New Zealand is a wondrous country with a wealth of natural highlights and friendly inhabitants. With impressive mountain ranges and green pastures it really is a paradise; the way of life and the healthy lifestyle is most probably the reason why so many are now emigrating and working in this outstanding environment. Thankfully for those considering working in New Zealand the immigration service welcomes certain workers as they try to redress the deficit in their workforce.



Broadly labelled as the skilled migrant category, for those thinking of working in New Zealand, it is a great starting point to see if you will be eligible as a skilled migrant. Further defined into two subdivisions, the skilled migrants are either categorised as being in immediate need or as part of a long term strategy to increase the skills base within the country. If your occupation qualifies you could soon find yourself working and living in New Zealand and enjoying all this country has to offer.

At the moment the immediate skills shortage list shows the occupations that are in high demand. For those currently working in these types of jobs domestically, the opportunity to emigrate cannot be ignored. Although you will still have to meet the exacting requirements of the Immigration Service, having an occupation on the list can make the process of obtaining a permit and ultimately working in New Zealand easier. The range of industries covered on the list is diverse, from agricultural managers, IT workers and even yacht builders.

The long term skills shortage list shows much the same but instead highlights areas where the Immigration Service is trying to build a pool of resources to meet the ongoing demands of this burgeoning society. Predominantly those working as a professional will be especially qualified to apply in the skilled migrant category. For instance New Zealand is lacking workers in the teaching professions and especially the medical and engineering sectors. But those in the carpentry and mechanics industries are in equal demand. Taking a full look at the list is advisable if you are thinking of emigration.

It is not just those who are wishing to emigrate who may find themselves working in New Zealand. There are a number of holiday working schemes that allow younger travellers to apply for temporary visas and earn while they travel. Prominent in these holiday jobs are the agricultural and horticultural industries. Especially interesting is work in the viticulture (grape-growing) industry, as one of the up and coming wine making regions in the new world, the education gained here could be invaluable.

Apart from skills shortage jobs there are other ways to work in New Zealand. The talent visas rely upon applicants who have sufficient ability in their chosen field to contribute to the Kiwi society. To be eligible you must demonstrate that you will make accomplishments in your field and enhance the reputation of the nation in that field. These visas must be for a minimum of two years and thirty hours per week.

For most types of visa it is will be required that you have secured a job before you apply. This will usually mean research on your own part in finding companies that may wish to employ you and obtaining solid job offers. This does not however apply to the holiday visas and those who have partners who are already residents.

Depending upon the urgency of the skills shortage the timescale of application to emigration will vary. If you can find the right job, pursue it until you are employed and then apply to the Immigration Service for a visa, you should be in good stead for a new life in New Zealand.