Are you interested in residing in New Zealand and possess a specific skillset? You might be eligible for the Green List Work Visa. This comprehensive guide provides insights into the application process and expectations.

As part of the government’s border reopening and immigration adjustments, the “Green List” has been introduced. This list comprises hard-to-fill, high-skill roles that offer a priority pathway to residency. Under this new fast-tracked ‘Straight to Residence’ pathway, individuals working in Green List occupations with a job offer from an accredited employer can come to New Zealand on a work visa and apply for residence if they meet the criteria. Residence applications can also be submitted directly from offshore.

What is the NZ Immigration Green List?

The Green List is a compilation of occupations eligible for a fast-track to residence or have access to a work-to-residence pathway. The list encompasses a variety of jobs, such as health workers, veterinarians, engineers, and ICT specialists. Some roles may require a minimum salary, linked to the median wage, with higher pay for certain positions.

The list also simplifies the hiring process for skilled migrants on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Accredited employers can hire migrants on an AEWV for roles on the Green List, and the job check can be completed without the need for advertising, provided the role pays at least twice the median wage.

The Green List features around hundreds of roles which are from construction, engineering, trades, health, and technology.

Note: Some occupations may require working in New Zealand for two years before applying for residence through the Work to Residence pathway. As of September 23rd, 2023, 17 new roles were added to the Green List, with eligibility starting in March 2024.

  To be eligible for a work visa through the Green List, international applicants must secure a job offer that aligns with the specified occupation’s description and requirements. Additionally, they must demonstrate that their overseas qualification meets the equivalent New Zealand qualification standard for their designated occupation.

It’s crucial to note that this process goes beyond merely matching job titles, as the Green List comprises a highly specific and narrowly defined set of occupations. Employers must hold accreditation to extend job offers to candidates.

The qualification criteria outlined on the Green List adhere to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), unless explicitly specified otherwise. To meet the framework’s requirements, candidates must undergo a New Zealand Qualifications Authority assessment of their qualification or possess a qualification listed as exempt from assessment.

Here’s how we can support

The Visawise NZ team is well-versed in aiding with visa applications on behalf of both employers and applicants. We conduct a thorough assessment of applicants’ qualifications to ascertain their alignment with the comparable New Zealand qualification standard for their specific occupation.

Our expertise allows us to provide guidance on the compliance of a job offer with requirements, including income thresholds. Additionally, we offer insights into Green List eligibility and its implications for the applicant’s partner. In cases where Green List eligibility isn’t met, we explore alternative visa options and provide valuable advice.