Kia Ora,

Asking for a friend.

We know that after holding Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa for at least 2 years, we can apply for Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa. My friend is considering to change her essential work visa to Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa, and found this in Long Term Skill Shortage List Requirements:

A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the
credit and knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Certificate in
Cookery (Level 4)
AND
a minimum of five years' combined experience in establishments offering
a la carte/ banqueting or commercial catering, with a minimum of two
years at Chef de Partie (Section Leader) level or higher

Please advise, the 5 years combined experience definition, is it:
1.Needed prior the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa application, OR counted until she apply the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa? (meaning that after 3 years she can apply for Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa and two years later apply for the resident)
2.Full time experience?

Thanks