The Green List is a list of occupations where New Zealand has a sustained shortage of skilled workers. Depending on your occupation, you can apply for residence either immediately or after working in New Zealand for 2 years.
Direct to Residence (Tier 1)
If your occupation is on the Direct to Residence list, you can apply for residence as soon as you have a job offer in that role. No need to work in NZ first.
Examples of Direct to Residence occupations
- Health professionals: Doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, radiographers, physiotherapists, psychologists
- Engineers: Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, structural, software engineers (senior roles)
- Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, joiners, welders, fitters
- ICT: ICT Project Manager, ICT Managers, Systems Analysts, Database Architects, Multimedia Specialists
- Construction: Construction Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Surveyor
- Science: Chemist, Biotechnologist, Environmental Scientist, Food Technologist
- Teaching: Early childhood, primary, and secondary school teachers
- Social services: Social workers, counsellors, occupational therapists
Work to Residence (Tier 2)
For occupations on the Work to Residence list, you need to work in New Zealand in that role for 2 years before you can apply for residence.
Examples of Work to Residence occupations
- Registered nurses (if not on Tier 1 — check current list)
- Chefs (specifically Chef de Partie or higher, with relevant qualifications)
- Some construction roles: Project Builder, Roading Infrastructure Supervisor
- Some ICT roles: Analyst Programmer, Developer Programmer, Software Tester
- Emergency services: Ambulance Officer, Paramedic, Firefighter
- Technicians: Dental Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Veterinary Nurse
Green List Requirements
- You must have a job offer from an accredited employer
- Your job must be in a Green List occupation
- You must meet the qualification and/registration requirements for that occupation
- You must be paid at or above the specified wage threshold (usually 1.5× the median wage for some roles)
- You must meet standard health, character, and English language requirements
How to Check the Current Green List
The Green List is updated regularly by Immigration New Zealand. Always check the official list at immigration.govt.nz for the most up-to-date information.
Tips for Green List Applicants
- If your occupation is on the Direct to Residence list, you can also bring your family with you as part of your application.
- Work to Residence applicants can include their family, but residence is granted after the 2-year work period.
- Some occupations require New Zealand registration before you can work (e.g., nursing, teaching). Start the registration process early — it can take months.
- Consider using a Licensed Immigration Adviser to ensure your application is correct.