New Zealand Green List Roles 2026: 9 Powerful Checks for a Successful Eligibility Assessment

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Finding a job in New Zealand is only one part of a successful immigration strategy. For skilled professionals, engineers, healthcare practitioners, construction specialists, technology experts and experienced employees, the right occupation may provide a more direct route to residence. Understanding New Zealand Green List roles 2026 is an important first step in identifying whether your qualifications, professional registration, salary and employment offer meet the applicable immigration requirements.

New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations for which the country has specific skilled-worker recruitment needs. Depending on the occupation and its tier, an eligible professional may qualify for residence through the Straight to Residence Visa or the Work to Residence Visa. However, having a relevant job title or years of experience does not automatically establish eligibility. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) applies occupation-specific requirements, and the offered job must meet the relevant employment conditions.

This guide explains how to check your occupation, understand Tier 1 and Tier 2 requirements, evaluate salary thresholds, verify employer accreditation and prepare your application. It also covers application fees, processing estimates, documentation, common mistakes and practical examples to help you decide which steps to take next.

1. Latest New Zealand Green List Updates for 2026

As of 14 October 2026, applicants should use the current Immigration New Zealand Green List and operational instructions rather than relying on older occupation lists, salary figures or immigration articles.

One important change in 2026 was the increase in New Zealand’s immigration median wage to NZD $35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026. This affected several immigration settings, including certain Green List wage requirements. Some occupations have their own specified remuneration thresholds, which may be substantially higher than the general median wage.

INZ also announced and published changes to the Skilled Migrant Category that took effect on 24 August 2026. These changes include updates to certain skilled-residence pathways and qualification evidence. The Skilled Migrant Category is a separate residence pathway from the Green List, so applicants should not assume that every Skilled Migrant Category change automatically changes Green List eligibility.

For Green List applicants, the key practical step is to check the current requirements attached to the exact occupation and visa pathway. An occupation may have a particular qualification requirement, professional registration condition, pay threshold or work-experience rule.

Use these official sources to verify the current position:

• Current Green List occupations and requirements
• Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual
• Official immigration policy announcements
• 2026 median wage and occupation updates

2. Understanding New Zealand Green List Roles 2026

The Green List is a government-maintained list of occupations for which New Zealand has identified specific skilled-worker needs. It connects eligible employment with defined residence pathways.

Rather than treating every listed occupation identically, INZ separates Green List roles into two tiers. The tier determines the relevant residence route and whether qualifying New Zealand work experience must generally be completed before the residence application.

Tier 1: Straight to Residence

Tier 1 includes occupations for which an eligible applicant may be able to apply for residence without first completing the two-year work period associated with Tier 2.

Depending on the current list, qualifying occupations may be found in areas such as healthcare, engineering, construction, education and information technology. The presence of an occupation within a broad industry does not mean every job in that industry qualifies.

For example, an engineering graduate with a job offer should check the exact occupation, required engineering qualification, any professional registration requirements and the offered salary. A job title containing the word “engineer” is not sufficient by itself.

Read the official Straight to Residence Visa requirements before choosing this pathway.

Tier 2: Work to Residence

Tier 2 is intended for eligible professionals who meet the occupation-specific rules and complete the required qualifying employment period in New Zealand.

Applicants generally need at least 24 months of qualifying work during the 30 months immediately before applying. The work must meet the relevant occupation, wage, employment and visa conditions. Working for two years in a related occupation does not automatically count if the actual role does not satisfy the Green List requirements.

Professionals should retain employment agreements, payslips, tax records, employer letters and evidence of any required registration. These records can help demonstrate that the work completed during the qualifying period meets the applicable conditions.

Read the official Work to Residence Visa requirements.

3. How to Check Occupation Eligibility Step by Step

The most important part of checking New Zealand Green List roles 2026 is matching your actual employment and professional credentials to the exact listed occupation.

Step 1: Identify your actual occupation

Start with the work you perform, not just your designation. Review your daily responsibilities, level of responsibility, technical duties, qualifications and professional experience.

For instance, a person working as a technology project manager may have different duties from a software engineer, systems administrator or ICT security specialist. These roles should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they belong to the same industry.

Step 2: Search the official Green List

Use the official Green List search page and look for your occupation. Check the occupation’s classification code where one is specified and confirm whether it belongs to Tier 1 or Tier 2.

