Green List Residence Pathways NZ (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Green List is INZ's list of high-demand occupations with faster routes to residence. It has two tiers: Tier 1 roles offer a straight-to-residence pathway (you can apply for residence directly with a qualifying job offer), while Tier 2 roles offer a work-to-residence pathway (work for a set period, then apply).
Many roles carry a pay floor tied to the median wage ($35.00/hour where indexed, from 9 March 2026), plus occupation-specific requirements like registration or qualifications. The Green List is updated regularly — occupations are added and removed — so whether your role qualifies, and on which tier, depends on the current list. Always check the live Green List on immigration.govt.nz before planning around it.
When does it apply?
- Your occupation is in high demand (e.g. health, engineering, trades, tech).
- You want a faster residence route than the general SMC.
- You have a qualifying job offer.
What to do to use a Green List pathway
- Check whether your role is on the current Green List and which tier.
- Confirm the pay and registration requirements for your occupation.
- Apply straight-to-residence (Tier 1) or via work-to-residence (Tier 2).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume your role is still listed — the Green List changes.
- Don't overlook registration requirements for regulated occupations.
About Immigration Pathways in New Zealand
The routes to living in New Zealand long-term run through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) under the Immigration Act 2009 and INZ's detailed immigration instructions, with citizenship under the Citizenship Act 1977. The common path is a work visa (most often the Accredited Employer Work Visa), then residence (Skilled Migrant Category or Green List), then citizenship. Many settings are tied to the median wage, which rose to $35.00/hour on 9 March 2026.
Immigration settings change frequently — always verify on immigration.govt.nz. INZ: 0508 558 855. Citizenship (DIA): 0800 22 51 51.
Common Questions
What is the green list residence pathways right in New Zealand?
The Green List is INZ's list of high-demand occupations with faster routes to residence. It has two tiers: Tier 1 roles offer a straight-to-residence pathway (you can apply for residence directly with a qualifying job offer), while Tier 2 roles offer a work-to-residence pathway (work for a set period, then apply).Many roles carry a pay floor tied to the median wage ($35.00/hour where indexed, from 9 March 2026), plus occupation-specific requirements like registration or qualifications. The Green List is updated regularly — occupations are added and removed — so whether your role qualifies, and...
When does it apply — green list residence pathways?
Your occupation is in high demand (e.g. health, engineering, trades, tech).You want a faster residence route than the general SMC.You have a qualifying job offer.
What is the Green List in New Zealand immigration?
Check whether your role is on the current Green List and which tier.Confirm the pay and registration requirements for your occupation.Apply straight-to-residence (Tier 1) or via work-to-residence (Tier 2).
What should you NOT do — green list residence pathways?
Don't assume your role is still listed — the Green List changes.Don't overlook registration requirements for regulated occupations.