New Zealand's Green List offers priority processing and simplified pathways to residence for workers in occupations facing critical long-term skill shortages. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about this fast-track immigration pathway.
What is the Green List?
The Green List replaced the Long Term Skill Shortage List and Essential Skills in Demand Lists in July 2022. It identifies occupations where New Zealand has enduring skills shortages and offers two distinct pathways to residence.
Two Pathways Available
Tier 1: Straight to Residence
- Direct pathway to permanent residency
- No work-to-residence period required
- Faster processing (typically 4-6 months)
- Higher requirements
Tier 2: Work to Residence
- Two-year work visa first
- Pathway to residence after 24 months
- More accessible entry requirements
- Build NZ experience while working toward residence
Green List Tier 1 Occupations (Straight to Residence)
Healthcare & Medical
- Anaesthetist
- General Practitioner
- Medical Radiation Therapist
- Diagnostic Radiologist
- Radiation Oncologist
- Specialist Physicians (various specialties)
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Registered Nurse (specific categories)
Engineering
- Civil Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Transport Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Production or Plant Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
ICT & Technology
- ICT Security Specialist
- Software Engineer
- Multimedia Specialist
Construction & Trades
- Surveyor
Other Professions
- Veterinarian
Green List Tier 2 Occupations (Work to Residence)
Healthcare
- Registered Nurses (all categories not in Tier 1)
- Midwife
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Pharmacist
- Sonographer
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
Engineering & Technical
- Agricultural Engineer
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Electronics Engineering Technician
- Telecommunications Engineer
ICT
- ICT Project Manager
- ICT Business Analyst
- Systems Administrator
- Database Administrator
- Developer Programmer
- Analyst Programmer
Construction
- Construction Project Manager
- Quantity Surveyor
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Bricklayer
- Plasterer
Agriculture & Primary Industries
- Dairy Cattle Farmer
- Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer
Other
- Early Childhood Teacher (registered)
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Motor Mechanic
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
Note: List subject to updates; check Immigration New Zealand website for current occupations.
Eligibility Requirements
Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) Requirements
Must Have:
- Job offer or current employment in Tier 1 Green List occupation
- Job must be with accredited employer
- Meet registration or licensing requirements for the occupation
- Minimum 3 years relevant work experience (some occupations 4-5 years)
- Pay at or above median wage (NZD $31.61/hour as of February 2025)
- English language: IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with no band less than 6.0
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be under 55 years of age (some exceptions)
Additional Requirements by Occupation:
- Healthcare: Registration with relevant NZ professional body
- Engineering: Often requires Washington Accord degree or assessment
- Teachers: Registration with Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Tier 2 (Work to Residence) Requirements
Initial Work Visa Requires:
- Job offer with accredited employer in Tier 2 occupation
- Meet occupation-specific registration requirements
- Minimum 2-3 years relevant experience (varies by occupation)
- Pay at or above median wage threshold
- English: IELTS 5.0 overall (minimum)
- Health and character requirements
- Under 55 years
Residence Application After 24 Months:
- Worked in Green List occupation for 24 out of 30 months
- Still employed or have job offer in same occupation
- Continued employment with accredited employer
- Maintained registration (if required)
- English: IELTS 6.5 overall for residence application
- Continue to meet character and health requirements
The Accredited Employer Requirement
What is an Accredited Employer?
