New Zealand has become one of the most popular nations where skilled immigrants can look for work. Its strong economy and accommodating attitude toward skilled immigrants make it a perfect environment for working in several industries. We have highlighted many industries and provided you with practical guidelines for qualified immigrants to easily navigate the New Zealand job market. Therefore, keep reading to explore more here.
Understanding the Job Market in New Zealand
The job market in New Zealand has shifted dramatically in recent years, as the effects of the COVID era continue to be felt. This, combined with advanced technologies, a growing trend of global workforce sourcing, and corporations investing in big L&D initiatives, paints a clear picture of what to expect in 2024.
The labor trends influencing the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2024 are both surprising and predictable. Looking ahead to 2025, the region’s next trends remain focused on distributed workforces, technological developments, and continuous efforts to overcome skills shortages.
Key industries for skilled immigrants
Globally, healthcare workers are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are in high demand and will likely remain so. Nurses, medical assistants, and caretakers are among the most well-paid skilled migrant workers. This industry has had considerable demand, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic.
2. IT Specialists and Professionals
With technology growing at an exponential rate, the demand for IT workers remains high. IT specialists have been in high demand in areas like Silicon Valley in the United States, which rely nearly entirely on technology, software, and internet businesses.
Education is a vital component of any community. Almost every level of education, from toddlers to college and university professors, can anticipate doing well with immigration services. Secondary school teachers are highly valued in Canada, whereas in the United States, nearly 10% of teachers are immigrants.
Construction and agriculture, in some situations, provide chances for both skilled and unskilled labor. In the agricultural business, some regions require a large number of workers with experience in foreign farming or agriculture to meet the expectations of the Canadian industry.
Visa options for skilled workers
Each of these visas has its own unique conditions, and successful candidates may be granted residence or a road to residence.
To establish which visa you are eligible for, you must first complete an immigration evaluation with a licensed counselor. Before we go into how to do that, let’s have a look at the various New Zealand work visas.
The Skilled Migrant Visa is a points-based visa that allows you to stay and work in New Zealand. It provides residence to qualified applicants.
To submit an expression of interest, you must earn 6 points. You can get points from one of the following three categories:
● New Zealand occupational registration
● Qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher)
● Income from a job or job offer (making at least 1.5 times the median pay in New Zealand)
2. Accredited Employer Work Visa.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is for international workers who have a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand firm. It provides avenues to residence for qualifying visa holders.
To apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, you must earn at least the New Zealand median wage unless the employment is exempt. You must also have the required abilities, qualifications, and work experience to do the job. You must also have occupational registration if required.
In addition to these conditions, eligible New Zealanders must not be available to take the offered position. However, these criteria can be waived, and this requirement does apply in some cases.
3. Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa enables visa holders to reside and work in New Zealand.
To be eligible for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, you must be in a civil union or de facto relationship with a New Zealand citizen. Your spouse must be a citizen or permanent resident, and you must demonstrate that the relationship is stable and serious.
If your application is successful, you may apply for New Zealand residence based on your relationship status; however, you must do so before your visa expires.
4. Partner of a New Zealand Work Visa Holder
Do you want to join your partner, who has a work visa in New Zealand? Then the Partner of a New Zealand Work Visa Holder Visa is right for you. This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand.
To be eligible for consideration, your partnership must be a marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship.
When you need to travel to New Zealand for a short-term work assignment or business trip that will provide you with any benefit, such as a wage, housing, food, or any other type of benefit or recompense, you will apply for a Specific Purpose Work visa.
1. Find out if you qualify for a skilled migrant visa.
Your immigration process must begin with an immigration assessment. There are two causes for this:
● You don’t want to find out after accepting a job offer that you are not eligible for a skilled migrant visa. It will be terrible!
● Recruiting from overseas is riskier for a business than recruiting locally, which is why many firms will want to know if you are eligible for a work visa before reviewing your CV.
2. Research the job market and prepare for the job search!
Read up on your industry in New Zealand, look into average pay, compile a list of recruiters, understand how the recruitment process works, and look for companies that frequently employ internationally.
You’ll not only set yourself up for success, but you’ll also control your expectations about what you can anticipate from working in New Zealand, how much you want to make, and how long it may take to find work.
