Updates from INZ - 19 November 2021

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is removing the job seeker undersupply list from 22 November 2021. 

These lists were introduced in October 2020 as a temporary measure in response to COVID-19, to streamline MSD’s advice to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on the availability of New Zealand job seekers for vacancies.  

This advice forms part of the Labour Market Test (LMT) assessment for jobs paying below the median wage for Essential Skills work visa applications.  

• Occupations that appeared on the oversupply list showed New Zealand jobseekers available for that role. 
• Occupations on the undersupply list showed no New Zealand job seekers available. 

The removal of the undersupply list means that employers will need to engage with MSD to determine whether suitable or trainable New Zealand jobseekers are available to fill vacancies, for roles that pay below the median wage and require labour market testing.  

Employers will now need to list the vacancy with MSD to obtain a Skills Match Report (SMR) for roles that were previously on the undersupply list. The SMR will provide advice about the availability of NZ jobseekers for the specific role. 

INZ must consider this advice as part of the LMT when assessing Essential Skills work visa applications for roles paying below the median wage. 

The employer’s wider attempts to attract and recruit New Zealanders will also be considered when determining whether the LMT has been met. 

Applicants whose occupations are on INZ’s Skills Shortage Lists, and applicants remaining in their current full-time employment and not changing their role, employer or region of work will not require an LMT.

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