Do not rely exclusively on a recruitment website, an overseas job advertisement or an outdated immigration blog. The official list and the applicable immigration instructions are the authoritative starting points.

Step 3: Read every occupation-specific requirement

Review the complete entry, including any conditions covering:

• Minimum qualification level and subject area.
• Professional registration or licensing.
• Required years of relevant work experience.
• Minimum hourly remuneration or an annual salary equivalent.
• Specific job duties, occupational classification and employment arrangements.
• Additional conditions that apply to a particular residence pathway.

Step 4: Compare your qualifications

Compare your degree, diploma or professional credential with the qualification stated in the Green List. A qualification in a related field is not automatically equivalent to the specified qualification.

Where required, check whether your overseas qualification needs an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Some qualifications may be exempt from assessment, so verify the applicable rules before paying for an assessment.

Official resource: NZQA overseas qualification recognition.

Step 5: Verify registration requirements

Some professions require registration with a New Zealand regulatory body before the applicant can meet the relevant Green List criteria. Registration may involve an assessment of qualifications, professional experience, competence, English language ability or other requirements.

Check the regulator’s official website to establish whether your overseas licence is recognised and whether additional steps are necessary. Do not assume that registration in India or another country automatically grants permission to practise in New Zealand.

Step 6: Review the salary and job offer

Check the minimum remuneration specified for the occupation. Then compare it with the proposed pay in the employment agreement, taking account of guaranteed hours and the relevant immigration rules.

Step 7: Confirm the residence pathway

Once the occupation and employment appear to qualify, review the requirements for the relevant residence visa. This includes age, English language, health, character, employment and family-member rules.

4. Core Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Professionals

Occupation eligibility is only one part of the residence assessment. Applicants must also satisfy the requirements of the specific visa they are applying for.

Age requirement

The principal applicant must generally be aged 55 or younger when applying for the Straight to Residence Visa or Work to Residence Visa. Check the current official visa instructions before applying, particularly if you are approaching the age limit.

Qualifications and professional skills

The qualification required depends on the listed occupation. Some roles specify a particular degree, subject area or qualification level. Others rely on registration, relevant work experience or remuneration conditions.

For regulated occupations, professional registration may be central to eligibility. For other occupations, INZ may assess whether the offered job genuinely matches the listed role based on its duties and responsibilities.

Relevant work experience

Work experience is not a universal substitute for a qualification or registration requirement. If the occupation specifies experience, ensure that your evidence demonstrates the relevant type and duration of work.

For Tier 2, qualifying New Zealand work experience is a separate requirement. Applicants should not assume that years spent working overseas can replace the prescribed New Zealand employment period.

English language

Applicants must meet the applicable English language requirements for the residence visa. Depending on the rules and the evidence available, acceptable evidence may include specified English-language tests or other recognised forms of evidence.

Check the current requirements before booking a test, because accepted evidence, exemptions and validity conditions may differ by applicant and pathway.

Official resource: Immigration New Zealand.

Health and character

Residence applicants must meet applicable health and character requirements. INZ may require medical examinations, chest X-rays, police certificates or further information depending on individual circumstances.

A listed occupation does not remove these requirements. Applicants should disclose relevant information accurately and follow the instructions associated with their application.

Partner and dependent children

Eligible applicants may be able to include their partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in the residence application, subject to the relevant relationship, dependency and visa requirements.

Prepare evidence of genuine relationships and dependency where required. Family members must also satisfy the conditions that apply to them.

5. New Zealand Green List Salary Requirements in 2026

Salary is an important factor in assessing New Zealand Green List roles 2026. However, there is no single salary figure that establishes eligibility for every occupation.

From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage increased to NZD $35.00 per hour. Some Green List roles have occupation-specific remuneration thresholds that exceed this figure. Other roles are subject to different conditions under the applicable immigration instructions.

How salary thresholds work

Depending on the occupation and pathway, the relevant rules may require the offered remuneration to be:

• At or above a specified hourly rate for the listed occupation.
• At or above the applicable median wage where the instructions use that threshold.
• At or above a particular occupation-specific rate throughout the qualifying work period.
• Higher for certain employment arrangements, where the Green List expressly specifies an additional condition.

The correct threshold must be confirmed from the occupation entry and current immigration instructions. Do not apply the NZD $35.00 median wage to an occupation that has a higher specified rate.

Converting hourly pay into an annual equivalent

For a straightforward full-time arrangement of 40 hours per week across 52 weeks, an hourly rate can be converted to an indicative annual amount using the following formula:

What if the offered salary is too low?