3. Create your CV in the New Zealand manner.
Spend effort preparing your resume in the New Zealand manner. Employers will know you understand how to job hunt in New Zealand; thus, your efforts will be useful.
Not only that, but it will demonstrate that you care enough to learn how a New Zealand employer likes to receive applications.
4. Write an impactful cover letter.
You do not want to send employers a general cover letter! Make it job-specific and clearly explain why the company should consider your application. The Muse, a career-focused website, provides fantastic cover letter examples. You can check them out.
5. Ensure you have a strong LinkedIn profile.
Recruiters and employers will search for you on LinkedIn, so create a profile that captures their attention.
6. Improve your skills and knowledge
If you want to work in New Zealand, you may need to improve your skills. Do not let anything get in your way! Yes, it is difficult to go to school and work. However, you may simply need to complete a short course or a certificate.
Preparing for a job interview is vital. The basics include researching the organization, preparing and practicing responses to common interview questions, and conducting wage research. The better prepared you are, the more likely your interview will be successful.
How to Find a Job in New Zealand
To make the process of finding a job in New Zealand easier, we’ve highlighted the key steps you should follow to find work there.
Begin by researching the New Zealand job market and identifying jobs that match your abilities and expertise, particularly in high-demand industries featured on the Green List. Nurses, general practitioners, and teachers are among the most sought-after jobs.
● Use a New Zealand job search engine.
Use employment search engines and websites that are specifically tailored to the New Zealand market. The most popular ones include Seek, Indeed, and TradeMe.
Now you must select the proper visa type for your situation. For example, if you’re a student, choose a fee-paying student visa. If you have a job offer for an in-demand job, apply for the Migrant Visa.
After receiving your visa, apply for an IRD number from the Inland Revenue. When you start your new job, you must furnish your employer with this number. The IRD number serves as your unique identifier for all tax-related matters in New Zealand.
Getting Settled in New Zealand
Once you’ve arrived, it’s time to settle into your new surroundings and begin your life in New Zealand. Here are some suggestions to help you adjust.
1. Get to know your community.
Engage with your local community to meet new people and form a support network. Attend neighborhood events, join clubs, and get involved in community activities.
Take the time to investigate your new surroundings. Visit local attractions, parks, and cultural institutions to acquire a sense for your new surroundings.
Learn about New Zealand culture and customs to ensure smooth integration and respect for local traditions.
If you have not found a job yet, keep looking. Once hired, understand your tax duties and register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Make sure you and your family are registered with local healthcare providers, and your children are enrolled in school.
Identifying Cultural Differences and Navigating Them
New Zealand culture is known for its laidback and informal way of living. Overall, New Zealanders (also known as Kiwis) are self-sufficient, practical individuals. Both parents often work outside the home. Children and parents share housework. Almost all families have dogs residing in their homes.
A racially inspired migration policy has evolved into a socialized policy with the goals of recruiting skilled migrants and increasing economic production. From 1986 to 1990, when New Zealand immigration priorities shifted to accepting migrants with the potential to contribute to human resource needs, establish international links, and foster a culture of enterprise and innovation, business immigrants from Asia, specifically Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, were prioritized.
Career Development Over Time in New Zealand
Networking entails developing contacts with people who may be able to assist you in finding a job or boosting your career. It allows you to access the ‘secret job market’, which refers to jobs that are filled without being publicly posted. You can begin networking while studying by establishing your network of contacts.
They may include lecturers and teachers, people you meet through part-time or voluntary work, other students and alumni, and members of the community. Careers New Zealand offers networking advice as well as other information and services to help you plan your career and find a job.
International students at New Zealand universities benefit from one-on-one coaching, alumni mentorship, buddy programs, workshops, company tours, and recruitment events.
Students are also offered academic support to help them achieve in their studies, as well as the emotional support they require to feel accepted, safe, and well.
Part-time jobs, paid internships, job shadowing, and other work experiences might help you bridge the gap between your studies and your eventual career.
It can also help you build a network of contacts if you intend to seek a three-year work visa in New Zealand following graduation.
Obtaining residency through the job market in New Zealand is an incredible way to secure permanent residence for immigrants. Prospective skilled immigrants can achieve their immigration goals through any of the work visas. Start now and achieve your work dream in New Zealand.