Work & Stay
Green List Straight to Residence
The Green List is Immigration New Zealand's list of roles the country is actively short on, and it comes with two different pathways depending on which tier your occupation sits in. Some roles lead straight to residence; others require two years of skilled work in New Zealand first.
Immigration rules change, always confirm before you rely on this
Visa categories, eligibility, points, and wage thresholds are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change with little notice. The details on this page were checked against official Immigration New Zealand sources in September 2026, but always confirm current requirements at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
Recently changed
Green List roles are reviewed periodically, and eligibility now also depends on meeting the same job authenticity standards INZ applies to the Accredited Employer Work Visa: your role needs to be genuine, ongoing, and based in New Zealand.
Key facts
- Tier 1 roles (e.g. general practitioners, structural engineers, construction project managers) go Straight to Residence, no prior NZ work experience required
- Tier 2 roles go through Work to Residence, requiring 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand first
- Both tiers require a genuine, full-time (30+ hours a week) job offer from an accredited employer
- You must meet the specific qualification, registration, and wage requirements listed for your occupation
- Roles must be permanent or on a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months
How it works
We check if your occupation is listed
We confirm whether your field sits on Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the current Green List, since the requirements and pathway differ significantly between the two.
We match you to a qualifying role
For Tier 1, this can mean applying directly once you have a job offer. For Tier 2, we help you plan the 24-month work period that leads to eligibility.
We prepare your residence application
Once you meet the requirements for your tier, we help you pull together the qualification, registration, and employment evidence Immigration New Zealand asks for.
Common questions
What's the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 on the Green List?
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Tier 1 roles let you apply for residence straight away once you have a genuine job offer. Tier 2 roles require 24 months of qualifying skilled work in New Zealand before you become eligible for residence.
Is my occupation likely to be on the Green List?
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It depends on current shortages, and the list is reviewed periodically. We check your specific occupation against the current list as part of your consultation.
Visa categories, eligibility, points, and wage thresholds are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change with little notice. The details on this page were checked against official Immigration New Zealand sources in September 2026, but always confirm current requirements at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
Not sure which pathway fits you?
Book a free consultation and we'll map out which pathway matches your qualification, occupation, and timeline.
Book a free consultation