New Zealand’s Green List highlights jobs that are in high demand and hard to fill locally. The list focuses on key areas such as healthcare, engineering, trades, technology, and education.
There are two tiers on the Green List. Tier 2 roles allow eligible workers to apply for residence after gaining two years of work experience in New Zealand.
Residence Visa Occupations
Many Tier 2 occupations allow you to apply for a residence visa after being in New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Each position has its own requirements that must be met to be eligible. Please see below the occupations that are on the Green List Tier 2:
Green List Tier 2 Occupations
Construction:
- Building Associate (312112)
- Crane, Hoist or Lifter Operator (712111)
Factory Process Worker:
- Slaughterer (831212)
Health and Social Services:
- School Principal (134311)
- Special Needs Teacher (241511)
- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired (241512)
- Teacher of the Sight Impaired (241513)
- Special Education Teachers nec (241599)
- Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (249311)
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher – registered (241111)
ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications Services:
- Telecommunications Technician (342414)
Civil Machinery Operators:
- Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) (721211)
- Backhoe Operator (721212)
- Bulldozer Operator (721213)
- Excavator Operator (721214)
- Grader Operator (721215)
- Loader Operator (721216)
- Paving Plant Operator (721913)
Protective Service Workers:
- Corrections Officer (442111)
Trade Services:
- Automotive Electrician (321111)
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector) (321212)
- Motor Mechanic (General) (321211)
- Motorcycle Mechanic (321213)
- Electrician (General) (341111)
- Plumber (General) (334111)
- Drainlayer (334113)
- Gasfitter (334114)
- Panel Beater (324111)
- Vehicle Painter (324311)
- Metal Fabricator (322311)
- Pressure Welder (322312)
- Welder (322313)
- Fitter (General) (323211)
- Fitter and Turner (323212)
- Fitter-Welder (323213)
- Metal Machinist (First Class) (323214)
Agriculture:
- Dairy Cattle Farmer (Dairy Cattle Farm Manager) (121313)
Requirements for occupations
Each role has a unique set of requirements that must be met to be eligible to apply for the straight-to-residence visa. Engineering positions are generally qualification-related, healthcare professionals must hold registration, while ICT positions may have a wage threshold. We call these the Green List Requirements.
Contact us today to see if you would meet the requirements for your occupation.
General Requirements
- The principal applicant must be 55 years or younger when the application has been submitted.
- You must have a job, or a job offer in New Zealand with an accredited employer to apply.
- You can include your partner, and dependent children aged 24 and under, in your residence application. Financial evidence will be required for children 20 and over.
- You must meet Immigration New Zealand’s character and medical requirements.
- You may be required to provide an acceptable English Language test. Partners and children can also choose to enrol in an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course.
- Your role must be paid at a median wage or above ($33.56 NZD an hour) unless a wage threshold applies.
- For work experience, you will also need to meet the relevant wage threshold that was in place at the time you began working.
Pathway to permanent residence
This visa gives you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand. After holding the visa for 2 years you may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident.
Thinking about making New Zealand your home?
Immigration rules can feel complicated, but that’s where we come in. Our experienced team is skilled at handling even the most complex requirements, so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. We’ll take the time to understand your unique situation, answer all your questions, and give you clear, personalised guidance from start to finish.
We’d love to help you get there. Contact us today to talk through your options and start the journey toward residence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need to have a job to apply for a work-to-residence visa?
Yes, you must have a job or a job offer in New Zealand to apply. Your employment must be with an accredited employer and either full-time and permanent, for a fixed-term of at least 12 months or a contract for services of at least 6 months. You must have work in the role for at least 2 years before you can apply.
2. My current visa is expiring can I continue to stay in New Zealand while my residence is being processed?
If you have applied for a Work to Residence Visa and you have not applied for another type of temporary visa, you will need to make a new temporary visa application before your current visa expires. If you do not apply for a new temporary visa you would become unlawful.
3. Is English required for a work-to-residence visa?
Yes, you must prove a certain level of English. This can be through your country of citizenship. There are also a range of tests can be used. Secondary applicants will also need to meet the English requirements, but the levels are set lower.
