Earlier this month, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) changed the policy associated with the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL). The policy changes, which came into effect on the 2^nd July, included the removal of eight occupations from the LTSSL. These occupations included:

• Carpenter/Joiner
• Cabinet Maker
• Fitter Welder
• Motor Mechanic
• Plumber

Migrant workers can still apply for temporary work permits for these occupations under the Essential Skills category.  However, the employer must demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit a New Zealander and INZ must be satisfied by a labour market test that there are no suitable New Zealanders available to be trained, or to work in the position.

The changes to the LTSSL will also have an affect on the awarding of bonus points under the skilled migrant category for employment, work experience and qualifications in areas of absolute skill shortages. From the 2^nd July, occupations that have been removed from the list will no longer qualify for bonus points. However, applicants who have already had an Expression of Interest (EOI) selected from the pool that included bonus points for these ‘removed' occupations will not be prejudiced by these changes. INZ will assess their applications as if the occupation had not been removed.

Those applicants who have claimed bonus points for their Masters degree, listed under the Professional Occupation of University Lecturer on the LTSSL, will be significantly affected by policy changes.  INZ have amended the requirements to "Masters degree or PhD (level 9 or 10) AND at least 12 months work experience as a university lecturer (or a post doctoral fellow)".  This policy change will affect all migrants who have not lodged their residence application before 2^nd July.  All applicants who have had an EOI selected based on bonus points for a Masters degree, are no longer eligible for these points.