What’s the Green List — and Could It Help You Move to New Zealand?

If you’ve been researching skilled migration to New Zealand, you might have come across something called the Green List.

At first glance, it might sound like an exclusive club or a confusing bureaucratic term. But here’s the plain-English version:

The Green List is a list of jobs New Zealand really needs more people for.
If your job is on the list — and you meet the requirements — it can make your visa pathway faster, clearer, and sometimes even lead straight to residency.

✳️ Note: Migrately NZ does not currently provide immigration advice. We’re preparing to launch soon, once our licensing is confirmed.

Let’s break it down.

🌱 Why the Green List Exists

New Zealand is dealing with critical skill shortages across several industries. Health, construction, engineering, teaching, IT, and agriculture are just a few areas where more workers are needed — not just casually, but urgently and long-term.

The Green List is designed to:

• Make it easier for migrants in high-demand roles to come to New Zealand
• Help employers fill skill gaps more quickly
• Give migrants more certainty about their long-term options, including permanent residency

🔍 There Are Two Green List Pathways

1. Straight to Residence
If your job is on this list and you meet the role requirements, you can apply for residency right away (no waiting period after your arrival). This includes roles like:

• Registered Nurses
• Civil Engineers
• Clinical Psychologists
• Secondary School Teachers (in some subjects)

2. Work to Residence
This path means you work in New Zealand for two years before becoming eligible to apply for residency. Roles include:

• Primary School Teachers
• Electricians
• Chefs (with certain qualifications)
• ICT Security Specialists

The full list is detailed and updated regularly — so it’s always a good idea to check the official Immigration NZ website or speak with a licensed adviser.

📋 You Still Have to Meet the Criteria

Being on the list doesn’t guarantee approval. You’ll still need to:

• Prove your qualifications and/or registration (some jobs require NZ-specific certification)
• Have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
• Meet health and character requirements

In some cases, work experience is required in addition to qualifications.

✅ Could You Qualify for the Green List Pathway?

Not sure if your job fits or whether you meet the requirements?
We’ve put together a plain-English checklist to help you think it through before taking your next step.

📥 Download the Green List Checklist (PDF)
(General guidance only — not immigration advice.)

🧭 Should You Apply Under the Green List?

If you:

• Work in a listed occupation
• Are qualified and experienced in your field
• Want to live and work in New Zealand long-term

… then yes — the Green List may be your fastest, clearest pathway. But the small print matters.

⚠️ About Advice

Migrately NZ is in the process of registering as a licensed immigration adviser.
We do not currently provide immigration advice — this article is for general information only. Once our licensing is approved, we’ll update this page and can support you properly and legally.

In the meantime, we recommend checking the latest official resources at immigration.govt.nz or speaking to a current licensed adviser listed on the IAA website.

✨ One Last Thought

This list is called “green” for a reason. It’s meant to signal go — for your skills, your plans, your next chapter.

We’re looking forward to helping people navigate that journey with clarity, kindness, and care — very soon.