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In 2025, New Zealand changed its immigration rules to bring in more skilled workers from other countries. These changes help fill job gaps in important areas and make it easier for foreign workers to stay in the country permanently.
The main part of this change is the Green List. It highlights jobs that are in high demand and important for New Zealand’s future growth. These jobs often have skill shortages, so they get special immigration benefits. In 2025, New Zealand added more jobs to the Green List, including roles in engineering, aviation, IT, and corrections.
One big benefit for qualified workers is the new fast-track to residency. If you work in a Green List job, you can now apply for a Straight to Residence Visa or a Work to Residence Visa. Both options help you get permanent residency faster than before. These new paths make immigration easier, give families more peace of mind, and make New Zealand more attractive to skilled workers around the world.
Understanding the Green List
New Zealand’s Green List is a special list of jobs that are important for the country’s economy, public services, and future skills. It helps guide skilled workers into jobs where there aren’t enough local workers.
The main goal of the Green List is to bring in skilled workers for jobs where there aren’t enough local experts or where more workers will be needed in the future. This helps New Zealand stay strong and competitive in important industries. The Green List has two categories:
Tier 1: Straight to Residence
This category includes important jobs that let qualified workers apply for permanent residency as soon as they get a job offer from an approved New Zealand employer. It is the fastest and most direct way to settle in the country.
Tier 2: Work to Residence
Jobs in this category require workers to stay in New Zealand and work for 24 months before they can apply for permanent residency. These roles are still important but don’t qualify for immediate residency.
For skilled migrants, the Green List presents several advantages:
- Clear immigration pathways are linked to specific occupations.
- Faster processing times for residency applications.
- Certainty and transparency in visa eligibility.
- Family inclusion allows spouses and dependent children to join under the same application.
- Access to permanent settlement, offering long-term stability and rights in New Zealand.
Visa Pathways Under the Green List
New Zealand’s Green List gives skilled workers two main ways to get residency: the Straight to Residence Visa and the Work to Residence Visa. Each option helps fill different job needs and gives qualified workers a clear and simple path to settle in the country.
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Straight to Residence Visa
The Straight to Residence Visa lets eligible people apply for permanent residency as soon as they get a job offer from an approved New Zealand employer. This option is for those whose job is listed under Tier 1 of the Green List.
Advantages
- No prior work or settlement period required.
- Fast-tracked route to residency.
- Inclusion of spouse and dependent children in the application.
- Access to public services and long-term work rights from the outset.
Who Qualifies and What to Prepare
To qualify, applicants must:
- Receive a genuine, full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
- Hold a qualification, registration, or experience level that matches ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) requirements for the listed role.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency if required by the role.
Candidates should prepare:
- Verified proof of qualifications or trade licenses.
- Evidence of relevant work experience.
- Supporting documents from the employer, including job offer details and accreditation confirmation.
Work to Residence Visa
The Work to Residence Visa is for people with jobs listed under Tier 2 of the Green List. To qualify for permanent residency, they must work in New Zealand for at least 24 months first.
Requirements and Conditions
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Secure a full-time role with an accredited employer in a Tier 2 occupation.
- Hold valid qualifications, registrations, or work experience aligned with the listed occupation.
- Meet income thresholds or job-specific requirements if applicable.
- Maintain good health and character status throughout the period.
Transition Timeline to Permanent Residency
- Applicants must work in the designated occupation for two consecutive years.
- After meeting the employment requirement, they may submit a residency application supported by updated documentation.
- The pathway ensures that skilled migrants who contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s workforce can secure long-term settlement.
New Jobs Added to the Green List in 2025
In April 2025, Immigration New Zealand made changes to the Green List by adding more jobs that qualify for fast-track residency. These new roles match the needs of growing industries and areas with ongoing skill shortages.
These new roles were added to attract skilled workers who can start helping New Zealand’s workforce and infrastructure right away. The jobs listed below are now part of the Green List and qualify for either the Straight to Residence or Work to Residence visa options.
Aeronautical Engineer (ANZSCO 233911)
Industry: Aviation and Aerospace
Visa Pathway: Straight to Residence
Aeronautical engineers design, develop, and maintain aircraft systems. As travel within New Zealand and abroad grows, the country’s aviation industry needs skilled professionals to improve safety, efficiency, and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
- A recognized engineering qualification.
- At least three years of relevant work experience.
- Employment offer from an accredited employer in the aviation industry.