If the offer falls below the relevant occupation-specific threshold, the applicant may not qualify for that Green List residence pathway. A strong degree, extensive experience or a prestigious employer does not automatically overcome a mandatory salary requirement.

Possible next steps include asking the employer whether the remuneration can be reviewed, checking whether the role has been classified correctly, and reviewing other immigration pathways for which the applicant genuinely qualifies.

Do not inflate a salary figure, misrepresent employment terms or rely on a promise of future pay increases unless the applicable immigration instructions permit the arrangement and the evidence supports it.

Official source: Work to Residence wage-rate requirements.

6. Employer Requirements and Job Offer Conditions

A Green List occupation does not make every job offer acceptable for residence. INZ also examines the employer and the nature of the employment.

Accredited employer

The relevant employment generally must be with an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Accreditation must satisfy the conditions applying when the residence application is made or decided, as specified in the relevant instructions.

Check the employer’s status and make sure the legal entity named in the employment agreement matches the organisation offering the role. A recruiter, labour-hire business and the company where the work will be performed may be different entities.

Official resource: Employing migrants and employer accreditation.

Genuine employment

The job offer must be genuine and meet the relevant immigration definition of acceptable employment. It should accurately describe the position, responsibilities, remuneration, hours, duration and employment arrangements.

Applicants should be cautious about offers that require payment in exchange for a job, promise guaranteed residence or contain inconsistent employment terms. Immigration eligibility cannot legitimately be purchased through an employer or intermediary.

Full-time work

The relevant Green List employment rules generally require full-time employment. For the applicable Green List provisions, full-time work is defined as at least 30 guaranteed hours per week for every week worked.

Always confirm the exact conditions for the chosen pathway. A job advertised as full-time may still need closer review if the agreement contains variable hours, unpaid periods, uncertain duties or other unusual conditions.

Permanent and fixed-term employment

The applicable visa instructions set out acceptable employment arrangements, including relevant requirements for permanent positions and fixed-term roles. For Tier 1, the employment rules generally require permanent employment or a fixed term of at least 12 months from the time of application.

Contract-for-services arrangements may be acceptable only when the specific conditions for that occupation and pathway are met. Applicants should not assume that every freelance, consulting or independent-contractor arrangement is equivalent to standard employment.

Job duties must match the listed occupation

INZ may assess the actual duties of the role rather than relying only on the title in an offer letter. An employer cannot make an unrelated job eligible simply by using a Green List occupation name.

Before applying, compare the job description with the occupation’s responsibilities and classification. Ask the employer to clarify genuine duties where the description is too broad or ambiguous.

7. Is There a Quota or Annual Cap for Green List Residence?

The Green List residence pathways are not generally described as having a fixed annual occupation quota or a routine points-based invitation cap like certain other immigration systems. Eligible applicants can apply when they meet the requirements of the relevant visa.

However, this does not mean that approval is automatic or that immigration policy can never change. Applicants must meet all applicable requirements, and the government can amend immigration instructions or introduce changes through official announcements.

There may also be limits or different rules associated with other visa categories, employer accreditation, occupation-specific conditions or separate residence pathways. These should not be confused with an annual Green List quota.

8. Documents Required for a Green List Eligibility Assessment

Document requirements depend on your occupation, the visa pathway, your employment history and your personal circumstances. The following checklist is a useful starting point, but it is not a substitute for the document list and evidence rules attached to the current application.

Document preparation tips

• Make sure names and dates are consistent across passports, qualification documents and employment records.
• Provide accurate translations where documents are not in English and translations are required.
• Check whether your occupation requires an NZQA assessment or a separate professional registration process.
• Keep evidence of your actual duties, not just a generic experience certificate.
• For Tier 2, preserve records covering the qualifying New Zealand work period.
• Follow current instructions for police certificates, medical evidence, document certification and uploads.

Official document guidance: Immigration New Zealand visa application guidance.

9. Application Process: From Occupation Check to Residence

A structured process can help identify problems before an application is submitted. The exact sequence will depend on whether you are pursuing Tier 1 or Tier 2 and whether you already have a qualifying New Zealand job.

