The Green List identifies occupations where New Zealand faces long-term, persistent skills shortages. For workers in these roles, the Green List offers accelerated pathways to residence—either directly upon arrival or after a short period of employment.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Green List occupations and how to leverage them for your immigration journey.
What is the Green List?
The Green List is Immigration New Zealand's official list of occupations experiencing genuine, ongoing skills shortages that cannot be filled by training New Zealanders in the short to medium term.
The list was introduced in 2022 as part of broader immigration reforms, replacing previous skill shortage lists with a clearer, more streamlined system.
Two Pathways
The Green List creates two residence pathways:
- Straight to Residence: Certain highly-sought occupations can apply for residence immediately upon obtaining an AEWV
- Work to Residence: Other shortage occupations qualify for residence after 2 years of employment
Straight to Residence Occupations
These occupations allow direct residence application without working in New Zealand first:
Healthcare
- Medical practitioners (specialists)
- Psychiatrists
- Anaesthetists
- Specialist physicians
- Surgeons
- Registered nurses (selected specialties)
- Midwives
Engineering
- Civil engineers
- Structural engineers
- Chemical engineers
- Electrical engineers
- Electronics engineers
- Geotechnical engineers
- Environmental engineers
ICT
- Software engineers
- ICT project managers
- ICT security specialists
- Multimedia specialists (selected)
Construction
- Construction project managers
- Quantity surveyors
- Surveyors
- Architects
Other Specialties
- Veterinarians
- Audiologists
- Medical laboratory scientists
- Clinical psychologists
Note: Specific qualifications and experience requirements apply to each occupation.
Work to Residence Occupations
These occupations qualify for residence after 2 years of skilled employment in New Zealand:
Healthcare
- Registered nurses (general)
- Medical imaging technologists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Pharmacy technicians
Trades
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Gasfitters
- Drainlayers
- Automotive electricians
- Motor mechanics
Technical
- Mechanical engineers
- Telecommunications engineers
- Agricultural scientists
- Food technologists
- Environmental scientists
Other
- Early childhood teachers
- Secondary school teachers
- Chefs (selected specializations)
- Heavy vehicle drivers (selected)
Requirements for Green List Pathway
AEWV Requirements
Even with Green List occupation, you still need:
- Job offer from accredited employer
- Approved Job Check for the role
- Meet health and character requirements
- Relevant qualifications and experience
- English language proficiency
Qualification Requirements
Most Green List occupations require:
- Specific qualification levels
- Recognized professional registration (where applicable)
- Qualifications assessed as equivalent to NZ standards
Registration Requirements
Many occupations require New Zealand professional registration:
- Nurses: Nursing Council of New Zealand
- Engineers: Engineering New Zealand (selected)
- Electricians: Electrical Workers Registration Board
- Others: Relevant professional bodies
Experience Requirements
Generally, you need:
- Experience at the appropriate level
- Recent experience in the occupation
- Documented employment history
How to Apply
Straight to Residence Process
- Obtain job offer from accredited employer
- Apply for AEWV (or apply for residence directly under one visa)
- Submit residence application with AEWV or simultaneously
- Await processing (typically faster for critical occupations)
Work to Residence Process
- Obtain job offer from accredited employer
- Apply for AEWV and work in role
- Complete 24 months of skilled employment
- Apply for residence through Skilled Migrant Category or direct pathway
- Await processing and decision
Advantages of Green List
Faster Processing
Green List applications often receive priority processing, reducing wait times compared to standard applications.
Clear Pathway
The Green List provides certainty—if your occupation qualifies, you know residence is achievable within a defined timeframe.
Family Inclusion
Partners can access open work visas, and children can access domestic education, while you work toward residence.
Lower Points Threshold
For Work to Residence pathway, Green List employment may provide points bonuses and reduce overall requirements.
Wage Requirements
Even for Green List occupations, pay must meet thresholds:
| Occupation Type | Minimum Pay |
|---|---|
| Most Green List roles | Median wage ($35.00/hour) |
| Some specialized roles | May have specific thresholds |
| Registered professionals | Generally above median |
Pay below thresholds may disqualify Green List benefits.
Checking If You Qualify
Occupation Match
Your actual role must match the Green List definition:
- Job title isn't sufficient—duties matter
- ANZSCO code must align
- Level of responsibility must match
Qualification Assessment
Have your qualifications assessed:
- NZQA for general qualifications
- Professional bodies for registered occupations
- Ensure equivalency to NZ requirements
Registration Pathways
For regulated occupations, understand:
- Registration requirements
- Assessment timelines
- Any bridging or provisional pathways
Common Issues
Occupation Mismatch
The most common problem: your actual role doesn't match the Green List definition.
Example: "Software engineer" is on the list, but "IT support technician" is not—even if your title says engineer.
Qualification Gaps
Your qualifications may not meet NZ equivalency standards. Address this through:
- Additional qualifications
- Professional development
- Registration assessments
Registration Delays
Professional registration can take months. Plan ahead and begin registration processes early.
Pay Below Threshold
If your offered pay is below median wage, Green List benefits may not apply.
Staying Updated
The Green List is reviewed and updated periodically. Stay informed about:
- Occupation additions and removals
- Requirement changes
- Policy updates
Immigration advisers can help you understand current requirements and plan accordingly.
Is your occupation on the Green List? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can assess your eligibility and guide you through the accelerated residence pathway.