Quick answer: New Zealand’s Green List names hard-to-fill occupations that can lead to residence. Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) roles, such as civil engineers, software engineers, registered nurses and medical laboratory scientists, can apply for residence without first working in New Zealand, once they have a qualifying job with an accredited employer. Tier 2 (Work to Residence) roles, such as electricians, plumbers, welders and early childhood teachers, need 24 months of work in New Zealand in the role before applying. Applicants must be 55 or younger, and fees start from about NZD 6,450.
New Zealand faces persistent shortages in healthcare, engineering, construction, teaching and technology. The Green List is the government’s answer: a clearly defined list of roles where skilled migrants get a predictable route to permanent settlement. Few countries offer residence on arrival for jobs like software engineering and nursing, which makes the Green List one of the most attractive programmes in the world for qualified professionals.
Green List at a Glance
| Tier 1: Straight to Residence | Tier 2: Work to Residence | |
|---|---|---|
| NZ work needed first | No | 24 months in the role, within the last 30 months |
| Job requirement | Full-time permanent, fixed-term of 12+ months, or contract of 6+ months, with an accredited employer | Current job or offer with an accredited employer, full-time, permanent or 12+ months |
| Age limit | 55 or younger | 55 or younger |
| Example occupations | Civil engineer, software engineer, registered nurse, medical lab scientist, quantity surveyor, primary teacher | Electrician, plumber, welder, excavator operator, early childhood teacher, dairy farmer |
| Typical processing | Usually within about 4 months | Varies |
| Fee | From about NZD 6,450 | From about NZD 6,450 |
Common Requirements for Both Tiers
- Your occupation must be on the Green List under the correct tier, and your job must genuinely match that occupation.
- Your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
- You must hold the qualification, registration or experience listed for the role. Nurses, teachers, doctors and many engineers need New Zealand registration.
- Your pay must meet the rate set for the role. Where no specific rate is listed, the benchmark is NZD 35.00 per hour, the median wage from 9 March 2026.
- Overseas qualifications may need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from NZQA.
- You must meet English, health and character requirements.
Tier 1 in Detail: Residence Without Waiting
Tier 1 is the headline benefit. A registered nurse or software engineer with a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer can apply for residence straight away, often while still overseas, and then move with residence already approved or underway. That gives you and your family security from day one: your partner can work, and children can attend school as residents.
Tier 2 in Detail: Work First, Then Settle
Tier 2 occupations are typically trades and some education and agriculture roles. You usually come on an Accredited Employer Work Visa, work in the role for 24 months at or above the required pay rate, and then apply for residence. Your pay must stay at the required level for the whole 24 months, so check payslips carefully.
Pay and the Median Wage
Many Green List roles have a specific pay requirement, and others refer to the median wage. Because the median wage was updated to NZD 35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026, offers made before that date may need adjusting. Always check the current rate for your exact occupation on Immigration New Zealand’s website before you accept.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Find your occupation on the Green List and confirm its tier and requirements.
- Start registration with the relevant New Zealand body (for example the Nursing Council or Engineering New Zealand) and get an IQA if needed.
- Find an accredited employer and secure a qualifying job offer at the required pay.
- Tier 1: apply for the Straight to Residence visa. Tier 2: apply for a work visa, then for residence after 24 months.
- Provide medical and police certificates and English evidence as requested.
The Fine Print
- Accreditation matters. An offer from an employer that is not accredited does not count.
- Job titles are not enough. Your actual duties must match the Green List occupation.
- The list changes. Occupations can move tiers or be removed. Check the current list before you start.
- Avoid paying for jobs. Charging migrants for job offers is illegal in New Zealand.
Is the Green List Worth It?
For Tier 1 professionals, it is one of the fastest residence routes available anywhere: secure a qualifying job and you can apply for residence immediately. Tier 2 takes longer but offers a reliable path for skilled tradespeople. Salaries in New Zealand are generally lower than in Australia, and housing in Auckland is expensive, so compare offers carefully. For many families, though, guaranteed residence and New Zealand’s lifestyle outweigh the pay difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2?
Tier 1 roles can apply for residence straight away with a qualifying job. Tier 2 roles need 24 months of work in New Zealand first.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be 55 or younger.
Are nurses on the Green List?
Yes. Registered nurses are listed under Tier 1, subject to New Zealand registration.
Do I need a job offer?
Yes. Both tiers need a qualifying job or offer from an accredited employer.
How much does it cost?
Residence application fees start from about NZD 6,450, plus costs for registration, medicals and police certificates.
Official source: Immigration New Zealand, Green List roles, at immigration.govt.nz. Check the current list and pay rates before applying. This site is not affiliated with the New Zealand government and never charges any fee for job information.