Immigration New Zealand Launches Green List for Residency

Immigration New Zealand has published an official Green List that outlines occupations eligible for residency applications for skilled foreign workers. This resource allows individuals to search for their specific occupation to determine its qualification status for a residence visa.

The Green List operates on a two-tier system: Tier 1 roles qualify for a Straight to Residence Visa, enabling eligible workers to apply for permanent residency without prior work visa experience in New Zealand. Tier 2 roles require applicants to live and work in New Zealand for at least two years before they can apply for residency.

Each role has specific requirements, which may include formal qualifications, professional registration, or relevant work experience, assessed against the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. The Green List reflects sectors with genuine labor shortages, including agriculture, healthcare, and construction, encouraging international recruitment.

Individuals with qualifying roles are advised to review the full conditions before applying.