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Green List

New Zealand's fast-track pathway to residence for occupations facing critical skills shortages. Tier 1 allows applicants to apply for residence immediately upon arrival. Tier 2 requires 24 months of work before residence eligibility.

Tier 1 - Straight to Residence

Applicants with a job offer in a Tier 1 role can apply for residence immediately upon arrival in New Zealand.

General practitioners and specialist doctors
Psychiatrists
Surgeons
Anaesthetists
Specialists and consultant physicians
Speech-language therapists
Clinical psychologists
Structural engineers
Construction project managers
ICT security specialists
Software engineers
Electrical engineers

Tier 2 - Work to Residence

Applicants become eligible for residence after 24 months of work in a Tier 2 occupation in New Zealand.

Electricians
Plumbers
Carpenters and joiners
Automotive electricians
Diesel motor mechanics
Metal fabricators and welders
Construction equipment operators
Special education teachers
Corrections officers
Midwives
Veterinarians
Quantity surveyors
Telecommunications engineers

Requirements

Job Offer

Full-time job or job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.

Age

Aged 55 or under at the time of application.

Occupation

Your occupation must be on the relevant Tier of the Green List.

Qualifications

Meet the relevant qualifications and/or professional registration for your occupation.

English Language

Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent for most roles).

Health & Character

Meet health and character requirements including medical and police certificates.

2026 Green List Updates

  • Green List expanded to include additional trades and technical roles
  • Wage thresholds adjusted upward in line with the new NZD $35.00/hour median wage from 9 March 2026
  • Major SMC reforms effective late August 2026 introduce two new residence pathways: Skilled Work Experience and Trades & Technician

FAQ

What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2?
Tier 1 occupations allow you to apply for residence immediately when you arrive in New Zealand with a qualifying job. Tier 2 occupations require you to work in New Zealand for 24 months before you can apply for residence.
Do I need an employer to sponsor me for the Green List?
Yes. You need a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. Your employer must hold current accreditation with Immigration New Zealand.
Can I bring my family on the Green List pathway?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your residence application.
What qualifications do I need?
Each occupation has specific qualification requirements. For example, doctors need medical registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. Software engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent.
How long does it take to get residence through the Green List?
For Tier 1, you can apply for residence immediately upon arrival. Processing times for the residence application vary but are typically 3-6 months. For Tier 2, you must work for 24 months first, then apply.
What happened with the August 2026 SMC reforms?
Immigration NZ announced major reforms effective late August 2026 introducing two new residence pathways: Skilled Work Experience (5+ years experience, 2+ in NZ at 1.1x median wage) and Trades & Technician (Level 4+ qualification, 4+ years experience, 18+ months in NZ at median wage).
Last updated: 2026-03-15