Green List NZ
The Green List highlights in-demand jobs in New Zealand, making it easier for skilled workers to get visas and residency.
What is the Green List in New Zealand?
The Green List is a list of occupations in New Zealand that are considered critical and in high demand. It was introduced to make it easier for employers to fill skill shortages and to attract skilled workers from overseas. If your job is on the Green List, you may have access to faster and more straightforward visa or residency pathways.
There are two main categories:
- Straight to Residence – for jobs that qualify you to apply for residency immediately.
- Work to Residence – migrants must work in New Zealand in their eligible role for 2 years before they can apply for residence.
This system helps New Zealand meet skill needs while giving migrants a clearer route to live and work in the country.
Need help with your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.
Green List Requirements
To apply for a Work Visa in New Zealand, you’ll need to submit an application that generally includes the following details:
1
Job Must Be on the Green List
2
You must meet the specific qualification, registration, or work experience criteria listed for your occupation.3
A full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer is usually required.4
You must meet New Zealand’s standard health and character requirements for visas.5
Evidence of English proficiency may be required, depending on your visa type.6
Identity documents such as a valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, birth certificate.
After submission, Immigration New Zealand checks your documents, assesses eligibility, reviews health and character, then issues a visa decision or requests more info.
How IMMagine Can Help with Your Green List Application
Navigating New Zealand’s immigration system can feel complex, especially when applying under the Green List. IMMagine’s licensed immigration advisers make the process easier by:
- Assessing your eligibility – confirming if your skills and qualifications meet Green List requirements.
- Guiding your visa pathway – advising whether you qualify for Straight to Residence or Work to Residence.
- Preparing strong applications – ensuring your documents and evidence are complete and accurate.
- Supporting you end-to-end – from initial consultation through to visa approval and settlement advice.
With decades of experience, IMMagine helps skilled professionals take the right steps toward living and working in New Zealand with confidence.
Tier 1 Green List Occupations
Fast-Tracked Straight to Residence Pathway
Eligible Occupations:
Construction Project Manager
Project Builder
Quantity Surveyor
Surveyor
Chemical Engineer
Civil Engineering Technician
Civil Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Electrical Engineering Technician
Electronic Engineering Technician
Environmental Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Materials Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production or Plant Engineer
Structural Engineer
Engineering Professionals (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Telecommunications Engineers
Telecommunications Network Engineers
General Practitioner
Anaesthetist
Psychiatrist
Specialist Physicians (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Surgeons (including General, Cardiothoracic, Neurosurgeon, Orthopaedic, Otorhinolaryngologist, Urologist, and Vascular)
Other Medical Practitioners (including Dermatologist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Ophthalmologist, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist, and Radiation Oncologist)
Tier 2 Green List Occupations
Work to Residence Pathway
Eligible Occupations:
Resident Medical Officer
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Psychologists & Psychologists
Physicist (Medical)
Orthoptist
Veterinarian
Other Spatial Scientist
Environmental Research Scientist
Food Technologist
ICT Managers (salary threshold: $120,000)
Software Engineer (salary threshold: $120,000)
ICT Security Specialist (salary threshold: $120,000)
Multimedia Specialists (salary threshold: $95,000)
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.
Why IMMagine Immigration
35 years of experience in the migration industry
Fixed fees
Government registered/licensed migration agents with offices in Melbourne (Australia) and Auckland (New Zealand)
Success oriented fee structure with instalments paid on reaching milestones in the process.
Other Work Visa Types
Skilled Migrant Category Visa (SMC)
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa lets skilled workers gain New Zealand residency based on qualifications, experience, and job offers.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows migrants with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer to live and work in the country.
Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa lets young people (usually aged 18–30/35) travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, combining employment with tourism.
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa allows the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident to live and work in New Zealand while their relationship is ongoing.
Green List Pathways
Straight to Residence Pathway
The Straight to Residence Visa allows eligible skilled workers with a job offer in a Tier 1 Green List role to apply for New Zealand residency immediately.
Work to Residence Pathway
The Work to Residence Visa allows migrants with a job offer in a Tier 2 Green List role to work in New Zealand and become eligible for residency after 2 years.
Need Help With Your NZ Parent Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with parent visa applications. Contact us today!
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Student Visas, Partner Visas, and Work Visas.
