🇳🇿 LTSSL Work Visa Retired: But Here’s How You Can Still Get NZ Residency in 2025

New Zealand has officially phased out the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) Work Visa, once a key route to residency for skilled migrants. In its place, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has taken over — with new rules, new requirements, and a sharper focus on employer accreditation.

But if you previously held an LTSSL Work Visa, you may still have a final chance to become a New Zealand resident in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Was the LTSSL Work Visa?

Before being discontinued on 31 October 2021, the LTSSL Work Visa allowed skilled workers to move to New Zealand if their occupation was listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. It provided a clear path from temporary work to permanent residency.

This visa category is no longer available to new applicants. You can read the official retirement notice on the Immigration New Zealand website.

What Replaced It? Meet the AEWV

On 4 July 2022, New Zealand introduced the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — a streamlined system that places more responsibility on employers and raises the bar for applicants.

To apply for an AEWV from 2025 onwards, you’ll need to:

• Have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
• Be paid at or above the median wage
• Work in a role listed on the Green List or in an area with proven skill shortages

Full details can be found on the AEWV information page.

Recommended for you: 10 Countries Offering Work Visas That Lead to Permanent Residency in 2025

Can LTSSL Work Visa Holders Still Apply for Residency in 2025?

Yes. If you held an LTSSL Work Visa before it was retired, you may still be eligible to apply for the LTSSL Resident Visa — a lesser-known pathway that remains open in 2025.

This is a rare chance for legacy visa holders to transition to permanent residency in New Zealand.

LTSSL Resident Visa: Are You Eligible?

To qualify for the LTSSL Resident Visa in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:

• Held an LTSSL Work Visa for at least 24 months
• Currently employed full-time in a role that:
  • Was on the LTSSL when your visa was issued, or
  • Is still listed now (verify via official LTSSL listings)
• Earning at least NZD $45,000 per year
• Under 55 years old at the time of application
• Meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements
• Be physically present in New Zealand during application
• Provide registration or licensing for your occupation if required

You can find full eligibility requirements and the application guide at
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/ltssl-resident-work-visa

Conclusion

While the LTSSL Work Visa is no longer accepting new applicants, it hasn’t disappeared entirely for past holders. If you’re still working in a qualifying job and meet the criteria above, 2025 could be your chance to secure permanent residency in New Zealand.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help preparing your documents, consider consulting a licensed immigration advisor via the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority.

More Opportunities: