Imagine you’re holding a golden visa… however instantly the gates shut for newcomers. That’s precisely what occurred in New Zealand. The as soon as-in style Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) Work Visa is now historical past — formally retired and changed by the brand new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
But right here’s the twist: if you happen to held an LTSSL Work Visa earlier than it was wiped off the map, you’ve obtained one closing ticket to residency — and this text is your roadmap. Buckle up!
What Was the LTSSL Work Visa? (A Blast from the Past)
Once upon a time (pre-2022), the LTSSL Work Visa was your golden passport to New Zealand — in case your job was listed as an extended-time period nationwide scarcity checklist. You might reside, work, and ultimately keep ceaselessly.
But plot twist! As of 31 October 2021, this visa was formally retired. Its successor? The AEWV — the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Think of it as LTSSL’s cooler, stricter youthful sibling.
Enter AEWV: The Visa That Took Over!
Launched on 4 July 2022, the AEWV is now the king of all expert work visas in New Zealand. If you need to apply for it in 2025 onwards then you definitely want:
- A job provide from an accredited employer (no shady gigs allowed)
- A wage that meets the NZ median wage
- Skills that match both the Green List or scarcity areas
It’s a sleeker, quicker course of (effectively, in principle), however it additionally means no extra LTSSL visa purposes for brand spanking new hopefuls.
Surprise! Old LTSSL Work Visa Holders Still Have a Shot at Residency in 2025!
If you’re one of many fortunate few who held an LTSSL Work Visa earlier than the axe fell, you’re not locked out simply but. In reality, you’re sitting on a possible jackpot — the LTSSL Resident Visa, nonetheless open in 2025.
Here’s what you’ll must qualify:
✔️ Eligibility Checklist (Don’t Miss a Beat)
- Held your LTSSL Work Visa for not less than 24 months
- Currently working full-time in a job that:
- Was on the LTSSL when your visa was issued, or
- Is nonetheless on it now
- Earning NZD $45,000+ yearly (If you’re incomes much less, we have now questions…)
- Under 55 years outdated (Sorry, age issues)
- Meet the usual well being & character necessities (principally: no drama)
- Be bodily current in New Zealand on the time of application
- Provide occupational registration, in case your job calls for it.
References
New Zealand Replaced LTSSL Work Visa With AEWV Completely in 2025 FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS