What is the New Zealand Green List for residence?

The New Zealand Green List (officially called the Residence from Work pathway) is an immigration policy that allows workers in high-demand occupations to apply for New Zealand residence, sometimes directly and quickly.

What is the Green List?:
A list of occupations that New Zealand urgently needs. Workers with a job offer in these roles can potentially gain residence faster or directly.

Two tiers:

Tier 1 (Straight to Residence):
Workers in these occupations with a job offer at or above the required salary can apply directly for residence without first getting a work visa:
- Medical doctors and specialists
- Nurses (registered)
- Engineers (specific types)
- ICT professionals (some)
- Teachers
- Midwives
Check the current list at immigration.govt.nz — it is updated periodically.

Tier 2 (Work to Residence):
A broader list of occupations. Work in New Zealand for 2 years in your role → become eligible to apply for residence.

Why it matters for graduates:
If you graduate from a New Zealand institution in a Green List field and get a job offer, you may be eligible for a fast-tracked residence pathway.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC):
The traditional residence pathway — earn points based on skilled employment, qualifications, age, and other factors. Points are assessed against other applicants in regular selection rounds.

Note: Green List and immigration rules change frequently — always check current INZ policy at immigration.govt.nz before planning around it.