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    • Green List Resident Visa

    A preferred pathway to residence through work

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    Is your job on the Green List?

    The Green List comprises of occupations that are in very high demand in New Zealand. The category provides employer-supported residence options for migrant workers and is one of the best ways to obtain New Zealand residence. A wide range of occupations are on the Green list, including health workers, veterinarians, engineers, ICT specialists, teachers, and certain trades occupations. The list is expected to see some updates over time but ultimately aims to make it easier to hire skilled migrants by offering a pathway to residence.

    Depending on the role you have secured from a NZ Accredited Employer, you will 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 yourself, your partner, and your dependent children (from the age of 16) are expected to meet a certain standard of English proficiency, at the time of applying for residence.

    You may include your partner and dependent child(ren) in your residence application. You and your partner must have lived in a genuine, stable relationship for at least 12 months, and children may be deemed dependent until the age of 24 inclusive (additional evidence of dependency may be required from the age of 20).

    Skilled Residence: 2 Tiers

    This category is divided into two tiers (Straight to Residence or Work to Residence) with different occupations in each tier. If you are paid at least twice the NZ median wage and work in NZ for 2 years, you may seek residence from work regardless of your occupation.

    Tier 1 Green List occupations: Straight to Residence

    If you secure a role from an Accredited Employer in one of the Tier 1 occupations of the Green List, you may be eligible to apply for fast-track residence. This Straight To Residency visa can be applied for from overseas, or from New Zealand.

    Certain occupations require that you meet a certain threshold in terms of qualification, or work experience, or salary.

    Tier 2 Green List occupations: Work to residence

    If you secure a role from an Accredited Employer in one of the Tier 2 occupations of the Green List, you may be eligible to apply for residence after 2 years working in this role, in New Zealand. This is a Work to Residence type of visa. Your experience can be counted from 29 September 2021.

    Certain occupations require that you meet a certain threshold in terms of qualification, or work experience, or salary.

    What if I am not eligible under this category?

    If you secure a role in New Zealand, but it is not on the Green List, and does not meet the high salary threshold, you may still be eligible to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category or Sector Agreement pathways.

    How long does it take to get a Green List Resident visa for New Zealand?

    Processing times may vary over time and depending on your circumstances, from a few weeks to a few months.

    What does this application cost?

    For 2024-2025, the advertised fee per family is NZ$6,450.

    Do I need a Licensed Immigration Adviser to help?

    Because the requirements under each Green list occupation are very specific, you need to ensure that all requirements are met. This is why it is essential to have your eligibility assessed by a licensed immigration advisor to ensure you can avoid costly disappointment wherever possible.

    What can go wrong on such applications?

    There is a long list of examples of how an application could fail. These could be tied to the NZ employer not meeting certain requirements, a discrepancy between the role offered and your profile or background, fine details leading you to not meeting the specific requirements of your applications, character or health concerns

    How New Zealand Shores can help

    We can provide a full eligibility assessment from your CV/Resume, to determine the chance of meeting the requirements. This assessment is done by a licensed immigration adviser.

    If you decide to engage with our full service, your personal adviser will manage everything required for the entire process, taking all the stress off your shoulders

    We may help you find a job in New Zealand

    We will apply for a visa on your behalf. Any temporary visa applications that may be required (such as work visas to allow you to start work while your Green List Residence application is being processed) are included in our pri

    Job search support.

    Advice on CV writing/modifying for the unique New Zealand market.

    Settlement advice and support – we know what life is like in NZ.

    Get Your Free New Zealand Visa Eligibility Assessment

    Problem with this form? Email us your enquiry directly!

    University of Waikato disclaimer

    I acknowledge that the University of Waikato is not, and will not be, liable for any costs, losses, damages, or liability incurred by me or any other party in connection with the services provided by New Zealand Shores limited.

    Furthermore, the University of Waikato makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of information and or services provided by New Zealand Shores Limited.