Green List: Residence Pathways for Skilled Workers in New Zealand

If you’re a skilled professional exploring ways to live and work in New Zealand, the Green List is likely the most important document you’ll encounter. This isn’t just another bureaucratic checklist—it’s Immigration New Zealand’s official roadmap that connects specific shortage occupations to fast-tracked residence pathways.

Understanding how the New Zealand Green List works can mean the difference between years of uncertainty on temporary visas and a clear, structured path to calling New Zealand home.

What is New Zealand’s Green List?

The Green List is Immigration New Zealand’s curated list of occupations experiencing significant skill shortages across the country. If your job appears on this list, you gain access to streamlined residence visa pathways that aren’t available to workers in other occupations.

Here’s the core concept: Green List roles are divided into two tiers based on how quickly they can lead to residence.

• Tier 1 roles qualify for a straight to residence visa, meaning you can apply for residence immediately—either from overseas or within New Zealand—without first completing local work experience
• Tier 2 roles follow a work to residence pathway, requiring 24 months of qualifying employment in New Zealand before you can apply for residence

For example, a Software Engineer career in New Zealand (ANZSCO 261313) falls under Tier 1 and can potentially secure residence from day one with a qualifying job offer. An Early Childhood Teacher (ANZSCO 241111), while still on the Green List, sits in Tier 2 and would need to work in New Zealand for two years first.

Requirements across both tiers are tied to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) or equivalent overseas qualifications recognised by New Zealand authorities. Many roles also require professional registration with the relevant New Zealand body, and some specify minimum salary thresholds.

Immigration New Zealand updates the Green List regularly through policy reviews. Always cross-check current requirements on the official INZ website before committing to any application—what applied six months ago may have changed.

Key purposes of the Green List:

• Identifies occupations in high demand across New Zealand’s economy
• Creates faster residence pathways for workers in shortage roles
• Links certain occupations to specific qualification, registration, and wage requirements
• Provides clarity for employers seeking to hire skilled migrants through accredited employer pathways

Tier 1 and Tier 2 Green List Occupations

Green List occupations are divided into two tiers based on the speed and structure of the residence pathway they unlock. Understanding which tier your occupation falls into is essential for planning your migration timeline.

Tier 1: Immediate Residence Eligibility

Tier 1 roles represent the most critical skill shortages in New Zealand. Workers in these occupations can apply for a straight to residence visa without first completing a period of employment in the country.

Examples of Tier 1 green list roles include:

• General Practitioner (ANZSCO 253111)
• Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211)
• Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)
• Psychiatrist (ANZSCO 253411)
• Chief Information Officer (ANZSCO 135111)
• Chemical Engineer (ANZSCO 233111)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (ANZSCO 234611)

Tier 2: Work to Residence Pathway

Tier 2 roles still reflect significant national skill shortages, but the pathway to residence requires 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand first.

Examples of Tier 2 occupations include:

• Anaesthetic Technician (ANZSCO 311211)
• Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411)
• Automotive Electrician (ANZSCO 321111)
• Registered Nurse specialisations (Aged Care, Mental Health, Critical Care)
• Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321212)
• Occupational Therapist (ANZSCO 252411)

Both tiers reflect shortages across sectors including health and social services, construction, engineering, ICT, trades, and education.

Being on the Green List does not remove other standard visa requirements. Applicants must still meet health, character, and English language criteria—the Green List simply streamlines the residence pathway itself.

Skilled Residence Pathways Linked to the Green List

The Green List feeds directly into specific residence visa categories under New Zealand’s skilled migration system. Rather than navigating complex points-based assessments alone, Green List applicants benefit from clearer, more predictable pathways.

