New Zealand Green List Occupations: Tier 1 & Tier 2
Information reviewed: 18 October 2026 | Refer to Immigration New Zealand for current requirements.
The Green List identifies New Zealand occupations that may provide a skilled residence pathway when the applicant meets the occupation-specific requirements.
Explore the eligibility requirements, evidence to prepare, application stages and related New Zealand visa options below. Individual circumstances and the latest government instructions determine the outcome.
Visa focusNew Zealand
Page typeEligibility guide
RequirementsVisa-specific
Last review18 Oct 2026
New Zealand Green List Occupations: overview
The Green List identifies New Zealand occupations that may provide a skilled residence pathway when the applicant meets the occupation-specific requirements.
This page deliberately links to the official live occupation search rather than reproducing a potentially outdated full occupation list.
Eligibility and important requirements
Review these key conditions before choosing this pathway:
Tier 1: Eligible Tier 1 occupations can lead to the Straight to Residence Visa.
Tier 2: Eligible Tier 2 occupations may lead to Work to Residence after the required qualifying New Zealand work.
Occupation matching: The job title, actual duties and occupational code must align with the listed role.
Additional requirements: Pay, qualifications, occupational registration and experience vary by occupation and may change.
Application process: step by step
Search the current list: Use the live Immigration New Zealand Green List occupation search.
Identify the correct tier: Confirm whether the specific occupation is Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Check role-specific criteria: Review the precise qualification, registration, experience and wage rules.
Choose a residence pathway: Compare Straight to Residence and Work to Residence requirements.
Documents and evidence checklist
Valid passport and identity details.
Documents supporting the particular eligibility requirements listed above.
Employment, qualification or relationship records, where relevant.
Medical, police, English language or financial evidence, where required.
Certified translations and additional supporting evidence, where applicable.
This is an initial checklist, not an exhaustive or universal list. The official application instructions take precedence.
Fees, processing times and visa conditions
Government fees, processing times and visa conditions can change. Confirm the current amounts and conditions on the official guidance for New Zealand Green List Occupations before applying. Other charges may apply for medical checks, translations, professional registration or qualification assessments.
Our team can help organise an initial eligibility screening, identify the relevant visa pathway, review document readiness and explain the next steps. Where regulated immigration advice is required, it must be provided by an appropriately licensed or exempt adviser.
Discuss your New Zealand visa options
Share your occupation, qualifications, intended visa and relevant supporting information.
