Migration Overseas
Since 1998
New Zealand's Green List offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for workers in high-demand occupations. Get PR faster with Straight to Residence or Work to Residence options.
Choose between Straight to Residence (immediate PR) or Work to Residence (PR after 2 years).
Apply for residence immediately when you arrive in New Zealand with a job in a Tier 1 Green List occupation.
Work in New Zealand for 2 years in a Tier 2 Green List occupation, then apply for residence.
Key occupations on New Zealand's Green List offering fast-track residence pathways.
| Occupation | Pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Practitioner (Doctor) | STR | Medical Council NZ registration |
| Registered Nurse | STR | Nursing Council NZ registration |
| Midwife | STR | Midwifery Council registration |
| Physiotherapist | STR | Physio Board NZ registration |
| Clinical Psychologist | STR | Psychology Board registration |
| Medical Lab Scientist | WTR | Relevant qualification + registration |
| Sonographer | WTR | Qualification + work experience |
| Occupation | Pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | STR | Engineering NZ registration or pathway |
| Structural Engineer | STR | Engineering NZ registration or pathway |
| Electrical Engineer | STR | Engineering NZ registration or pathway |
| Geotechnical Engineer | STR | Engineering NZ registration or pathway |
| Mechanical Engineer | WTR | Bachelor's degree + 3 years experience |
| Electronics Engineer | WTR | Bachelor's degree + 3 years experience |
| Occupation | Pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | WTR | Bachelor's + 3 yrs OR 5 yrs exp |
| DevOps Engineer | WTR | Bachelor's + 3 yrs OR 5 yrs exp |
| ICT Security Specialist | WTR | Bachelor's degree + 3 years experience |
| Data Engineer | WTR | Bachelor's degree + 3 years experience |
| ICT Project Manager | WTR | Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience |
| Occupation | Pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Project Manager | STR | Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience |
| Quantity Surveyor | STR | Bachelor's + NZIQS/RICS pathway |
| Electrician | WTR | NZ registration as electrician |
| Plumber | WTR | NZ registration as plumber |
| Drainlayer | WTR | NZ registration as drainlayer |
| Gasfitter | WTR | NZ registration as gasfitter |
| Occupation | Pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarian | STR | Veterinary Council NZ registration |
| Teacher (Secondary) | WTR | Teaching Council NZ registration |
| Teacher (Primary) | WTR | Teaching Council NZ registration |
| Early Childhood Teacher | WTR | Teaching Council NZ registration |
| Dairy Farm Manager | WTR | Diploma + 3 yrs OR 5 yrs exp |
| Meat Inspector | WTR | MPI approval + relevant qualification |
What you need to qualify for the Green List residence pathway.
Advantages of the Green List pathway over other residence options.
Green List applications are prioritized. Shorter waiting times compared to standard SMC applications.
Unlike SMC, Green List doesn't require 180 points. Meet job and qualification criteria to qualify.
Partner and dependent children can be included in your residence application. All get PR together.
Full resident visa with indefinite stay. No need to renew. Live and work anywhere in NZ.
Eligible for NZ citizenship after 5 years. NZ passport is one of the strongest globally.
NZ citizens can live and work in Australia without a visa under the Trans-Tasman agreement.
Find answers to the most common questions about the Green List.
The Green List is New Zealand's fast-track residence pathway for workers in high-demand occupations. It offers two tiers: Straight to Residence (immediate PR) and Work to Residence (PR after 2 years of work).
Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) allows immediate residence when you arrive in NZ with a job offer. Tier 2 (Work to Residence) requires you to work in NZ for 24 months before you can apply for residence.
Yes, you must have a genuine job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer for a role that matches a Green List occupation. The job must be full-time (30+ hours per week) and pay at least the median wage.
You need IELTS 6.5+ overall (no band below 6.0), PTE 58+ overall (no score below 50), or TOEFL iBT 79+ with reading/writing 21+. Native English speakers from certain countries are exempt.
Yes, your partner and dependent children can be included in your residence application. They will receive permanent residence along with you.
Green List applications are prioritized for faster processing. While times vary, they are generally shorter than standard Skilled Migrant Category applications.
Many Green List occupations require registration with the relevant New Zealand professional body (e.g., Medical Council, Nursing Council, Engineering NZ). Check the specific requirements for your occupation.
Yes, after holding permanent residence for 5 years and meeting other requirements, you can apply for New Zealand citizenship. NZ passport holders can also live and work in Australia visa-free.
If you're on a work visa under the Work to Residence pathway, you may have a limited time to find new employment. If you already have residence, your status is not affected by job changes.
Yes, Software Engineers, DevOps Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Data Engineers, and ICT Project Managers are all on the Work to Residence (Tier 2) Green List.
Our experts will assess your eligibility, verify your qualifications, and guide you through the Green List residence pathway.
Get Free AssessmentReady to explore your immigration options? Our expert team in Vadodara is here to guide you every step of the way. Get a free eligibility assessment and take the first step towards your dream destination.
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