The Government introduced the Green List as part of the skilled residence category, and to provide pathways to New Zealand residence for people who have very specific and much-needed skills.
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The country's rapid development has brought with it a corresponding demand for skilled professionals. To address this issue and ensure that the best talent is attracted to the country, the government of New Zealand introduced the Green List. As part of the skilled residence category, this list provides a wide range of opportunities for people who possess highly specialized and in-demand skills. By doing so, the government aims to create a more diverse and dynamic economy that will benefit all New Zealanders. With the Green List, New Zealand remains committed to remaining a global leader in innovation and a hub for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.
​The NZ Green List currently consists of approximately 90 occupations, which are categorized into two tiers. The Tier 1 occupations primarily include construction managers, surveyors, engineers, medical specialists/doctors, scientists, multimedia specialists, and ICT roles. On the other hand, the Tier 2 occupations comprise of health professionals (such as nurses), specific teaching and trade roles, and dairy farm management roles.
 
New job categories are regularly added to the Green List. For example, from 10th October 2022, additional ICT roles were included in the Tier 1 category. Additionally, the government has declared that health care workers will be added to the Tier 2 list.
 
Individuals who are employed (or have received an offer of employment) in a Tier 1 role can apply directly for residence. Whereas, those employed in a Tier 2 occupation can apply for residence after working for at least two years in New Zealand (work-to-residence pathway).

Are you qualified for the Green List?

All Green List applicants must;
  1. Be aged under 56 years at the time the residence application is made
  2. Be of acceptable health and character
  3. Have employment (or an employment offer) which is:
  • genuine and for a minimum of 30 hours pw
  • for a permanent role or for a fixed term of at least 12 months or an acceptable contract for services
  • with an INZ accredited employer
  • a match to a Green List role and for which the applicant has the required credentials

In addition, anyone who is in a highly-paid role can also be eligible for work-to-residence. The threshold to be highly paid is calculated at 2 x the New Zealand median wage, which currently equates to $115,482 pa (increasing to $123,386 pa from 27 February 2023). The above listed criteria for Green List roles also applies apart from the requirement to have employment in a Green List role.​

Is there an English skill requirement?

To be eligible, all applicants are required to satisfy the English language requirement. One way to meet this requirement is for applicants to be citizens of Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the USA and have spent at least 5 years in work or education in any of these countries, as well as in New Zealand or Australia.

All other applicants must meet the English requirement by taking, and passing, one of the following English tests;

IELTS – General or Academic - with an overall score of 6.5 or more (NB: the Academic test can be taken online)
TOEFL Internet-based test – with an overall score of 79 or more
PTE Academic - with an overall score of 58 or more
Cambridge B2 First/First for Schools - overall score of 176 or more
OET – grade B or higher in all four skills

Partners and dependent children aged 16 and above must meet the lower English language requirement but this does not need to be included as part of the application lodgment. Residency applications can include partners and dependent children under 25 and fees vary depending on location. 

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