What is the New Zealand Green List?

If you’re planning to move to New Zealand for work, you’ve probably come across the term “Green List.” It’s one of the most important visa tools for skilled migrants — and understanding it properly can significantly improve your migration strategy.

So, what exactly is the Green List?

The New Zealand Green List is an official list of occupations that the New Zealand Government considers to be in high demand due to skill shortages. If your job is on this list — and you meet the qualification and experience requirements — you may be eligible for faster pathways to residence.

The list is published and maintained by Immigration New Zealand and forms part of the country’s broader skilled migration framework.

You can view the official Green List here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/skill-shortage-lists/green-list

How Does the Green List Work?

The Green List is divided into two main tiers:

1️⃣ Tier 1 – Straight to Residence

If your occupation is in Tier 1 and you meet the required criteria, you may apply directly for residence — without waiting years on a temporary visa.

Common Tier 1 occupations include:

• Doctors
• Registered Nurses
• Engineers
• ICT professionals

2️⃣ Tier 2 – Work to Residence

If your job is in Tier 2, you can apply for residence after working in New Zealand for two years in an eligible role.

This pathway is often used by:

• Teachers
• Certain tradespeople
• Construction professionals

Why Is the Green List Important?

If your occupation is on the Green List, it can mean:

• Faster residence processing
• Clearer eligibility criteria
• Greater certainty about your long-term future in New Zealand
• Stronger positioning when negotiating job offers

For many skilled migrants, this is one of the most strategic ways to secure permanent residency.

However, being on the list is not enough by itself. You must:

• Meet salary thresholds
• Have the correct qualifications
• Meet registration requirements (if your profession is regulated)
• Work for an accredited employer

Practical Advice Before You Rely on the Green List

Here’s where many people make mistakes.

1. Job titles must match exactly.
2. Your qualifications must meet New Zealand standards.
3. Immigration policies can change.

Before making relocation decisions, it’s smart to check:

• Whether your qualification requires NZQA assessment
• Whether professional registration is needed
• Whether the role meets current wage thresholds

If you’re unsure how your background fits, our team at BRIGENAI regularly helps professionals map their career to New Zealand immigration pathways. You can explore more migration resources here:
👉 https://brigenai.com/resources/

Is the Green List the Only Way to Get Residence?

No. It’s one pathway — but not the only one.

Other common routes include:

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Partner-based visas

Your best pathway depends on your age, occupation, salary, and long-term career plan.