The Green List addresses skill shortages in New Zealand. It opens guaranteed residence pathways for migrants.
The Green List replaces all Skill Shortage Lists, also known as Essential Skills in Demand Lists: the Long Term Skill Shortage List, the Regional Skill Shortage List and the Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List.
If your role is listed on the Green List and you have the qualifications, registration or experience required, you may be able to get residence status immediately or after 2 years of working in New Zealand.
We can help you take full advantage of this opportunity and secure your long-term stay in New Zealand:
We will develop a visa strategy for you that suits your background and assist you with finding the job that matches the specific visa requirements.
To make New Zealand a highly desirable destination for skilled migrants, professionals on the Green List can now qualify for two different fast-track visa pathways: the Straight to Residence Visa or the Work to Residence Visa.
Your fast-track to residence in New Zealand
You might be eligible to apply for this visa if you currently work, or you have a job offer, from an accredited employer, and your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List in-demand.
The Straight to Residence Visa allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. Immigration New Zealand is projecting to process 80% of all Straight to Residence Visa applications within 5 months.
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To qualify for a Straight to Residence Visa
Gain residence in New Zealand after two years
You might be eligible to apply for this visa if you currently work for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer, and have worked in a Tier 2 Green List in-demand role for 24 months.
To qualify for a Work to Residence Visa
In any case: Whether your profession fulfills Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirements and opens a path to residence via a straight to residence visa or a work to residence visa, you will need a job in New Zealand that aligns with the specific requirements stipulated in the Green List.
This is the first question you need an answer to.
The Green List is constantly changing, with new roles added as skill shortages are identified and roles taken off as they are no longer relevant to fill gaps in the labour market.
Currently there are 205 roles on the Green List (status May 2024). To you, only the most up-to-date Green List will be of value.
Ask us to find out if your profession is on the Green List and what qualifications, registration or experience you will need to apply for these residence category visas.
We can tailor a visa strategy for you that will give you your best way forward towards securing your residence status and help you find the job that matches the specific visa requirements.