Industry: Maritime and Shipbuilding
Visa Pathway: Work to Residence
Naval architects design and manage the building of ships and other marine vessels. As New Zealand continues to invest in ports and coastal trade, the need for skilled marine engineers is growing.
Eligibility Criteria
- Engineering degree in naval architecture or marine engineering.
- Experience in vessel design or structural analysis.
- Job offer aligned with New Zealand maritime projects.
ICT Systems Administrator / Database Administrator (ANZSCO 262111, 262113)
Industry: Information Technology
Visa Pathway: Straight to Residence
Digital infrastructure is important for both the public and private sectors. ICT Systems Administrators and Database Administrators manage and protect data systems. Their skills are needed more as everything becomes more digital.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recognized IT or computer science qualification.
- At least three years of relevant experience.
- Proven knowledge of system security, data integrity, and server management.
Mechanical Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312512)
Industry: Manufacturing and Industrial Design
Visa Pathway: Work to Residence
Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers with design, maintenance, and production. They play a significant role in the growth of New Zealand’s manufacturing and construction industries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Technical diploma or relevant certification.
- Demonstrated skills in machinery installation or repair.
- Valid job offer in the manufacturing, energy, or construction industries.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (ANZSCO 323111–323113)
Industry: Aviation Maintenance
Visa Pathway: Work to Residence
Aircraft maintenance engineers inspect, repair, and service planes to make sure they meet safety standards. Their skills keep planes ready to fly and ensure New Zealand’s aviation system follows regulations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Aviation maintenance certification or trade license.
- Several years of experience in aircraft servicing or mechanical repair.
- Offer of employment from a licensed aviation maintenance organization.
Corrections Officer (ANZSCO 442111)
Industry: Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Visa Pathway: Work to Residence
Corrections officers manage the care and rehabilitation of inmates in prisons. Their work is important for keeping the public safe and supporting New Zealand’s justice system.
Eligibility Criteria
- High school education minimum; specialized training may be required.
- Strong interpersonal and crisis management skills.
- Employment offer from the Department of Corrections or an authorized facility.
Eligibility Criteria for Green List Visas
To get a Green List visa in New Zealand, either Straight to Residence or Work to Residence, you must meet certain conditions. These rules make sure only skilled workers needed in the country are approved. Knowing these requirements is crucial to applying successfully.
Accredited Employer Job Offer
Applicants need a valid job offer from a New Zealand-accredited employer. An accredited employer meets government standards for fair work practices and is approved to hire migrant workers.
- The job offer must be full–time, genuine, and ongoing.
- The role offered must match a position listed on the Green List, either in Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Health and Character Requirements
To protect public health and safety, all visa applicants must satisfy New Zealand’s health and character standards:
- Complete a medical examination approved by Immigration New Zealand.
- Provide a police clearance certificate from countries lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
- Disclose any previous criminal convictions or immigration issues.
Qualifications Aligned with ANZSCO Standards
Applicants must hold relevant qualifications and experience that align with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code for their job.
- Educational qualifications must be recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) if earned overseas.
- Applicants must meet job-specific skill levels, including years of work experience, technical certifications, or professional licenses as defined by ANZSCO.
Minimum Income Thresholds (If Applicable)
For some roles, particularly those under the Work to Residence pathway, applicants may need to meet minimum income thresholds to prove the position meets skill-level expectations.
- The current income requirement may vary by occupation and visa type.
- In general, jobs must offer remuneration at or above the median wage, unless stated otherwise in the Green List description.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are family members included in the Green List visa?
Yes. Both visa types allow you to include your spouse or partner and dependent children in your residence application, provided they meet eligibility conditions.
Do I need to live in New Zealand before applying for residency?
Not for Tier 1 roles. If your role qualifies for the Straight to Residence Visa, you can apply for residency from offshore. However, for Tier 2 positions, you must work in New Zealand for two years before applying for permanent residency.
How can I confirm if my job qualifies under the Green List?
Refer to the official Green List published by Immigration New Zealand, which includes ANZSCO codes, required qualifications, and pathway types for each role. Ensure your occupation and credentials meet the listed criteria.
Can I switch from a Work to Residence visa to a Straight to Residence visa if my role becomes Tier 1?
Yes, if your occupation is reclassified under Tier 1 and you meet all other criteria, you may be able to apply directly for residence without waiting for 24 months.
Conclusion
Now is a great time to apply. Skilled workers are in high demand around the world, and New Zealand’s immigration rules are currently welcoming. Applying early gives you faster processing, more job options, and a better chance to settle in before any changes happen. To check if you qualify, review the Green List and visa requirements. For full and up-to-date details, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.
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