NZ Green List Expands: New Residency Pathways for Skilled Workers

New Zealand has expanded its Green List, offering faster residency pathways for high-demand skilled professionals and tradespeople. From 18 August 2025, ten new trade roles will be included in the Work to Residence category. Eligible workers can apply for residence after completing two years of work with an Accredited Employer.

Newly Added Green List Trades (Tier 2 – Work to Residence)

• Metal Fabricator
• Pressure Welder
• Welder
• Fitter (General)
• Fitter and Turner
• Fitter-Welder
• Metal Machinist (First Class)
• Panel Beater
• Vehicle Painter
• Paving Plant Operator

Tier 1 – Straight to Residence Roles

Apply for residency immediately once employed by an accredited employer:

• Construction & Business Services:
  External Auditor, Internal Auditor, Construction Project Manager, Project Builder, Quantity Surveyor, Surveyor
• Engineering & Telecommunications:
  Aerospace, Avionic, Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, and Environmental Engineers; Engineering Technicians; ICT & Network Engineers
• Health & Social Services:
  Medical specialists, Psychiatrists, Surgeons, Radiologists, Anaesthetists, Midwives, Enrolled Nurses, Audiologists, Psychologists, Physiotherapists
• Science, ICT & Education:
  Veterinarians, Food Technologists, Environmental Scientists, ICT Managers, Software Engineers, Cyber Security Specialists, Multimedia Specialists

Tier 2 – Work to Residence (Full List)

Apply for residence after 2 years of full-time work with an accredited employer:

• New Trades (listed above)
• Other Roles Include:
  Automotive Electrician, Diesel/Motor/Motorcycle Mechanic,
  Electrician, Plumber, Gasfitter, Drainlayer,
  Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Radiation Therapist, Sonographer, Occupational Therapist,
  Early Childhood and Secondary Teachers (with specialisations),
  Dairy Cattle Farm Managers,
  Construction Machine Operators (Excavator, Bulldozer, Grader, Loader, Earthmoving)

More info: Green List Occupations

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What You Need to Qualify
Applicants must meet wage, skills, health, character, English, and age requirements. The median wage thresholds will be updated in August 2025 as part of the annual review.

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If you work in one of these roles and want to explore your options, send me your CV for an assessment. I’ll provide feedback, and if there’s a good fit, we can meet to plan your next steps in New Zealand

Send to tate@employmentforimmigration.nz for a helpful response in 1-day.