOSED — Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa closed 4 July 2022 — replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa (immigration.govt.nz)

At a Glance

Visa Duration
Processing Time
150+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
6/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Auckland
Single (monthly)€2,200
Family (monthly)€4,100
Rent 1BR (center)€1,485
Groceries€550
Transport pass€132
Wellington
Single (monthly)€2,090
Family (monthly)€3,900
Rent 1BR (center)€1,375
Groceries€522
Transport pass€125
Christchurch
Single (monthly)€1,870
Family (monthly)€3,550
Rent 1BR (center)€1,100
Groceries€468
Transport pass€112

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa?

AUDIT 2026-06-10: PROGRAMME CLOSED — Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa closed 4 July 2022 — replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa (immigration.govt.nz)

Can the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.

Are there alternative pathways to New Zealand?

Yes. New Zealand offers 13 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our New Zealand country page.

What is the cost of living in New Zealand?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Auckland: €2,200/mo; Wellington: €2,090/mo; Christchurch: €1,870/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-20 · See our methodology

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