The Green List is New Zealand’s fast-track residence pathway for workers in specific high-demand occupations. Introduced in 2022, it identifies roles where New Zealand faces critical skills shortages and offers either direct residence (Straight to Residence) or residence after 2 years of work (Work to Residence). If your occupation is on this list, you bypass the traditional points-based system entirely — your job and qualifications are your ticket to permanent residence.
Not sure if the Green List is right for you? Take our 2-minute New Zealand Visa Match quiz to see all NZ immigration routes you qualify for.
Overview
The Green List is divided into two tiers:
- Tier 1 — Straight to Residence: If you hold one of these occupations and meet the criteria, you can apply for residence immediately upon arrival (or from a work visa). No waiting period. Occupations include surgeons, psychiatrists, construction project managers, and other critically short roles.
- Tier 2 — Work to Residence: You must work in the qualifying role for 2 years on a valid work visa (typically an AEWV) before applying for residence. Occupations include software engineers, civil engineers, electricians, registered nurses, teachers, and many more.
Tier 1 — Straight to Residence Occupations (Examples)
- Specialist physicians and surgeons
- Psychiatrists
- Veterinarians
- Construction project managers
- Other roles with extreme shortages (list is updated periodically by Immigration New Zealand)
Tier 2 — Work to Residence Occupations (Examples)
- Software engineers and ICT professionals
- Civil, mechanical, electrical, and other engineers
- Registered nurses and midwives
- Primary and secondary school teachers
- Electricians, plumbers, and construction trades
- Quantity surveyors and architects
- Social workers
- Medical laboratory scientists
The full list is published on the Immigration New Zealand website and is updated regularly.
Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer or current employment in a Green List occupation with an accredited employer.
- Relevant qualifications and/or registration: Most roles require specific qualifications (e.g., NZ registration for nurses, engineers, and teachers). Overseas qualifications must be recognized by the relevant NZ authority.
- Minimum salary: Must be paid at least the median wage (NZD $31.61/hour). Some roles have higher minimum thresholds.
- English language: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (some roles have higher requirements set by professional registration bodies).
- Health and character: Standard requirements apply.
- For Tier 2: Must have worked for 2 continuous years in the qualifying role in New Zealand before applying for residence.
Application Process
Tier 1 (Straight to Residence):
- Obtain a job offer from an accredited NZ employer in a Tier 1 role.
- Apply for residence directly (or first obtain an AEWV and then apply from within NZ).
- Submit supporting documents, health and police checks.
- Receive resident visa.
Tier 2 (Work to Residence):
- Obtain a job offer and apply for an AEWV.
- Work in the Green List role for 2 continuous years.
- Apply for residence under the Green List Work to Residence pathway.
- Submit evidence of 2 years of qualifying employment.
- Receive resident visa.
Costs and Fees
- AEWV fees (if applicable): NZD $750 application + employer costs
- Residence application: NZD $4,290
- Registration with NZ professional body (if required): NZD $500-$2,000
- Qualification assessment (NZQA): NZD $1,000-$1,200
- Medical and police checks: NZD $500-$900
Total: approximately NZD $7,000-$9,500.
Timeline
- Tier 1: 3-12 months from job offer to residence visa
- Tier 2: 2.5-3.5 years (2 years working + application processing)
Tips
- Check the latest Green List. It’s updated regularly. An occupation that wasn’t listed 6 months ago may be listed now.
- Get NZ professional registration early. For healthcare, teaching, and engineering roles, registration can take months. Start before you apply for the visa.
- Tier 2 holders: track your 2-year period carefully. Gaps in employment or changes in role can affect your eligibility for residence.
- Consider the Green List alongside SMC. If your role is on both pathways, compare which route gets you to residence faster based on your specific circumstances.