Imagine you’re holding a golden visa… but suddenly the gates close for newcomers. That’s exactly what happened in New Zealand. The once-popular Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) Work Visa is now history — officially retired and replaced by the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
But here’s the twist: if you held an LTSSL Work Visa before it was wiped off the map, you’ve got one final ticket to residency — and this article is your roadmap. Buckle up!
What Was the LTSSL Work Visa? (A Blast from the Past)
Once upon a time (pre-2022), the LTSSL Work Visa was your golden passport to New Zealand — if your job was listed as a long-term national shortage list. You could live, work, and eventually stay forever.
But plot twist! As of 31 October 2021, this visa was officially retired. Its successor? The AEWV — the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Think of it as LTSSL’s cooler, stricter younger sibling.
Enter AEWV: The Visa That Took Over!
Launched on 4 July 2022, the AEWV is now the king of all skilled work visas in New Zealand. If you want to apply for it in 2025 onwards then you need:
- A job offer from an accredited employer (no shady gigs allowed)
- A salary that meets the NZ median wage
- Skills that match either the Green List or shortage areas
It’s a sleeker, faster process (well, in theory), but it also means no more LTSSL visa applications for new hopefuls.
Surprise! Old LTSSL Work Visa Holders Still Have a Shot at Residency in 2025!
If you’re one of the lucky few who held an LTSSL Work Visa before the axe fell, you’re not locked out just yet. In fact, you’re sitting on a potential jackpot — the LTSSL Resident Visa, still open in 2025.
Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
✔️ Eligibility Checklist (Don’t Miss a Beat)
- Held your LTSSL Work Visa for at least 24 months
- Currently working full-time in a job that:
- Was on the LTSSL when your visa was issued, or
- Is still on it now
- Earning NZD $45,000+ annually (If you’re earning less, we have questions…)
- Under 55 years old (Sorry, age matters)
- Meet the standard health & character requirements (basically: no drama)
- Be physically present in New Zealand at the time of application
- Provide occupational registration, if your job demands it.
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