How Tier 1 of the Green List Makes Moving to New Zealand Easier
New Zealand continues to offer exciting opportunities for skilled professionals, particularly in sectors experiencing long-term skill shortages. The Green List provides a significant advantage for eligible migrants, offering a streamlined pathway to residence.
While some industries have slowed, demand remains strong for skilled professionals in Green List sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, education and IT. For those with the right skills, New Zealand still presents strong career prospects and an excellent quality of life.
What is the Green List and How Does it Work?
The Green List helps New Zealand employers fill skill shortages by making it easier to hire internationally. It also provides a clear pathway for skilled workers to build a long-term future in New Zealand.
The list is divided into two tiers, with Tier 1 occupations qualifying for immediate residency under the Straight to Residence Visa and Tier 2 providing a Work to Residence pathway.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) reviews and updates the Green List periodically, meaning new occupations may be added over time based on workforce needs. The latest addition to the list – Primary School Teachers – was added in February 2025.
Key Professions on Tier 1 of the Green List
The Green List highlights roles where demand remains strong despite broader economic challenges. Some of the key Tier 1 professions include:
• Healthcare Workers – General Practitioners (GPs), Radiologists, Dentists and Nurses are essential for supporting New Zealand’s growing and aging population, with shortages in both urban and regional areas.
• Engineers – Civil, Structural, Electrical and other engineering professionals are critical for New Zealand’s infrastructure projects, including transport, water management, and sustainable energy initiatives.
• IT Professionals – Software Engineers, IT Security Specialists, and IT Project Managers continue to be in demand as businesses expand digital services and strengthen their technological capabilities.
• Teachers – Primary School, Intermediate School and Secondary School teachers are in demand in many locations, and recruiting teachers remains a priority to ensure strong future workforce development.
You can find the full list of Green List roles on the INZ website.
Criteria for the Straight to Residence Visa
To be eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa, applicants must:
• Have a job offer (or current employment) with a New Zealand accredited employer, in a Tier 1 Green List occupation that pays at least the New Zealand median wage.
• Meet the requirements of the Green List for that role (which may be through occupational registration, a minimum salary threshold, specified qualifications or work experience, for example)
• Be 55 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Satisfy English language, health, and character requirements.
New Zealand’s Job Market: Challenges and Opportunities
Like many countries, New Zealand has faced economic challenges, leading to a more competitive job market in some sectors. However, demand remains strong for professionals in Tier 1 Green List occupations such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and education.
For those with the right skills, the Green List offers a distinct advantage – confirming their expertise is needed and providing a direct pathway to residency. That said, in a slower economy, perseverance remains an important part of the job search.
Why Now is a Good Time to Consider Moving to New Zealand
Despite a slower job market overall, New Zealand remains a highly attractive destination for skilled migrants. It’s known for its high quality of life, work-life balance, and welcoming communities. If your profession is on Tier 1 of the Green List, you can secure both employment and residency in one step, making the transition even easier.
The Green List is updated periodically and immigration policies evolve over time. If your skills are on the Green List, now is an ideal time to explore opportunities and secure your place in New Zealand’s workforce.
Take our Eligibility Assessment to start the process.
