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BY: navigator
February 7, 2026 0 Comments

New Zealand is actively encouraging skilled workers to move, live, and work in the country. To support this, Immigration New Zealand maintains a Green List of in-demand occupations, divided into Tier 1 – Straight to Residence and Tier 2 – Work to Residence.

Being on the Green List can make a huge difference: Tier 1 roles allow eligible professionals to apply for residency immediately, while Tier 2 offers a pathway after two years of work in New Zealand. Choosing the right role, understanding the requirements, and planning your career accordingly can be your fastest route to permanent residency.

Tier 1: Straight to Residence – Immediate Pathway

What It Means:

If your occupation is on Tier 1, you may apply for New Zealand residency immediately, provided you meet qualifications, registrations, and experience requirements.

Key Benefits:
  • Apply for residency straight away
  • Work in New Zealand without restrictions
  • Priority for in-demand skilled sectors
Top Sectors & Example Roles:
Healthcare & Social Services:
  • Registered Nurses, Doctors, Midwives
  • Allied Health: Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Audiologists
  • Social Workers, Counsellors
Engineering & Construction:
  • Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineers
  • Structural Engineers, Production/Plant Engineers
  • Construction Project Managers, Surveyors
ICT & Technology:
  • Software Engineers, Software Developers, ICT Security Specialists
  • Database Administrators, System Analysts, Multimedia Specialists
Trades & Technical Roles:
  • Limited Tier 1 trades, mostly advanced engineering-related roles
Agriculture & Primary Industries:
  • Specialized roles in farming or food technology
Education:
  • Primary and Secondary Teachers in high-demand subjects

Note: Full Tier 1 list available on the Immigration NZ Green List page.


Tier 2: Work to Residence – Two-Year Pathway 

What It Means:
Tier 2 roles allow skilled professionals to work in New Zealand for 2 years with an accredited employer before applying for residency.

Key Benefits:

  • Gain local experience and points toward residency

  • Work in sectors with high demand but slightly lower immediate priority

  • Opportunity to move from regional to national roles

Top Sectors & Example Roles:

Healthcare & Education:

  • Social Workers, Enrolled Nurses, Early Childhood Teachers

  • Special Needs Teachers, School Principals

Construction & Trades:

  • Building Supervisors, Crane Operators, Electricians, Plumbers

  • Diesel Mechanics, Welders, Pressure Welders

ICT & Technology:

  • Telecommunications Technicians

Agriculture:

  • Dairy Farm Managers, Dairy Herd Managers

Civil Machinery Operators:

  • Backhoe, Bulldozer, Loader, Excavator Operators

Tip: Tier 2 roles require employment with accredited employers and meeting job/pay criteria.

Full Tier 2 list: Immigration NZ Green List – Tier 2

Sector Summary Table 

Sector

Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)

Tier 2 (Work to Residence)

Healthcare & Social Services

Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health

Social Workers, Enrolled Nurses, Special Needs Teachers

Engineering & Construction

Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers, Project Managers

Building Supervisors, Crane Operators, Surveyors

ICT & Technology

Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Developers

Telecom Technicians

Trades & Technical

Limited advanced trades

Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Diesel Mechanics

Agriculture

Specialized Food Technologists

Dairy Farm Managers

Education

Primary & Secondary Teachers

Early Childhood, Special Needs Teachers

Practical Guidance 

  • Check your occupation: Use the Green List search on the official NZ immigration site.

  • Understand eligibility: Tier 1 requires immediate qualifications, Tier 2 requires 2 years of work.

  • Plan location & employment: Regional roles often have lower competition and higher nomination chances.

  • Keep updated: The Green List changes regularly based on New Zealand’s workforce needs.

Conclusion 

The New Zealand Green List provides a clear path for skilled professionals to achieve permanent residency. Understanding Tier 1 and Tier 2 roles, aligning your skills with in-demand sectors, and planning your career can save time and maximize success. Whether you aim for immediate residency or a two-year pathway, the Green List is your roadmap to a future in New Zealand.

Call to Action: Visit Immigration New Zealand Green List to explore roles, eligibility, and next steps.

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