Green list “Straight to residence” applications open today

Straight-to-residence visas now open

A new, long-awaited residence pathway opens today. If you secure a role listed in the Green List under Tier 1 category, and you meet the requirements of the role, you may apply “Straight To Residence” under this category.

Depending on the role you have secured from a NZ Accredited Employer, you may have to meet a certain threshold in terms of qualification, or work experience, or salary.

You will also need to be aged under 56, and meet a certain standard of English proficiency.

You may include your partner and dependent child(ren) in your residence application.

Green list occupations

New Occupations added for ICT

The following roles were added to Tier 1 of the Green List and therefore now qualify for fast track residence, subject to securing a job under one of these occupations. An additional eligibility requirement for these particular occupations is also to be offered at least NZ$120,000 per annum.

• Analyst Programmer
• Developer Programmer
• Software Tester
• Software and Applications Programmers not elsewhere classified (nec).

What if my role is in Tier 2 instead of Tier 1?

You may apply for residence under the Green List, but Tier 2 occupations only qualify after working for 2 years in this position. Alternatively, you may also be eligible to seek residence under the Skilled Migrant Category, which is due to reopen late 2022.

How about everyone else?

If your role is not on the Green list, you may still be eligible to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, based on a skilled role in New Zealand.

Questions? Contact us!

Take our eligibility assessment