Green List NZ
Green List Occupation Search
Search all Tier 1 (straight to residence) and Tier 2 (work to residence) roles
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Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Green List Roles
| Tier 1 — Straight to Residence | Tier 2 — Work to Residence | |
|---|---|---|
| Residence timing | Apply for residence immediately | Apply after 24 months of skilled work in NZ |
| First step | Apply directly for a Straight to Residence visa | Work on an AEWV, then apply via Work to Residence |
| Typical roles | Senior healthcare, engineers, specialist ICT | Selected trades, technicians, other shortage roles |
| Job offer | Full-time, accredited employer | Full-time, accredited employer |
If your role is Tier 1, the Straight to Residence pathway is almost always the fastest option. If it's Tier 2, you get a clear 24-month timeline to residence.
What is the Green List
The Green List is a list of in-demand occupations created in 2022 to attract skilled workers to roles New Zealand can't fill locally. It replaced the old skill shortage lists and operates as its own residence pathway — separate from the Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system.
Important: Being on the Green List does not add points to your SMC score. It is a different, often faster, route to residence. If your occupation is on the Green List, you may not need the SMC points system at all.
The list spans healthcare, engineering, ICT, construction, trades, science and education, and is reviewed and updated periodically as the labour market shifts.
Green List Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under either tier you generally must:
- Be 55 years old or younger
- Have a full-time job or job offer (at least 30 hours per week) from an accredited employer
- Hold employment that is permanent or a fixed term of at least 12 months
- Have your role match the official Green List occupation description and ANZSCO code
- Meet the role-specific qualification, occupational registration or licensing requirements
- Be paid at or above any wage threshold set for the occupation (the general median wage threshold is NZD $35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026)
- Meet health (medical waivers may apply) and character requirements

Need help with your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.
Bringing Your Family
You can usually include your partner and dependent children in your Green List residence application, provided they meet age and support criteria — granting them residence too. See Partner Visas NZ and Family Visas NZ.
Green List vs SMC: Which Pathway?
Both lead to residence, but they work differently. If your occupation is on the Green List, that pathway is usually faster and more certain than accumulating SMC points.
If it isn't, the SMC 6-point system may be your route. Many people qualify for one and not the other — see our overview of residence pathways for skilled migrants.
What Happens After
Green List residence is a milestone, not the finish line — two further steps can follow.
Permanent Resident Visa (PRV)
A resident visa lets you live, work and study here indefinitely, but it carries travel conditions with an expiry date. Once you've held it for at least 2 years and met its conditions, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which removes those travel limits for good. You'll also need to show commitment to New Zealand — most commonly by spending at least 184 days here in each of the two years before applying. The PRV costs from NZD $315, with 80% of applications decided within about 2 weeks.
New Zealand citizenship
After 5 years living here as a resident, citizenship becomes possible — you don't need a PRV first. You must have been present for at least 1,350 days across those 5 years (and 240 days in each), met your visa conditions, and be of good character. It's administered by the Department of Internal Affairs and brings full rights, including a passport and the vote.
Our advisers can map your timeline from Green List residence through to PRV or citizenship — book a free evaluation to plan it.

Need help with your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.
Step by Step
Our Process

1. Free Eligibility Check
Complete our short questionnaire and attach your resume (or provide a summary of qualifications and work experience).
Within 48 working hours, we will provide a free written assessment of Visa options.

2. Online Consultation
Book a 75–90 minute paid online consultation to explore your visa options and get answers to all your questions.

3. Visa Application
Once you decide to proceed, we will handle the preparation and processing of your visa application.
FAQs
Browse our FAQs for Answers
Need Help With Your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with NZ work visas. Contact us today!