1. Identify your occupation. Compare your actual duties and professional background with the current official Green List.
2. Confirm the tier. Establish whether the role is Tier 1 or Tier 2 and identify the relevant residence visa.
3. Check your credentials. Review qualification equivalence, registration, experience and any other occupation-specific conditions.
4. Secure a qualifying job offer. Verify the employer’s accreditation, employment terms, job duties and salary.
5. Determine whether a work visa is needed. If you are overseas or need permission to work before residence, investigate the appropriate work visa and its requirements.
6. Complete any required New Zealand work period. Tier 2 applicants generally need 24 months of qualifying employment within the applicable 30-month period.
7. Prepare your evidence. Gather identity documents, qualifications, job records, registration evidence and any health, character or English-language documents required.
8. Submit the correct residence application. Apply online using the official visa application process and pay the required fee.
9. Respond to INZ requests. Provide additional information or documents within the specified deadline if requested.
10. Wait for a decision. Monitor communications from INZ and avoid making irreversible plans based solely on an application receipt.

Can you apply directly from overseas?

Eligible Tier 1 applicants may be able to apply for the Straight to Residence Visa from overseas if they meet the current visa requirements, including the relevant job or job-offer conditions.

Tier 2 applicants generally need to complete the prescribed qualifying work in New Zealand before applying for residence. This means they should plan for the appropriate work authorisation and ensure that the employment counts under the relevant instructions.

A work visa and a residence visa are different permissions. Eligibility for one does not automatically establish eligibility for the other.

10. Visa Fees and Processing Times in 2026

Application costs and processing times should be checked on the official visa page immediately before applying. Fees can change, and the total cost may include expenses beyond the residence visa application charge.

The figures above reflect the published information available for the Straight to Residence Visa and the published starting fee for Work to Residence. They should not be treated as guaranteed fees or decision times for every applicant.

Official pages:

• Straight to Residence: fee and processing information
• Work to Residence: fee and processing information

Additional expenses to consider

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for:

• Qualification assessment fees, if an assessment is required.
• Professional registration or licensing charges.
• English language testing, where applicable.
• Medical examinations and police certificates.
• Document translation and certification.
• Travel and relocation expenses.
• Professional immigration advice, if required.

What affects processing time?

Processing may depend on the completeness of the application, the complexity of the occupation assessment, verification of qualifications and employment, health and character checks, and whether INZ needs additional information.

Published processing statistics are estimates based on applications handled by INZ. They are not a promise that a particular case will be decided within that period.

Applicants should avoid submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents merely to apply sooner. A well-prepared application can reduce preventable requests for further evidence, although it cannot guarantee faster processing or approval.

11. Practical Examples of Green List Eligibility

The following scenarios illustrate how to approach an eligibility assessment. They are examples only, not individual immigration decisions.

Example 1: An engineer with a Tier 1 job offer

An engineer receives an offer from a New Zealand employer. The applicant has an engineering degree, several years of relevant experience and a salary that appears competitive.

What to check: Whether the exact engineering occupation appears on Tier 1, whether the degree matches the listed requirement, whether professional registration is required, whether the employer is accredited and whether the offer meets the applicable remuneration and employment conditions.

Possible outcome: If all relevant requirements are met, the applicant may be eligible to apply through the Straight to Residence pathway without first completing the Tier 2 two-year work period.

Example 2: An experienced professional in a Tier 2 occupation

A professional has worked overseas for eight years and receives a qualifying New Zealand job offer in a Tier 2 occupation.

What to check: Whether the occupation is currently listed, whether the applicant satisfies its qualifications and other conditions, and how to obtain the necessary work authorisation. The applicant must also plan to complete the qualifying New Zealand work period.

Possible outcome: Overseas experience may support the occupation’s requirements where relevant, but it does not automatically replace the 24 months of qualifying New Zealand employment generally required for Work to Residence.

Example 3: A software professional with a similar job title

A technology worker receives an offer with the title “Software Specialist”. The applicant has substantial experience but does not know whether the role corresponds to a listed occupation.

What to check: The actual responsibilities, occupational classification, required qualification, pay threshold and any experience conditions. Compare the detailed job description with the official entry.

Possible outcome: The applicant may qualify if the actual role matches a listed occupation and every requirement is met. A similar title alone is insufficient.

Example 4: A regulated healthcare professional

A healthcare practitioner holds a qualification and professional licence from another country and wants to move to New Zealand.

What to check: The exact Green List occupation, registration with the relevant New Zealand regulator, qualification recognition, English requirements where applicable, job offer conditions and remuneration.