The main residence pathways connected to the Green List in 2024–2025 include:

Straight to Residence Visa

• Available for Tier 1 green list occupation holders
• Requires a job offer or current employment with an accredited employer
• Applicants can apply from overseas or within New Zealand
• No prior New Zealand work experience required

Work to Residence Visa

• Available for Tier 2 Green List occupation holders
• Requires completion of 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand
• Typically follows an Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Qualifying work period can often count from 29 September 2021

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

• Points-based system sitting alongside Green List pathways
• Available for workers not on the Green List who meet points thresholds
• Considers factors like qualifications, New Zealand salary, age, and work experience

Who each pathway suits:

• Tier 1 pathway: Highly specialised professionals in critical shortage areas (surgeons, senior ICT managers, certain engineers) ready for immediate residence
• Tier 2 pathway: Skilled workers in shortage roles willing to complete 2 years of New Zealand employment before applying for residence
• Skilled Migrant Category: Workers whose occupation isn’t on the Green List but who can accumulate sufficient points through qualifications and experience

Policy allows flexibility beyond the Green List. Workers earning at least twice the New Zealand median wage for 24 months may qualify for residence even if their occupation isn’t listed—opening doors for high-income professionals in non-shortage roles, especially when they understand average salaries in New Zealand by industry and role.

Tier 1 Green List: Straight to Residence Roles

Tier 1 roles represent New Zealand’s most acute skill shortages. If you hold qualifications and registration for one of these occupations, you can apply for residence immediately without first completing local work experience.

If you want a more policy-focused overview alongside this article, you can also review our detailed guide to the Green List New Zealand skilled jobs and residence pathways.

Health Sector Examples

The health sector dominates Tier 1 listings, reflecting critical workforce gaps across hospitals, clinics, and community health services:

• Cardiothoracic Surgeon (ANZSCO 253512)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (ANZSCO 234611)
• Psychiatrist (ANZSCO 253411)
• Medical Oncologist (various ANZSCO codes)
• Medical Imaging Technologist (ANZSCO 251211)
• General medicine specialists
• Mental health specialists with specific qualifications

Health workers in these roles typically require registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand or the relevant professional body for their discipline.

Engineering Sector Examples

Engineering roles on Tier 1 span multiple disciplines:

• Chemical Engineer (ANZSCO 233111)
• Structural Engineer (ANZSCO 233214)
• Environmental Engineer (ANZSCO 233915)
• Geotechnical Engineer (ANZSCO 233212)
• Civil Engineering specialists (various codes)

Most engineering positions require qualifications recognised under the Washington Accord or Sydney Accord, with many also requiring registration with Engineering New Zealand.

ICT Sector Examples

Technology roles on Tier 1 reflect New Zealand’s growing digital economy:

• Chief Information Officer (ANZSCO 135111)
• ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112)
• Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)
• Electronics Engineer (ANZSCO 233411)
• Computer Science specialists in senior roles

Some ICT management roles specify salary thresholds—for example, earning at least $57.69 per hour—to qualify for the straight to residence pathway.

Common Requirements Across Tier 1 Roles

Most Tier 1 occupations share core requirements:

• A job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand
• A recognised qualification (often at NZQF Level 7 or equivalent)
• Professional registration with the relevant New Zealand body where required
• Meeting any occupation-specific salary thresholds

The occupations on Tier 1 aren’t exhaustive across all professional fields—they specifically target areas where New Zealand faces genuine recruitment difficulties that local training pipelines cannot address quickly.

Tier 2 Green List: Work to Residence Roles

Tier 2 roles still provide a residence pathway, but the timeline differs. You’ll need to complete at least 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand—typically on an Accredited Employer Work Visa—before lodging your residence application.

Health and Social Services Examples

Healthcare remains heavily represented in Tier 2:

• Anaesthetic Technician (ANZSCO 311211)
• Occupational Therapist (ANZSCO 252411)
• Registered Nurse – Aged Care (ANZSCO 254412)
• Registered Nurse – Mental Health (ANZSCO 254422)
• Registered Nurse – Critical Care (ANZSCO 254415)
• Medical Laboratory Technician (ANZSCO 311213)
• Medical Radiation Therapist (ANZSCO 251212)
• Dental Technician (ANZSCO 411213)
• Dental Practitioner (ANZSCO 252312)
• Dental Surgeon (ANZSCO 252311)
• Ambulance Paramedic (ANZSCO 411111)
• Nursing Assistant (certain roles)
• Genetic Counsellor (ANZSCO 272314)
• Community health specialists
• Child and family health roles
• Developmental disability support workers

Workers in early childhood and pre primary school settings may also find relevant Tier 2 pathways depending on their specific role and qualifications, and many use specialised tools that compare the best relocation platforms for jobs in Australia and New Zealand when planning their move.

