Working in New Zealand

Job market and key industries 

Is it a good time to be looking for jobs in New Zealand? Definitely - especially if you have the right skills.

There are many job openings for specialists in industries such as medicine, engineering and IT. But there are also opportunities to contribute more generalist skills.

Skills in Demand

Some skills are in chronically short supply, and Immigration New Zealand has lists of the specific skill shortages.
If you are offered a job in New Zealand which appears on a skill shortage list and you have the qualifications and experience to match, getting a work and residence visa will be easier. This is because the Government has identified that employers need to recruit people from overseas to help meet demand for your skills.
Currently, the lists cover skills in these areas:
  • Agriculture and forestry 
  • Construction 
  • Education 
  • Engineering 
  • Finance/business 
  • Health and social services 
  • ICT and electronics
  • Oil and gas
  • Recreation, hospitality and tourism 
  • Science 
  • Trades 
  • Transport 

Other Skills and Avenues

If your skills aren’t on the shortage lists or you’d really like to go for residency, it may still be possible to get a visa. For instance, you may be able to apply for residency as a Skilled Migrant. You may also be able to apply for a work visa if you’re offered a job by an employer who can’t find a local worker for the vacancy.

Most Common Work Visas in NZ

  • Essential Skills Work Visa
  • Entrepreneur Work Visa
  • ​Partnership Work Visa 
​         ...among many others