Skilled Resident Pathway - Green List

​INZ has previously announced the “Green List” or the occupations that included over 85 hard-to-fill roles that are poised to attract and retain highly-skilled migrant workers to fill skill shortages in New Zealand.
​Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now released details on how highly-skilled migrant workers, including those with occupations on the Green List, can apply for residence. There are three new residence pathways, as below:
Please note that applicants must also meet the below requirements:
  • They must be under 56 years old on the date of application;
  • English language score equivalent to IELTS overall score of 6.5; and
  • Standard health and character requirements for residency must be met.

Outside these three new policies, there is no pathway to residence for other migrant workers yet as the (main) Skilled Migrant Category remains suspended. The Tier 2 and Highly Paid residence pathways replace the previous Talent (Accredited Employer) Residence from Work Category (Talent Visa). The applicant must now meet the minimum standard of English - IELTS overall score of 6.5 - to be eligible for residence.

Resident Visa Assessment Service