Migration Overseas
Back to New Zealand
New Zealand's Green List names in-demand occupations with a defined route to residence: straight away for Tier 1 roles, or after 24 months of qualifying work for Tier 2 roles. Checked against Immigration New Zealand on 6 November 2026.
Tier 1 roles can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa. Tier 2 roles can apply for a Work to Residence Visa after 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand.
Apply for residence once you hold, or have an offer of, a Tier 1 Green List job with an accredited employer and meet that role's requirements.
Work in a Tier 2 Green List job for 24 months within the 30 months before you apply, then apply for residence.
Selected occupations on New Zealand's Green List. INZ lists more than 200 role titles. Tiers, pay rates and qualification rules change, so confirm your exact role on INZ's Green List roles tool before relying on this table.
| Occupation | Pathway | Key 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 | STR | Relevant qualification + registration |
| Sonographer | WTR | Qualification + work experience |
| Occupation | Pathway | Key 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 | STR | Relevant engineering qualification; confirm the exact rule on INZ's Green List roles tool |
| Electronics Engineer | STR | Relevant engineering qualification; confirm the exact rule on INZ's Green List roles tool |
| Occupation | Pathway | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | STR | Qualification or experience per INZ role rules; pay at least NZD 72.80 an hour from 9 March 2026 (ICT, electronics and telecommunications rate) |
| ICT Security Specialist | STR | Qualification or experience per INZ role rules; pay at least NZD 72.80 an hour from 9 March 2026 (ICT, electronics and telecommunications rate) |
| ICT Project Manager | STR | Qualification or experience per INZ role rules; ICT pay rate applies (NZD 72.80 an hour from 9 March 2026) |
| Occupation | Pathway | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Project Manager | STR | Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience |
| Quantity Surveyor | STR | Bachelor's degree + NZIQS/RICS membership 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 | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarian | STR | Veterinary Council NZ registration |
| Teacher (Secondary) | STR | Teaching Council NZ registration; aimed at experienced teachers paid at least the median wage (NZD 35.00 an hour) |
| Teacher (Primary) | STR | Teaching Council NZ registration; aimed at experienced teachers paid at least the median wage (NZD 35.00 an hour) |
| Early Childhood Teacher | WTR | Teaching Council NZ registration |
| Dairy Farm Manager | WTR | Diploma + 3 years experience OR 5 years experience |
Immigration New Zealand will move 17 occupations off the Work to Residence list and adjust a few other roles.
From 8 March 2027 these occupations leave the Work to Residence list because the Skilled Migrant Category pathways added on 24 August 2026 cover them. Work you start before 8 March 2027 can still count towards the 24-month requirement.
INZ also announced these changes for 8 March 2027 and expects to review the whole Green List in 2027.
What you need to qualify for the Green List residence pathway.
Advantages of the Green List pathway over other residence options.
INZ states that 80% of Straight to Residence applications are decided within 4 months. Check INZ's live processing times for your visa before you plan.
Unlike the Skilled Migrant Category points-based pathway (6 points), the Green List has no points test. You must meet the job, pay, qualification or registration, and experience rules for your role.
Your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in your residence application, subject to relationship, health, character and English requirements.
The resident visa lets you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. Travel conditions last 2 years; after that you need a Permanent Resident Visa or an extension to travel in and out.
Citizenship is a separate application to the Department of Internal Affairs with its own residence and presence rules. Check their site for the current requirements.
NZ citizens can live and work in Australia without a visa under the Trans-Tasman agreement.
Our experts will assess your eligibility, verify your qualifications, and guide you through the Green List residence pathway.
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