New Zealand’s 2025 Skill Shortage List Unlocks Fast-Track Visas for Global Talent
Healthcare, tech, education, and agriculture workers are among the top priorities for residency and work visas
New Zealand is opening its doors wider than ever before to skilled professionals from around the world.
From April 2025, the government has expanded its Scarce Skill Shortage List — a significant move designed to fill urgent labor gaps across critical sectors like healthcare, technology, education, engineering, and agriculture. This update makes it easier for eligible foreign workers to apply for fast-tracked work and residency visas, and even bring their families along.
What is the Scarce Skill Shortage List?
This is a government tool that identifies occupations where New Zealand is experiencing a worker shortage. If your job is on this list, you’ll benefit from streamlined immigration processes, with quicker access to:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Green List Residence Visa
- Work to Residence Visa
- Straight to Residence Pathway
This means less waiting and faster relocation for qualified professionals.
What’s New in 2025?
This year’s update is more than just routine — it’s a strategic expansion to attract talent urgently needed across various industries. From doctors and nurses to software engineers and dairy farmers, New Zealand is rolling out the welcome mat.
Key Areas in Demand
🔧 Engineering & Trades
- Civil, structural & electrical engineers
- Quantity surveyors
- Construction project managers
- Diesel mechanics
💻 Technology & ICT
- Cybersecurity experts
- Software developers
- Systems & web programmers
- ICT analysts
🏥 Healthcare & Medical
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Nurses, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals
- Radiologists, physiotherapists, sonographers
- Medical laboratory technicians
If your occupation is on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), you could qualify for the Straight to Residence Visa — skipping the waiting period altogether.
Healthcare & Community Support Workers Needed Urgently
New Zealand is facing critical shortages in aged care and community health. The Personal Carers & Critical Health Workers Scarce List includes:
- Aged and disabled carers
- Paramedics and ambulance officers
- Mental health support workers
- Personal care aides and nursing assistants
- Lab workers in radiology, oncology, and pathology
These roles often come with fast-tracked residency pathways due to their high importance.
Primary Sector: Farming, Food & Fisheries
Love nature and the outdoors? New Zealand’s primary sector is calling. In-demand roles include:
- Agricultural engineers and technicians
- Dairy and livestock farmers
- Butchers, meat processors, and bakers
- Vineyard and mushroom workers
- Veterinarians and aquaculture experts
These jobs are typically located in New Zealand’s most scenic and peaceful regions, offering a high quality of life.
Jobs That Require Registration
Professionals in education and health can benefit greatly — if they meet licensing requirements. These include:
- Early childhood, primary & secondary teachers
- Nurses, midwives, and pharmacists
- Physiotherapists, dentists, dietitians, chiropractors
- Occupational and speech therapists
- Medical lab scientists
Tip: You’ll need to get registered with the appropriate New Zealand professional body before applying.
What to Do Next
If your job appears on any of these lists, here’s how to start your journey:
- Find a job offer from an Accredited New Zealand Employer
- Apply for the correct visa (AEWV or a residence pathway)
- Work in New Zealand – and apply for permanent residency faster
- Bring your family with you under dependent visa options
Fast-Track Your Future
With the 2025 changes, New Zealand is offering one of the clearest and fastest routes to residency among developed nations.
- Quick visa processing
- Simplified job matching
- Early access to permanent residency
- Pathways for your family
Whether you’re a software engineer, GP, care worker, or teacher, this is your chance to live and work in one of the world’s most beautiful and welcoming countries. Contact Asif Consulting for further details.
