New Zealand's "Green List" Expanded

Living and working in New Zealand has become even more enticing with the additions to New Zealand’s Green List announced by the Minister of Immigration and Transport in April 2023. The two tiers of the Green List offer either a Straight to Residence pathway, or a two-year Work to Residence pathway. The Minister declared a long-awaited move for all health roles on the Green List to come under Tier 1 – Straight to Residence, along with additions made to the health sector roles. Moreover, several trade roles, and the inclusion of eleven education roles were announced for Tier 2- Work to Residence. All new additions come into effect from 29 May 2023.

The requirements are yet to be announced for the additional health sector roles, however confirmed are the requirements for the education roles, needing registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand or a provisional practising certificate issued by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Noteworthy is that in order for migrants to gain teaching registration, they must have a qualification that is either exempt from assessment or gain an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). At current, gaining an IQA is a lengthy process, we advise that if you require an IQA, this should be applied for as soon as possible.

The trade roles that now have a Work to Residence pathway include:

  • Civil Construction Supervisors

  • Gasfitters

  • Drainlayers

  • Skilled Crane Operators

  • ·Skilled Civil Machine Operators; and

  • Skilled Motor Mechanics.

Requirements for these roles are either remuneration, registration, or qualification based (IQA may be required).

The additional health sector roles brings a new level of attraction for migrants to New Zealand with additions including Dental Professions, Paramedics, Counsellors (including Social Workers), Pharmacists, and other Medical Professions. Further immigration instructions for these roles are expected to be announced mid-May.

Those who have an occupation that is on the Green List, will be eligible to support a partner for an open work visa, subject to meeting the policy criteria. Their employer will also not be required to show proof of advertising the role which will expedite the timeframe for migration.

This announcement brings great relief for New Zealand businesses experiencing post pandemic labour shortages and delivers compelling opportunity to migrants looking to establish themselves in an admirable country.  

Lydia Walker