Trades and Construction Examples

Skilled trades fill significant Tier 2 positions:

• Electrician – General (ANZSCO 341111)
• Plumber – General (ANZSCO 334111)
• Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321212)
• Automotive Electrician (ANZSCO 321111)
• Heavy Vehicle Inspector (certain roles)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (ANZSCO 323111)
• Building Project Manager (ANZSCO 133111)
• Site Foreman (ANZSCO 312112)
• Lifter Operator (certain crane and lifting roles)
• Civil Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312211)
• Electronic Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312311)
• Construction health and safety specialists

Education and Agriculture Examples

Beyond healthcare and trades, Tier 2 covers education and primary industries; many prospective migrants also build a toolkit of top websites for expats and relocation resources to research these sectors in more depth before applying:

• Early Childhood Teacher – registered (ANZSCO 241111)
• Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411) – particularly in shortage subjects
• Dairy Cattle Farmer (ANZSCO 121313)
• Dairy Farm Manager (various levels)
• Dairy Cattle Farm Manager
• Dairy Herd Manager
• Assistant Dairy Farm Manager
• Environmental Research Scientist (ANZSCO 234313)
• Environmental Management specialists

The Work to Residence Process

Understanding how you move from a temporary work visa to residence helps with planning:

1. Secure employment with an accredited employer in a Tier 2 Green List role
2. Obtain a work visa (typically an Accredited Employer Work Visa)
3. Complete 24 months of qualifying work in the specified occupation
4. Gather evidence of your employment, pay, and any required registration throughout
5. Apply for residence once you’ve met the work experience threshold and all other criteria

Qualifying work experience can generally be counted from 29 September 2021, but you must still meet any qualification, registration, or wage criteria listed for your specific occupation; if you are still comparing options, our broader guide to the best work visa NZ options for skilled professionals explains how Green List pathways sit alongside other visas.

Keep meticulous records throughout your 2-year qualifying period. Payslips, employment agreements, registration certificates, and any correspondence confirming your role should be stored safely—you’ll need this evidence when you apply for residence.

If Your Job Is Not on the Green List

Not finding your occupation on the Green List isn’t the end of your New Zealand migration plans. Alternative pathways exist, though they typically require meeting different criteria.

Being off the Green List means you won’t have access to the streamlined straight to residence or work to residence visa pathways specifically designed for shortage occupations. However, residence remains achievable through other routes.

Alternative pathways to consider:

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Points-based system considering qualifications, New Zealand salary, registration, age, and work experience. Workers can accumulate points even without a Green List occupation if they score highly in other areas.
• Sector agreements: Certain industries (care, construction, tourism, and others) have specific arrangements that may offer extended work rights or limited residence pathways for workers in roles not on the Green List.
• High-income pathway: Working for 2 years in any role paid at or above twice the New Zealand median wage can qualify you for residence, regardless of whether your occupation appears on the Green List.
• Partner or family pathways: If your partner qualifies for residence through their occupation, you may be included in their application.

Qualification recognition matters. If your overseas qualifications aren’t directly listed against a Green List role, consider having them assessed by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority). An NZQA assessment can confirm the New Zealand equivalent level of your qualification, which may open doors to points-based residence or other visa options.

The absence of your job from the Green List simply means a different route—not a closed door; similarly, other countries operate their own skilled occupation lists such as Australia’s Medium and Long‑term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL) and the Short‑term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for visa jobs, which some migrants compare when weighing alternatives.

Studying for a Green List Career in New Zealand

Many prospective migrants take a strategic approach: complete a New Zealand qualification in a Green List field, then transition into employment and residence. This pathway combines education, work rights, and long-term settlement planning.

Students who align their studies with green list occupations position themselves advantageously for both employment and residence after graduation.

