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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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2. Online Consultation

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

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3. Visa Application 

Once you decide to proceed, we will handle the preparation and processing of your visa application.

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consultations held so far...
Yunus

Malaysia

"The only migration agency you need for AU and NZ. Heard a couple of bad experiences through my friends with other agencies. Ian, Jo and Hamish are thorough professionals and they mean business! It has been a wonderful journey indeed. Thank you IMMagine!"

Michael

South Africa

"A massive thank you to Tiffany, Hamish and Chen. Thanks to their knowledge, hard work and expertise, my family and I were fortunate to receive our 190 visa.

Chen and all the people we worked with at IMMagine, expertly guided us through this long process and we always knew that we couldn't be in better hands. They were professional, incredibly patient, understanding, knowledgeable and always a quick email away.

We will be eternally grateful for this wonderful opportunity!"

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South Africa

"Immagine have to be the BEST immigration consultants. A thorough, professional team that get results. Outstanding in my experience."

Ian

South Africa

"Excellent service and very knowledgeable. We were guided through the entire process and ended up being invited to apply for the best visa of all... a 189! It's really hard to get into Australia... but Immagine made the process as enjoyable as it can possibly be."

Rit

Malaysia

"5 star service. Not only is the team knowledgeable but the level of execution and communication was outstanding. The whole process was stress free."

Mei

Singapore

"Very happy and grateful to have applied my permanent residency visa with IMMagine. The team there are professional and efficient. It was a long and patient wait with them for my visa to get approved but they have made the process easier. Kane was amazing with the whole process. Updates were sent frequently via email to notify the progress of the visa application. Made it worry free!"

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South Africa

"Very happy with their services. They come highly recommended by us and are highly responsive and professional. Even though their fee is slightly more than others you will not regret and for those skeptical South Africans like us they are legit.. We have our VISA'S!!!"

Or

Israel

"We used the services of IMMagine for our permanent residency application, and April and Kane were fantastic and very supportive all through the process. They were always super quick to respond, and communication was effortless, which is extremly important in thsi proces. Our visa was unique and unusual, but April worked closely with my employer to receive all the needed information, and it was excepted.
I would highly recommend IMMagine services."

Viola

South Africa

"IMMagine supported us from day 1 with every submission, meticulously double checking all our documents. We received residency 16 days to the year since my arrival in NZ. IMMagine was on top of every announcement during COVID which allowed for a stress free and flawless application process. Thank you IMMagine, for making a dream come true."

Darmain

South Africa

"Immagine Immigration should no doubt be Your immigration company of choice , they dont sell You false promises and will never mislead You. I have used them and have never looked back . Kane Downs is indeed an awesome consultant and has been there for Myself and My Family every step of the way from start to finish for the last 7 years . A true Legend indeed who guided Us with honesty and integrity . Thanks Kane and Immagine Immigration , Highly Appreciated !!!"

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South Africa

"Very competent staff and very understanding of your conditions and needs. Thank you for a job well done over multiple applications."

Lauren

South Africa

"Excellent advice and outstanding service. The team at Immagine are fantastic and would highly recommend them to anyone needing their services."

FAQs

Browse our FAQs for Answers

No. The AEWV requires a confirmed full-time job offer from an employer with active accreditation and an approved Job Check. (Without a job offer, look at other NZ pathways.)

Need Help With Your NZ Work Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with NZ work visas. Contact us today!