Immigration New Zealand has announced a number of changes to the Green List, which will take effect from 8 March 2027.
The changes follow the introduction of the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence pathways in August 2026. They are intended to reduce the overlap between the Green List and the new SMC options, making the different routes to residence clearer.
The changes will affect a number of occupations currently eligible for the Work to Residence pathway, as well as some special education teaching roles, Career Counsellors and Sterilisation Technicians.
Here’s an overview of what’s changing and what it could mean if you’re planning to work or apply for residence in New Zealand.
17 occupations to be removed from the Work to Residence pathway
From 8 March 2027, 17 occupations will be removed from the Tier 2 Green List Work to Residence pathway.
These occupations will instead be covered by the new Skilled Migrant Category pathways, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
13 occupations will be covered by the new Trades and Technician pathway:
- Building Associate (Building Construction Supervisor)
- Automotive Electrician
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
Four occupations will be covered by the Skilled Work Experience pathway:
- Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
- Telecommunications Technician
- Paving Plant Operator
- Pressure Welder
Although these occupations will no longer be eligible for residence through the Green List Work to Residence pathway, this does not mean that workers in these roles will no longer have a route to residence.
The new SMC pathways have their own requirements relating to qualifications, relevant work experience and pay. These differ from the existing Work to Residence requirements, so it is important to understand which pathway may apply to your circumstances.
You can read more about the new options in my guide to the Skilled Migrant Category changes.
Four special education teaching occupations to move to Straight to Residence
There is also some positive news for people working in special education.
From 8 March 2027, four special education teaching occupations will move from the Work to Residence pathway to the Straight to Residence pathway.
The affected occupations are:
- Special Needs Teacher
- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
- Teacher of the Sight Impaired
- Special Education Teachers not elsewhere classified
This means eligible people working in these occupations will be able to apply directly for residence without first completing two years of qualifying work in New Zealand.
The move brings these roles into line with comparable teaching occupations already included in the Straight to Residence pathway.
Applicants will still need to meet the specific Green List requirements for their occupation, as well as the general residence visa criteria.
Career Counsellors to be removed from the Green List
Career Counsellor will also be removed from the Tier 1 Green List roles for the Straight to Residence pathway from 8 March 2027.
This occupation was included when allied healthcare roles were added to the Green List, but Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that it does not align with the original intention of those additions.
This does not necessarily mean that Career Counsellors will no longer have any route to residence. The Skilled Migrant Category or another residence pathway may still be available, depending on the individual’s qualifications, employment and circumstances.
Changes to Green List eligibility for Sterilisation Technicians
The eligibility requirements for Sterilisation Technicians will also change.
From 8 March 2027, Green List eligibility will be limited to graduates who are registered members of the New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association.
This means that people currently working in, or considering moving to New Zealand for, this occupation should check the revised requirements carefully before relying on the Green List pathway.
Transitional arrangements for people already working in affected occupations
There are transitional arrangements for people who have already started working towards the existing Work to Residence requirements.
If you begin qualifying work experience in an affected occupation before 8 March 2027, you will be able to continue counting that experience towards the existing 24-month Work to Residence requirement.
Importantly, this includes qualifying work experience gained after 8 March 2027, even though your occupation will have been removed from the Green List.
You will still need to meet all the other requirements for the Work to Residence Visa.
If you are already working in one of the affected occupations, it is worth checking whether you qualify for these transitional arrangements and how the changes affect your plans.
What do the changes mean for employers recruiting migrants?
Employers will still be able to recruit overseas workers for the affected occupations through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), provided the relevant AEWV requirements are met.
However, once the occupations are removed from the Green List, they will no longer benefit from the Green List settings that currently apply to those roles.
This includes applicable exemptions from labour market testing and priority processing for Job Checks and AEWV applications.
Employers recruiting for these occupations will therefore need to consider the normal AEWV requirements and allow for the relevant recruitment and visa application processes.
You can find out more about the Accredited Employer Work Visa and its requirements.
What should you do if your occupation is affected?
The changes will not take effect until 8 March 2027, but it’s worth understanding the implications now if you’re planning to move to New Zealand or are already working there.
Depending on your occupation and circumstances, you may need to consider:
- Whether you can qualify for residence through the existing Work to Residence pathway before the changes take effect.
- Whether you will be covered by the transitional arrangements.
- Whether one of the new Skilled Migrant Category pathways could provide an alternative route to residence.
- Whether your qualifications, work experience and pay meet the requirements of the relevant pathway.
It’s important not to assume that a change to the Green List automatically means you will qualify for one of the new SMC pathways. Each has its own criteria, and the right option will depend on your individual circumstances.
Immigration New Zealand has also indicated that the Green List is expected to be reviewed again during 2027, so there may be further changes in the future.
You can read the full announcement on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Need help understanding your New Zealand residence options?
If your occupation is affected by these changes, or you’re considering moving to New Zealand and want to understand your options, I can help you assess which immigration pathways may be available to you.
As a UK-based Licensed New Zealand Immigration Adviser, I provide personalised advice on skilled work and residence visa applications, helping you understand the requirements and plan your next steps.
Start with my Skilled Worker Eligibility Assessment to find out how I can help.
