Last updated: October 2026
Skilled professionals considering New Zealand often want to know which jobs may provide a clearer route toward residence.
New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations where the country needs skilled workers. Depending on the role and the applicant’s qualifications, an eligible worker may have access to a Straight to Residence or Work to Residence pathway.
This does not mean that everyone with a Green List occupation automatically receives residence. Applicants still need to meet the specific occupation, qualification, registration, employment and immigration requirements.
What Is the New Zealand Green List?
The Green List is an official list of occupations considered important to New Zealand’s labour market.
The list includes specific requirements for each occupation, such as professional registration, qualifications, salary or experience.
Tier 1: Straight to Residence
Some Green List occupations are classified in Tier 1.
Eligible workers in Tier 1 roles may be able to apply for a Straight to Residence Visa if they meet the immigration requirements and have qualifying employment or a job offer.
The exact rules depend on the occupation, so applicants should not rely only on a job title.
Tier 2: Work to Residence
Tier 2 roles generally require the applicant to work in qualifying New Zealand employment for a specified period before becoming eligible for the relevant residence route.
Current official guidance describes this as a pathway that can allow eligible workers to seek residence after working in New Zealand for the required period, commonly two years for qualifying Tier 2 roles.
Examples of Green List Career Areas
The occupations on the Green List can change, but the list has included skilled roles in areas such as:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Information technology
- Construction
- Education
- Science
- Specialist trades
Applicants should search the official list for the exact occupation rather than assuming every job in a broad sector qualifies.
Healthcare Opportunities
New Zealand has historically included a range of regulated healthcare occupations on skilled residence pathways.
Foreign-trained health professionals may need registration with the appropriate New Zealand authority before qualifying for the role or residence pathway.
Engineering and Technical Roles
Professional and technical occupations can appear on the Green List where New Zealand has identified shortages.
Qualification recognition can matter, particularly where the occupation requires a specific engineering degree, professional registration or experience level.
Information Technology Roles
Technology professionals should check the official Green List for the precise occupation and current requirements.
Job titles used by companies do not always match immigration occupation classifications, so applicants should compare the actual duties and occupation code.
Do You Need a Job Offer?
Green List residence routes generally depend on qualifying employment or a qualifying job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
A worker should therefore verify both the employer and the specific occupation requirements.
Does Being on the Green List Guarantee Residence?
No.
You may still need to satisfy:
- Age requirements
- Health and character requirements
- Qualification or registration requirements
- Employment and pay requirements
- English-language requirements where applicable
- Other visa conditions
How to Use the Green List in Your Job Search
Start with your real qualifications and experience.
Search the official Green List to see whether your occupation is listed, identify the exact requirements and then target accredited employers recruiting for roles that match your profile.
Avoid changing your career only because an online article labels a job “easy residence.”
Green List vs AEWV
The Green List is related to skilled residence pathways, while the Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary work visa route.
A person can work in New Zealand on an AEWV and, if the occupation and other conditions qualify, may later use an eligible residence pathway. The two processes are not automatically the same.
Official Sources
Final Thoughts
The Green List is useful because it helps skilled workers identify occupations linked to New Zealand’s residence priorities.
Always check the exact role, tier and qualification requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand website before accepting a job or paying relocation costs.
Disclaimer: Green List occupations and residence requirements can change. This article is informational and does not guarantee employment or residence.
