New Zealand Fully Replaces LTSSL Work Visa with AEWV in 2025: What Applicants Need to Know

New Zealand has officially replaced the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) Work Visa with the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This change means that the once-popular LTSSL Work Visa is now obsolete. However, if you previously held an LTSSL Work Visa, you still have a chance for residency.

This article serves as your roadmap for navigating these changes.

Overview: The LTSSL Work Visa

Before its retirement in 2021, the LTSSL Work Visa offered a pathway to live and work in New Zealand. This visa was available to individuals whose jobs appeared on the national shortage list. It allowed holders to eventually gain permanent residency. However, as of October 31, 2021, this visa is no longer available.

Enter AEWV: The Visa That Took Over

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) launched on July 4, 2022. It has quickly become the primary visa for skilled workers in New Zealand. To apply for the AEWV starting in 2025, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Job Offer: You must have a job offer from an accredited employer.
• Salary: Your salary must meet or exceed the New Zealand median wage.
• Skills: Your skills must align with either the Green List or local shortage areas.

While this process aims to be faster and more efficient, it eliminates the option for new LTSSL visa applications.

Old LTSSL Work Visa Holders Still Have a Shot at Residency

If you held an LTSSL Work Visa before its retirement, you are not entirely out of options. You may qualify for the LTSSL Resident Visa in 2025. Here’s what you need to know to qualify:

• Duration: You must have held your LTSSL Work Visa for at least 24 months.
• Current Employment: You need to be working full-time in a job that was on the LTSSL at the time your visa was issued or is still listed.
• Salary Requirement: You must earn at least NZD 45,000 annually. If your salary is lower, be prepared for questions.
• Age Restriction: You must be under 55 years old.
• Health and Character: You must meet standard health and character requirements, meaning no legal issues.
• Presence in New Zealand: You must be physically present in New Zealand during your application.

Conclusion

The transition from the LTSSL Work Visa to the AEWV marks a significant shift in New Zealand’s immigration landscape. While new applicants must navigate the AEWV’s requirements, former LTSSL visa holders still have a residency opportunity.

If you meet the criteria, act quickly to secure your future in New Zealand. Stay informed and prepared as you embark on this journey.