Start researching a move to New Zealand and one term will come up again and again: the Green List. In a nutshell, it's the official list of occupations the New Zealand government has flagged as "we need these people now." Whether or not your job appears on it dramatically changes how far away residency is. This guide breaks down how the Green List works and how to make the most of it, based on the latest information as of 2026.
What Is the Green List? A Two-Tier Priority Roster
The Green List is organised into two tiers, and the occupations it covers are updated through Immigration New Zealand's operational manual (Appendix 13). Most recently, on 9 March 2026 the classification moved to the National Occupation List (NOL), which added 47 occupations at skill levels 1–3. The roles are concentrated in healthcare, construction, education, ICT, and the skilled trades — all areas where New Zealand faces chronic labour shortages.
What makes the list so important is that it isn't just a catalogue of jobs with lots of vacancies — it's a system directly tied to visa and residency advantages. If you work in a listed occupation and meet the requirements, you can apply for residency via a much shorter route than usual.
Keep in mind that the list isn't static — it's reviewed every year. In fact, on 9 March 2026, 47 occupations were added from the NOL (Occupation Shortage List). Don't rely on blog posts from a few years back; always check the current version of the list.
Tier 1 vs Tier 2: How Far Away Is Residency?
Green List occupations are split into two tiers — and the difference matters enormously.
| Tier | Pathway | When you can apply for residency |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Straight to Residence | Apply for residency right away, provided you meet the requirements |
| Tier 2 | Work to Residence | Apply for residency after working in New Zealand for 2 years |
Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) is essentially an express ticket — in some cases you can apply for residency before you even set foot in New Zealand. Nurses, teachers, and many engineering roles fall under Tier 1. If you've built a professional career in one of these fields, there's hardly a more powerful route into the country.
Tier 2 (Work to Residence) means arriving on a work visa first, then applying for residency after two years of employment. It takes longer than Tier 1, but it's still a far more predictable path than general skilled migration.
Key Fields: From Healthcare to "Digital"
Broken down by field, the listed occupations look roughly like this:
- Healthcare: Registered Nurses (RN) are the flagship Tier 1 occupation. Securing health workers is one of New Zealand's top priorities
- Education: Teachers are also on Tier 1
- Engineering: Many engineering roles qualify for Tier 1
- Construction and trades: A wide range of skilled trades supporting infrastructure development are listed
- ICT: Additions in 2026 include roles like Enterprise Architect and VR/AR Specialist
The expansion of the ICT category is especially worth noting. The addition of cutting-edge digital roles like VR/AR Specialist signals where New Zealand's immigration policy is heading.
Nurses face their own process, including registration transfer procedures — we cover this in detail in our complete guide to working as a nurse in New Zealand.
How to Check Whether Your Occupation Is Listed
Wondering "is my job on the list?" The only reliable answer comes from the official Immigration New Zealand website. Each Green List occupation has detailed qualification, experience, and registration requirements — a matching job title alone isn't always enough.
- Search for your occupation title on the official Green List page
- Check the qualification and work experience requirements for that occupation
- Some occupations require separate New Zealand professional registration (for example, Nursing Council registration for nurses)
Job titles in your home country don't always map one-to-one onto the English occupation classifications (ANZSCO), so when in doubt, go by what the official website says.
Wage Threshold: NZ$35.00 per Hour from 9 March 2026
Alongside the Green List, the wage threshold is worth knowing. The median wage threshold used in skilled migration categories is NZ$35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026 (as of August 2026). How this threshold applies varies by visa type, so check the official website for specifics — but "does the hourly rate in this job offer clear that line?" is a useful benchmark when weighing up openings.
The Green List is a living document that shifts every year. The 2026 revision stood out for its digital additions — Enterprise Architect, VR/AR Specialist, and the like. A country famous for sheep and sweeping landscapes is quietly repositioning itself as a destination for digital talent, too. Read the list's evolution and you can read the country's intentions.
See the Green List as One Route Among Many
The Green List is a powerful pathway, but it's still just one route. Depending on your age, work history, and finances, starting with a working holiday or student visa may be more realistic. For the full picture of your options, see our complete guide to moving to New Zealand.
If your occupation is on Tier 1, that might just be New Zealand's way of saying it's waiting for you. Start by checking the official list — it's the first step worth taking.
Fees and policies are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.