Possible outcome: The professional may need to complete registration or assessment steps before being able to satisfy the relevant occupation criteria.

Example 5: A qualifying job offer below the required wage

A candidate finds an occupation on the Green List and receives an offer from an accredited employer. However, the offered salary is below the rate specified for the occupation.

What to check: Whether the correct occupation and salary rules have been applied, whether guaranteed hours have been calculated properly and whether the employer can genuinely revise the offer.

Possible outcome: If the applicable remuneration requirement is not met, the candidate may not qualify through that pathway, even if the occupation is listed.

12. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Checking only the job title

Solution: Compare your duties, occupational classification, qualifications and responsibilities with the complete Green List entry.

Mistake 2: Using an outdated salary threshold

Solution: Check the current occupation-specific remuneration rules and the latest immigration instructions. The NZD $35.00 median wage introduced on 9 March 2026 does not replace every higher occupation-specific threshold.

Mistake 3: Assuming every listed occupation provides direct residence

Solution: Confirm the tier. Tier 1 and Tier 2 have different residence pathways and work-experience requirements.

Mistake 4: Treating overseas work experience as a substitute for Tier 2 employment

Solution: Distinguish between experience used to meet an occupation’s criteria and the qualifying New Zealand work period required for Work to Residence.

Mistake 5: Ignoring professional registration

Solution: Contact the relevant New Zealand regulator and determine whether you need registration, a practising certificate or qualification recognition.

Mistake 6: Assuming employer accreditation is permanent

Solution: Verify accreditation and check that the employer and employment arrangement meet the applicable requirements at the relevant time.

Mistake 7: Submitting incomplete work evidence

Solution: Prepare detailed employer letters, job descriptions, payslips, employment agreements and other records that establish the work performed and remuneration received.

Mistake 8: Confusing a proposed policy change with current law

Solution: Check the publication date, commencement date and current operational instructions. A policy announcement does not necessarily mean a change is already in force.

Mistake 9: Assuming a Green List role guarantees approval

Solution: Treat the Green List as a pathway with specific eligibility requirements, not a guarantee. INZ must assess the application and supporting evidence.

13. Why Choose Mediterranean International Visa?

Planning an international move requires more than finding an occupation on a government list. You also need to understand how your professional background, job offer, salary, registration and employment history fit the applicable immigration requirements.

Mediterranean International Visa (MIVisa) helps prospective applicants organise their profile information, identify questions that need further verification and understand the next steps in their immigration planning. A structured assessment can help you identify missing documents, qualification-recognition issues and potential differences between your current role and the occupation you intend to pursue.

Immigration outcomes depend on the applicable law, the evidence submitted and the decision of the relevant authority. No assessment can guarantee a visa or residence approval.

14. Important Official Resources for 2026

Use government and regulator sources to verify eligibility before submitting an application. The following resources are particularly relevant to Green List applicants.

• Immigration New Zealand: Green List roles — occupation tiers and occupation-specific requirements.
• Straight to Residence Visa — Tier 1 residence eligibility, fees and processing information.
• Work to Residence Visa — Tier 2 residence eligibility and qualifying employment requirements.
• Work to Residence wage rates — applicable wage-rate rules and qualifying work periods.
• Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual — formal immigration instructions.
• New Zealand Qualifications Authority — overseas qualification recognition.
• Employment New Zealand — employment agreements, wages and workplace rights.
• Immigration policy news — official announcements and future commencement dates.

15. Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Green List Roles 2026

Conclusion: Check Your Green List Eligibility Before Applying

Understanding New Zealand Green List roles 2026 can help skilled professionals identify a potentially suitable route to residence, but the right pathway depends on more than an occupation’s name. Tier 1 and Tier 2 have different requirements, and applicants must verify the relevant qualifications, registration, salary, employer accreditation and employment conditions.

Start by checking the current official Green List. Compare your actual duties and credentials with the occupation entry, confirm the applicable remuneration threshold, and determine whether you need to complete qualifying employment in New Zealand before applying for residence.

Also verify the latest fees, processing estimates and immigration instructions. Policy announcements and historical salary figures should not replace the requirements in force when you apply.

If you need help organising your profile or identifying questions that require closer review, Mediterranean International Visa can help you understand the next steps in your immigration planning.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules, occupation lists, salary thresholds, fees and processing times can change. Always verify the current requirements with Immigration New Zealand and the relevant professional regulator before making an application.