New Zealand’s Green List is the immigration authority’s register of occupations that face sustained skill shortages. To qualify for a residence visa, applicants must have a genuine, full‑time job offer from an accredited employer and meet the specific qualification, registration and pay thresholds set for their occupation.
How the two tiers work
| Tier | Pathway | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Straight to Residence – residence can be applied for as soon as the job offer is confirmed. | No minimum period of work in New Zealand; must satisfy the occupation‑specific pay rate (or the median‑wage floor). |
| Tier 2 | Work to Residence – residence after 24 months of qualifying work. | Must complete 24 months of full‑time work in the listed role, paid at or above the applicable threshold. |
Tier 1 occupations (Straight to Residence)
Typical sectors and examples:
- Health: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, General Practitioner, Specialist Medical Practitioner – requires registration with the relevant New Zealand health regulator.
- Engineering: Civil, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical Engineer – recognised engineering qualification plus Chartered Professional Engineer status or equivalent registration where required.
- Construction management: Construction Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor – relevant qualification or verified work experience.
- Technology: Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, ICT Security Specialist, ICT Project Manager, Systems Administrator – relevant qualification or three years of experience.
- Education: Primary, Secondary, Early Childhood Teacher – registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Most Tier 1 roles have a specific pay rate set by Immigration New Zealand. If a role lacks its own rate, the median‑wage floor of $35.00 / hour (effective 9 March 2026) applies.
Tier 2 occupations (Work to Residence after two years)
Typical sectors and examples:
- Trades: Electrician, Plumber, Builder/Carpenter, Welder, Fitter, Metal Fabricator, Panel Beater – trade certification or equivalent experience (ten additional trades added in 2025).
- Construction plant operation: Excavator Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Backhoe Operator – relevant licence or verified operating experience.
- Agriculture: Dairy Cattle Farmer, Agrichemical Spraying Operator, Deer Farmer – relevant qualification or verified farm work experience.
- Health and allied roles: Selected allied health and technician positions – registration or qualification specific to the role.
Applicants must retain payslips and time records for the full 24‑month period; Immigration New Zealand checks continuous compliance with the wage requirement.
Pay thresholds (effective 9 March 2026)
- Immigration median wage: $35.00 / hour (up from $33.56).
- Partner support – skill level 1‑3: $28.00 / hour (up from $26.85).
- Partner support – skill level 4‑5: $52.50 / hour (up from $50.34).
- Five‑year maximum stay (1.5 × median): $52.50 / hour.
- Advertising exemption (2 × median): $70.00 / hour – allows an accredited employer to skip the standard job‑advertising step for that role.
If an occupation has no specific rate, the $35.00 / hour median wage is the minimum. Offers below this floor will be rejected, regardless of occupation.
Partner support for Green List applicants
A principal applicant on a Green List work visa may bring a partner on a Partner of a Worker visa, provided the partner support threshold of $35.00 / hour (from 9 March 2026) is met. This is separate from the skill‑level‑based partner support rates used for other work‑visa categories.
Practical checklist for applicants
- Verify registration/qualification early; health and engineering roles often require months to obtain New Zealand registration.
- Secure written confirmation of the pay rate before finalising the offer; any amount below the applicable threshold will cause a pay‑ground refusal.
- Maintain complete payslips and work‑hour records for the entire 24‑month qualifying period (Tier 2).
- Confirm employer accreditation; an offer from a non‑accredited employer does not satisfy Green List requirements.
- Use the official Immigration New Zealand Green List roles tool to confirm the current tier and pay rate for a specific job title.
Frequently asked questions
-
What distinguishes Tier 1 from Tier 2?
Tier 1 offers immediate residence (Straight to Residence) once the job offer meets all criteria. Tier 2 requires 24 months of qualifying work before a Work to Residence application can be lodged. -
What is the minimum pay rate in 2026?
$35.00 / hour for occupations without a specific rate. Some roles have higher, occupation‑specific thresholds. -
Is an accredited employer mandatory?
Yes. All Green List pathways require a genuine, full‑time offer from an employer holding current Immigration New Zealand accreditation. -
Can I bring my partner?
Generally yes, on a Partner of a Worker visa, provided the principal applicant earns at least $35.00 / hour. -
What if my occupation lacks a set pay rate?
The median‑wage floor of $35.00 / hour applies; offers below this will be declined. -
How long does Tier 2 residency take?
After completing 24 months of qualifying full‑time work at the required wage, a Work to Residence application can be submitted. -
Is the Green List the same as ANZSCO?
No. The Green List is a curated register of in‑demand occupations. From 9 March 2026, New Zealand’s broader occupation classification shifted from ANZSCO to the National Occupation List, adding 47 new occupations at skill levels 1‑3. This change affects coding but does not alter which roles appear on the Green List.
Source article: www.newzealandshores.com