Employers must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrant workers. Accreditation confirms they:
- Are legitimate businesses
- Have good employment practices
- Meet immigration compliance standards
How to Check if Employer is Accredited
- Ask employer directly
- Check with Immigration New Zealand
- Request proof of accreditation
- Verify accreditation is current
Accreditation Levels
Standard Accreditation (12 months):
- Newer employers
- Smaller businesses
- Limited track record
High Volume Accreditation (24 months):
- Established migration history
- Good compliance record
- Hire multiple migrants
Triangular Employment (for recruitment agencies):
- Special category
- On-hire arrangements
Application Process
Tier 1: Straight to Residence Process
Step 1: Secure Job Offer
- Find accredited employer
- Get job offer in Tier 1 occupation
- Ensure pay meets threshold
- Confirm registration requirements
Step 2: Employer's Job Check
- Employer submits job check to INZ
- Confirms role meets Green List criteria
- Processing: 10-15 working days
- Valid for 6 months once approved
Step 3: Submit Residence Application
- Apply within 6 months of job check approval
- Include all supporting documents
- Pay application fee: NZD $4,290
- Processing time: 4-8 months
Step 4: Residence Decision
- Residence granted if approved
- Receive resident visa
- No provisional period
- Full residence rights immediately
Tier 2: Work to Residence Process
Step 1: Secure Job Offer
- Job offer from accredited employer
- Tier 2 Green List occupation
- Meets wage threshold
Step 2: Employer's Job Check
- Similar to Tier 1 process
- Confirms Green List criteria
Step 3: Work Visa Application
- Submit Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application
- Fee: NZD $610
- Processing: 3-6 weeks
- Visa granted for up to 3 years
Step 4: Work in New Zealand
- Move to NZ and start employment
- Work in Green List role for 24 months
- Maintain registration
- Build NZ experience
Step 5: Residence Application (After 24 months)
- Apply for residence
- Prove 24 months work in qualifying role
- Fee: NZD $4,290
- Processing: 6-12 months
Costs
Tier 1 Total Costs (approximate)
- Skills assessment (if required): NZD $500-$2,000
- Professional registration: NZD $500-$1,500
- IELTS: NZD $385-$450
- Job check (employer pays): NZD $610
- Residence application: NZD $4,290
- Medical exams: NZD $400-$650
- Police certificates: NZD $100-$300
- Total: NZD $6,500-$10,000
Tier 2 Total Costs (approximate)
- Skills assessment: NZD $500-$2,000
- Professional registration: NZD $500-$1,500
- IELTS (initial + residence): NZD $770-$900
- Job check: NZD $610
- Work visa: NZD $610
- Residence application (after 2 years): NZD $4,290
- Medicals (twice): NZD $800-$1,300
- Police certificates: NZD $200-$600
- Total: NZD $8,500-$12,500
Timeline
Tier 1 Timeline
- Job search: 2-6 months
- Registration/assessment: 2-4 months
- Job check: 2-3 weeks
- Residence application: 4-8 months
- Total: 9-19 months to residence
Tier 2 Timeline
- Job search: 2-6 months
- Registration: 2-4 months
- Work visa processing: 1-2 months
- Work requirement: 24 months
- Residence processing: 6-12 months
- Total: 35-48 months to residence
Advantages of Green List
- Priority Processing: Faster than standard pathways
- No Labour Market Test: Employer doesn't need to prove no NZ workers available
- Simplified Process: Fewer requirements than Skilled Migrant Category
- Clear Pathway: Direct route to residence
- Family Inclusion: Partner and children can join
- Partner Work Rights: Open work visa for partner
- Study Rights: Children can study at domestic fees
Comparison: Green List vs Skilled Migrant Category
| Aspect | Green List | Skilled Migrant Category |
|---|---|---|
| Points required | None | 160+ points |
| Job offer | Required | Recommended |
| Processing time | 4-8 months (Tier 1) | 12-18 months |
| Pathway certainty | High | Medium |
| Occupation restrictions | Green List only | Broader but points-based |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 |
Tips for Success
- Check Current List: Occupation lists update periodically
- Get Registered Early: Professional registration takes time
- Accredited Employers: Only apply with genuinely accredited employers
- Wage Threshold: Ensure salary meets minimum (review annually)
- English Preparation: Achieve required scores before applying
- Evidence Collection: Keep comprehensive employment records
- Tier Choice: If you qualify for Tier 1, use it for faster pathway
- Regional Opportunities: Some employers in regional areas may offer better prospects
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Non-Accredited Employers: Visa will be declined
- Insufficient Experience: Ensure you meet minimum years
- Registration Delays: Start registration process early
- English Test Type: Must be correct test (e.g., IELTS Academic)
- Wage Below Threshold: Job must meet minimum pay
- Incomplete Documentation: Provide all required evidence
- Job Role Mismatch: Actual duties must match Green List occupation
Recent Changes (2025 Update)
- Median wage threshold increased to NZD $31.61/hour (February 2025)
- Additional healthcare occupations added to Tier 1
- Construction trades expanded in Tier 2
- Enhanced compliance monitoring for accredited employers
- Streamlined professional registration for some occupations
Next Steps
- Confirm your occupation is on Green List (check tier)
- Assess your eligibility against requirements
- Obtain necessary qualifications recognition
- Achieve required English scores
- Begin job search with accredited employers
- Prepare all supporting documentation
- Apply when you have confirmed job offer
Use our Green List eligibility checker to see if you qualify for this fast-track residence pathway.
