New Zealand Green List Jobs 2025
New Zealand continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for skilled migrants. With its breathtaking landscapes, world-class healthcare, and high quality of life, it offers a dream life for thousands of international professionals. In 2025, New Zealand has updated and expanded its Green List, a critical component of its immigration strategy. The Green List provides a fast-tracked route to permanent residency (PR) for individuals with expertise in occupations that are in high demand in the country.
At Globexa Immigration, we break down what this list means, how you can benefit from it, and what steps you need to take to turn your New Zealand dream into reality.
1. What is the Green List?
The Green List is a curated list of occupations where New Zealand is experiencing a sustained skill shortage. It is designed to attract globally skilled talent by offering more accessible and faster residence pathways through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
There are two pathways under the Green List:
Tier 1 – Straight to Residence (STR): Skilled workers with a job offer in these roles can apply for PR immediately.
Tier 2 – Work to Residence (WTR): Workers must work in the role for 24 months before becoming eligible to apply for PR.
2. Green List Update: What’s New in 2025?
In 2025, Immigration New Zealand made significant updates to the Green List to reflect changing labor market needs. New additions include:
Aeronautical Engineers
Naval Architects
ICT Systems Administrators
Database Administrators
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
Corrections Officers
Additionally, Primary School Teachers were moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in March 2025, enabling them to apply for residency immediately upon receiving a qualifying job offer.
3. Why This Matters: Benefits of Green List Jobs
Fast PR Pathway: Unlike traditional work visa routes, Green List roles offer a direct or quicker route to New Zealand residency.
High Employability: These jobs are in shortage, making it easier to secure employment offers from accredited New Zealand employers.
Family Benefits: Your spouse or partner may qualify for an open work visa, and your children can study in New Zealand’s public school system.
Permanent Settlement: Once you obtain PR, you can enjoy social benefits, healthcare, and eventually apply for New Zealand citizenship.
4. Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a Green List pathway, you must:
Have a valid job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
Meet qualification and work experience requirements as per ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) codes.
Have your qualifications recognized in New Zealand (may require an IQAs assessment).
Fulfill English language proficiency, health, and character requirements.
5. Challenges and What You Should Know
While the Green List opens the door to faster immigration, there are a few challenges:
Securing a Job Offer: Most New Zealand employers prefer candidates already in NZ or with prior NZ experience.
Accredited Employers Only: You must be employed by a company accredited under the AEWV scheme.
Qualification Recognition: Some professions require registration or certification from New Zealand’s professional bodies (e.g., nurses must register with the Nursing Council).
Limited Job Openings: Despite the shortage, the number of vacancies is still limited compared to larger job markets.
6. How to Apply for Green List PR Pathways
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check Green List Eligibility
Visit the official Immigration NZ website or consult Globexa Immigration to verify if your job is on the list.
Step 2: Qualification Assessment
Use NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) or IQA to assess and recognize your qualifications if required.
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
Apply to accredited employers through job portals like Seek, TradeMe, or LinkedIn.
Step 4: Apply for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Once you get a job offer, apply for the AEWV through the New Zealand Immigration portal.
Step 5: Apply for Residency (if eligible)
Apply for Straight to Residence or Work to Residence after fulfilling the respective criteria.
7. Tips to Improve Your Chances
Tailor your CV and cover letter to New Zealand standards.
Highlight your ANZSCO-aligned experience.
Network with New Zealand recruiters and immigration consultants.
Keep all certifications, references, and documents ready and up to date.
Stay updated on Immigration NZ policy changes.
8. Why Choose Globexa Immigration?
At Globexa Immigration, we specialize in helping skilled professionals like you make the move to New Zealand with confidence. Whether it’s finding a job in a Green List occupation, preparing your visa documentation, or guiding you through the PR process—we’re with you every step of the way.
We provide:
Free eligibility assessments
Job offer assistance
Visa and IQA documentation help
Ongoing support after landing
Conclusion
The New Zealand Green List 2025 presents a golden opportunity for skilled workers who wish to move abroad with the added benefit of permanent residency. Whether you’re an IT professional, healthcare worker, teacher, or engineer, now is the time to take the first step.
Reach out to Globexa Immigration today for a free consultation and make your New Zealand dream come true!
