Changes made to Canterbury Skills Shortages List

Immigration New Zealand has announced a number of changes to the Canterbury Skills Shortages List (CSSL).

The CSSL facilitates work visas for migrants and overseas workers for the Canterbury rebuild and economic recovery following a series of earthquakes in 2010.

From next Monday, the following amendments will be made to the list:

– The occupations of Painting Trades Workers and Upholsterers will be removed because they are no longer in shortage;

– The occupations of Electricians and Quantity Surveyors will be removed because demand for these occupations in Canterbury has reduced.  These occupations, however, are on the Long Term and Immediate Skill Shortage Lists, so migrants can use these routes to apply for a work visa; and

– An additional requirement – “including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand” – will be added  to the CSSL requirements for nine occupations to facilitate further work visas for those already in Canterbury, but not for overseas workers. Those occupations are: Bricklayer, Drainlayer, Fibrous Plasterer, Floor Finisher, Plumber, Roof Tiler, Solid Plasterer, Stonemason, and Wall and Floor Tiler.

The review assessed data for the Canterbury rebuild including occupational demand modelling, beneficiary data, and information provided by a panel of industry representatives in Canterbury.  If an occupation is not on the CSSL, employers in Canterbury should use the Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub to test whether there are New Zealanders available for a position.

The new CSSL can be accessed through the Skill Shortage List Checker on the main Immigration New Zealand webpage from 14th December.