Health-Related Study Areas

New Zealand universities and polytechnics offer programmes directly feeding into Green List health roles:

• Bachelor of Nursing (leads to Registered Nurse pathways)
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (leads to Medical Laboratory Scientist roles)
• Bachelor of Medical Imaging (leads to Medical Imaging Technologist roles)
• Midwifery programmes
• Clinical Psychology postgraduate qualifications
• Sight impaired support and rehabilitation programmes

STEM and Construction Study Areas

Engineering and construction qualifications remain in high demand:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering)
• Environmental Science degrees leading to Environmental Research Scientist roles
• Quantity Surveying qualifications
• Construction Management degrees
• Electronic Engineering programmes

Education Study Areas

Teaching qualifications in shortage subjects offer strong Green List alignment:

• Early Childhood Teaching diplomas and degrees
• Secondary Teaching qualifications in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and technology
• Graduate diplomas for career changers entering teaching, a route similar in structure to study-led pathways like relocating to Australia from Hong Kong on a student pathway where education is used strategically for long-term migration.

Advantages of the Study-to-Residence Strategy

Why Green List–aligned degrees work as a migration strategy:

• Post-study work rights allow time to secure employment with an accredited employer
• New Zealand qualifications are automatically recognised against the Zealand Qualifications Framework requirements for most Green List roles
• Building local networks during study helps with job searches
• Some programmes include practical placements that can lead directly to employment offers

Practical tip: Students can often apply for a student visa using a conditional Offer of Place while final exam results or English test scores are still pending. This can accelerate your timeline significantly.

Changes to visitor visa arrangements—such as new rules allowing certain passport holders to visit New Zealand more easily—can also help prospective students explore campuses and meet with education providers before committing to a programme, and many future migrants also research career relocation resources for countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Singapore at this early planning stage.

How to Check Whether Your Role Is on the Green List

Confirming your occupation’s Green List status requires careful verification. Job titles vary internationally, and ANZSCO codes (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) are the official reference point.

Step-by-step verification process:

1. Search by job title and ANZSCO code on the official Immigration New Zealand Green List pages (e.g., search “Civil Engineer ANZSCO 233211”)
2. Confirm the tier – identify whether your occupation falls under Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) or Tier 2 (Work to Residence)
3. Identify the sector – note the sector classification (health, ICT, construction, engineering, trades, education) as requirements may vary
4. Verify specific requirements for your occupation:
   • Minimum qualification level (NZQF level or named overseas degrees)
   • Registration with a New Zealand professional authority
   • Any wage thresholds specified
5. Compare role descriptions – don’t rely solely on job titles. Read the INZ occupation description and compare it to your actual duties and responsibilities

Important considerations:

• Titles differ internationally. A “Medical Laboratory Technologist” in one country might align with Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Laboratory Technician in New Zealand’s classification system
• The New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (based on ANZSCO) defines what each role involves
• Some occupations have multiple pathways listed (by qualification, by registration, or by salary)—identify which pathway applies to your situation

The online Green List search tool can occasionally be updated or temporarily unavailable during policy changes. Cross-check against the latest published lists or official PDF versions when planning your application, and consider browsing curated New Zealand immigration jobs with clear visa pathways to see how real roles are labelled against Green List criteria.

Costs, Processing Times, and Common Application Issues

Residence applications linked to the Green List involve substantial fees and variable processing timeframes. Preparing thoroughly can save both money and time.

Application Costs

Residence visa applications typically cost several thousand New Zealand dollars. Family applications (principal applicant plus partner and dependents) often fall in the range of NZ$6,000–NZ$7,000 in 2024–2025, though fees are subject to change.

Additional costs may include—and should be budgeted alongside broader cost of living in New Zealand including salaries, rent, and expenses:

• Medical examinations
• Police certificates from each country you’ve lived in
• Qualification assessments (if required)
• English language testing
• Immigration adviser fees (if using professional assistance)

Processing Times

Processing times vary based on multiple factors:

• Current application volumes at Immigration New Zealand
• Completeness of your documentation
• Whether additional verification is needed (employment, qualifications, character)
• Complexity of your circumstances

Some straightforward applications process within weeks; others take several months. Planning for a longer timeline and being pleasantly surprised by faster processing is more prudent than assuming quick turnarounds, especially when you factor in relocation budgeting using a detailed New Zealand cost of living and salary planning guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application issues that cause delays or refusals:

