Green List Residence
Residence for people in in-demand Green List jobs with an accredited employer. Tier 1 roles can apply straight away, Tier 2 roles after 24 months of work in New Zealand.
.png)
The Green List is New Zealand's list of in-demand jobs, split into two tiers. If your job is on Tier 1, you can apply for the Straight to Residence Visa as soon as you have a qualifying job or job offer with an accredited employer. If your job is on Tier 2, you can apply for the Work to Residence Visa once you've worked in that job in New Zealand for 24 months within the 30 months before you apply.
Both visas require you to be 55 or younger, speak and understand English, and meet the Green List requirements for your job, such as registration, qualifications and pay. The job must be full-time and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months. For Straight to Residence, you must be paid at least the rate listed for your role, or the median wage rate INZ sets if no rate is listed.
Immigration New Zealand sets its application fees, levies and processing times and updates them regularly, so we don't quote them here. Check the current cost and decision time for your situation with INZ's Fees, decision times and where to apply tool, and see the full requirements on INZ's Green List pathway page.
Since 24 August 2026, Work to Residence applicants only need to keep meeting the wage rate that applied when they started counting their work experience, rather than a higher rate at the time they apply. Concord helps you confirm your Green List tier, check registration and qualification assessments, and plan the fastest route to residence. New Zealand matters are handled by Sejoo Han, Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA licence 202400274).
Who is it for?
This pathway suits experienced professionals in roles New Zealand needs, such as health, engineering, construction, ICT and teaching roles on the Green List. If your job is Tier 1, you can apply from inside or outside New Zealand. If it's Tier 2, you'll typically work on an AEWV first and build up your 24 months.
It's a strong choice if you want certainty: there's no points selection, so if you meet the requirements, you can apply. You'll need a job with an accredited employer, any required registration, and an International Qualification Assessment where your overseas qualification needs one.
What are the requirements
Green List job with accredited employer
You must work for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Green List role.
Pay and job terms
The job must be full-time, permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months, and meet the Green List pay rate for your role.
Age and English
You must be 55 or younger when you apply and speak and understand English. Family aged 16+ can meet English requirements or pay for lessons.
Tier 2 work experience
For Work to Residence, you need 24 months of work in a Tier 2 Green List job in New Zealand within the 30 months before applying.
Visa Timeline
Concord Processing Time
Premium Processing Time
Standard Processing Time
Concord checks your role against the Green List, including registration, qualification and pay requirements.
Varies
Get a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer. Tier 2 applicants then complete 24 months of work in New Zealand.
Tier 2: 24 months
Gather English evidence, employment and pay records, police certificates and medicals, then apply online.
Varies
Immigration New Zealand assesses your application and issues your resident visa.
Varies
Depends on INZ processing
The Concord difference:
Begin your visa journey with Concord
Start your visa journey today
