The Green List, a carefully curated compilation of roles, plays a pivotal role in the immigration landscape of New Zealand. It serves as a gateway for migrants, offering them the possibility of obtaining residency in the country. With residency comes the freedom to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and this opens up an array of opportunities for those who make the cut.
Straight to Residency and Work to Residency Pathways
Two major pathways to New Zealand residency are the Straight to Residence Visa and the Work to Residence Visa. These visas are highly sought-after among migrants due to their direct routes to permanent residency.
Straight to Residence Visa
The Straight to Residence Visa is designed for individuals who are already employed by an accredited employer in New Zealand and hold a job that falls under Tier 1 of the Green List. With this visa, applicants can live, work, and study in New Zealand, and even include their partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in their application. This pathway provides a streamlined process for those who meet the stringent requirements of the Green List.
Work to Residence Visa
The Work to Residence Visa is tailored for individuals who currently work for or have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. To be eligible, applicants must have worked in a Tier 2 Green List in-demand role for a minimum of 24 months. Like the Straight to Residence Visa, this pathway also offers the opportunity to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, along with the option to include family members in the application.
Expanding Opportunities: New Roles Added
In exciting news, the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has conducted a comprehensive review of the Green List and is set to add seventeen new roles to it. These roles, to be included from March 2024, will undoubtedly widen the horizons for aspiring migrants seeking a pathway to residency.
The newly added roles are a diverse mix, ranging from Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer) to Corrections Officer. This expansion reflects New Zealand’s commitment to attracting talent from various sectors and industries. With these roles making their way onto the Green List, individuals in these professions will have a golden opportunity to secure their future in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
What to Expect
While the specific requirements for each of these newly added roles have yet to be disclosed, one can reasonably anticipate that they will adhere to the established criteria for Green List roles. Typically, Green List roles demand qualifications, registration, or relevant experience, all of which are based on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), unless stated otherwise.
Given this pattern, prospective migrants in the new roles should be prepared to demonstrate their eligibility based on the industry standards and benchmarks applicable to their respective professions.
The expansion of the Green List in New Zealand marks a significant milestone for migrants and aspiring residents. The inclusion of seventeen diverse roles opens up fresh avenues for those who dream of making New Zealand their home. While the exact criteria for these roles are yet to be unveiled, the tried-and-true standards of the Green List provide a strong foundation upon which to build one’s eligibility.
As we look ahead to March 2024, aspiring migrants can prepare to seize these new opportunities and embark on a journey towards a brighter future in the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand. The Land of the Long White Cloud is extending its warm welcome to those who aspire to call it home.