• Employer not accredited: Your employer must hold valid accreditation at the time you lodge your application—not just when you received your job offer
• ANZSCO code mismatch: The job description on your employment agreement doesn’t match the Green List role you’re claiming
• Qualification not recognised: Your qualification isn’t equivalent to the required NZQF level, or hasn’t been assessed by NZQA or the relevant professional body
• Registration issues: Required professional registration isn’t current or wasn’t obtained before application
• Missing evidence: Insufficient documentation of salary, work experience dates, or registration status
• Incorrect calculation of qualifying period: For Work to Residence, miscounting the 24-month work period
• Outdated requirements: Relying on information from previous policy settings rather than current rules

Double-check every requirement against the current official INZ guidelines before lodging your residence application. A rejected application doesn’t just cost money—it costs time that could delay your settlement plans by months or years.

Should You Use a Licensed Immigration Adviser?

Green List criteria can be surprisingly detailed. Some occupations list multiple pathways (by qualification, by registration, or by salary), and identifying which applies to your situation requires careful analysis.

How a Licensed Immigration Adviser or immigration lawyer can help:

• Assess whether your specific job offer genuinely matches a Green List role and ANZSCO code
• Confirm whether your overseas qualifications meet NZQF or NZQA requirements
• Identify the most suitable pathway (Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, or Skilled Migrant Category) for your circumstances
• Review your evidence before lodging to catch gaps or inconsistencies
• Navigate complications like career changes, multiple employers, or qualification recognition issues
• Explain other languages requirements if English isn’t your first language

Professional support can reduce refusal risk caused by technical issues: ANZSCO mismatches, incorrect wage calculations, incomplete evidence, or misunderstanding which tier applies to your occupation.

Before engaging an adviser:

• Verify they are licensed by the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA)
• Check their registration status on the IAA public register
• Understand their fee structure upfront
• Ask about their experience required specifically with Green List applications

Immigration advisers cannot guarantee outcomes, but they can significantly improve the quality of your application and help you avoid costly mistakes, which is why many migrants also lean on dedicated overseas career advisors for expert international guidance.

Summary: Using the Green List to Plan Your Move to New Zealand

The New Zealand Green List serves as the central reference point for skilled workers seeking the fastest pathway to residence. Whether you qualify for immediate residence through Tier 1 or need to complete 24 months of work under Tier 2, understanding where your occupation sits—and what requirements apply—is foundational to your migration planning, particularly when combined with a broader view of moving to New Zealand including jobs, visas, salaries, and living costs.

Jobs on the Green List span health, engineering, ICT, trades, education, and agriculture. From medical practice specialists to dairy cattle farmer roles, from electronics engineer positions to dental practitioner opportunities, the list reflects genuine skill shortages across New Zealand’s economy, many of which are featured among curated immigration job opportunities with visa pathways.

Three core actions for your migration planning:

• Confirm your occupation: Search the official INZ Green List by ANZSCO code and verify which tier applies to your role
• Check occupation-specific requirements: Identify the qualification level, professional registration, salary threshold, and experience required for your pathway
• Choose your pathway: Decide whether Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, or an alternative skilled route (like Skilled Migrant Category) best fits your situation

Starting early gives you the greatest flexibility. If your current qualifications don’t align with a Green List occupation, consider whether studying in New Zealand or obtaining additional registration could position you for a clearer pathway, ideally supported by a career relocation and living abroad platform that helps align jobs, visas, and long-term plans.

The Green List isn’t static—it evolves as New Zealand’s labour market changes. What’s listed today may be modified in future policy reviews. Building your application around current requirements while staying informed about updates ensures you’re working with accurate information.

Before committing to any application:

• Consult the official Immigration New Zealand website for current requirements
• Gather all required evidence (qualifications listed, registration certificates, employment documentation)
• Consider whether professional advice from a Licensed Immigration Adviser would reduce your risk
• Ensure any employer offering you a role holds current accredited employer status

Working in New Zealand through a Green List occupation isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about building a career in a country that actively values your skills. The pathway to residence exists because New Zealand needs what you can offer. Understanding how to navigate that pathway effectively puts you in control of your migration journey, especially when paired with a broader guide for expats moving to New Zealand.