What is the Green List?

In the wake of COVID restrictions that slowed immigration and increased demand for staff, the NZ government have created the green list. This is a list of highly skilled occupations which urgently need people from outside NZ to fill these roles, as these jobs cannot be filled from local talent.

It can be a confusing process understanding just what areas are included under the Green List, as well as finding your eligibility for them. That is why we are here to help! Our agents are experts in navigating the Green List, offering expert guidance and support to international students and migrants looking to seize the abundant opportunities presented by these in-demand professions. If you are ready to speak to an expert in New Zealand about the Green List, then contact us today!

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Benefits of Applying for Green List Occupations

There are several benefits to people applying for roles on the green list.

  • Applications for these roles are simplified and given priority in processing

  • People successful in applying for these roles can fast-track their permanent residency, either becoming eligible for work-to-residence or straight-to-residence

  • Tertiary education students can study for one of these roles, get post-study work rights on the basis on that, and potentially move straight to PR

  • Some roles have minimum salaries set to encourage high quality applicants

Green List Skilled Occupations

Skilled Occupation

NZ Green List Pathway

All registered nurses

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Anaesthetic technician

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Audiologist

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Assistant Dairy farm managers

Tier 2 - The Work to Residence Pathway

Medical imaging technologist

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Medical laboratory technician

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Medical radiation therapist

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Midwife

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Occupational therapist

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Podiatrist

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Automotive Electrician

Tier 2 - The Work to Residence Pathway

Sonographer

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Secondary school teachers

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Early Childhood (ECE) and Primary School Teacher

Tier 2 - The Work to Residence Pathway

Social worker

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Enrolled nurse (nursing assistant)

Tier 1 - The Straight-to-Residence Pathway

Green List Eligibility Criteria for Students

If you want to study in NZ towards a role that is on the green list, this makes you eligible for a post study work visa. This visa allows you to stay in NZ for a maximum of three years once you complete your degree (the length of stay varies according to course length).

In order to be eligible for this visa, you must have studied a degree at level seven or more, or a non-degree level seven or less and gained a qualification that is eligible for a post study work visa.

Your Pathway to PR with Green List in NZ

There are some general requirements you must meet in order to apply for green list roles.

  • The role must be on the tier one of the green list for a straight-to-residence visa, or on the tier two of the list for work-to-residence

  • You must be suitably qualified as outlined in the role requirements. This may include a minimum time already in employment

  • The role must be full time or at least 30 hours a week, and permanent/ at least a 12-month contract

  • You must be 55 years old or younger

  • You and all family aged 16 and over who will be accompanying you must meet the English language requirements

  • You, the visa holder, must have an IELTS overall score of 6.5 or more

  • Dependent children must have an IELTS overall score of 5.0 or more

  • Your spouse must have a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 or more or 4.0 or more in a minimum of two of the four skills

  • You and all family accompanying you must meet health and character requirements

  • On a work-to-residence visa, you must work for 24 months before applying for PR. If you meet all these requirements, you can start the application process.

How to Apply for a Green List Role

Work to residence visas are open for applications from September 2023, but straight to residence visas are operational now.

To apply for one, apply for a relevant job from an accredited employer. Once you have secured employment, you can apply for the visa online.

Once you’ve created and logged into your ‘RealMe’ account, you can start the application process. You’ll need to supply evidence that you meet the requirements. This includes:

  • IELTS test results

  • Proof of good health

  • Education qualifications and work experience

  • Offer of employment from an accredited employer

Once you’ve submitted all information, the fee will need to be paid (between NZ$4000 and $5000).

The NZ Immigration department will advise you if more documents are required. You can log into your RealMe account at any time to see the status of your visa application. Once it’s approved, you can start your journey to NZ.

Study in NZ for a Green List Role

Find out how IDP Education can help you find the qualification that launches you into your NZ PR. We can help you make your green list dreams come true, in the land of the long white cloud.

If you're ready to get started on your application process, speak with us today.