What is New Zealand’s Green List?
Checked against official sources, October 2026
The Green List is Immigration New Zealand’s list of roles it needs workers for. If your role is listed and you have the required qualifications, registration or experience, you may be able to apply for residence: straight away for Tier 1 roles (Straight to Residence Visa), or after 2 years of working in New Zealand for Tier 2 roles (Work to Residence Visa).
Who this is for
Health professionals considering residence in New Zealand.
What the official guidance says
- The Green List shows whether a role is Tier 1, for a Straight to Residence Visa, or Tier 2, for a Work to Residence Visa, and what qualifications, registration or experience you need.
- Straight to Residence Visa: you must be 55 or younger, have or be offered a Green List Tier 1 job with an accredited employer, be in good health and of good character, and speak and understand English.
- Work to Residence Visa: you must be 55 or younger, have worked in New Zealand for 24 months in a Green List Tier 2 job (in the 30 months before you apply), have a job or offer with an accredited employer, and meet wage and other requirements.
- Both residence visas let you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely and include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger. After 2 years in a row on the visa you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
- Immigration New Zealand lists the cost of both from NZD 6,450.
- Qualifications listed on the Green List are based on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework unless stated otherwise.
What it does not mean
- Being on the Green List does not mean you can move without a job; both residence routes need an accredited employer.
- Green List eligibility often depends on New Zealand registration for health roles.
- Tier 2 is not immediate residence; it needs 24 months of work in New Zealand first.
What to do next
- 01Search the Green List for your role and note its tier and requirements.
- 02Start registration with your New Zealand regulator, such as the Nursing Council.
- 03Look for roles with accredited employers.
- 04Apply for the residence visa that matches your tier once you meet its conditions.
Questions
Are nurses on the Green List?
Search the Green List on immigration.govt.nz for your exact role; it shows the tier and the registration you need. Requirements are specific to each role.
Do I need a job offer for the Straight to Residence Visa?
Yes. You must have, or be offered, a Green List Tier 1 job with an accredited employer.
Official sources
- Immigration New Zealand: Green List roles
- Immigration New Zealand: Straight to Residence Visa
- Immigration New Zealand: Work to Residence Visa
Checked October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change, so confirm them on the official page before you act.
Plan the whole route, not just the visa
Migo’s New Zealand plans include checking whether your role is on the Green List and whether it has a residence pathway, confirming the employer is accredited, and your registration and practising certificate steps, each linked to the official page.
Related guides
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your own case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or lawyer.