Planning to Study in New Zealand? Understand the Benefits of Green List Roles and Pathways to Residence

The Green List comprises occupations in high demand within the country, offering pathways to both residence and employment for skilled individuals. Prospective students considering New Zealand for their education should pay close attention to the Green List roles and the Straight to Residence and Work to Residence pathways. These avenues offer invaluable opportunities for a smooth transition into permanent residency and employment following graduation. Recent updates, effective April 2024, have refined the eligibility criteria, prioritizing individuals with relevant qualifications and work experience. For example, individuals such as Aviation Engineers, Naval Architects, ICT Database and Systems Administrators, Mechanical Engineering Technicians, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and Corrections Officers now have enhanced pathways to residency. The inclusion of these occupations broadens the scope for students to align their studies with in-demand roles, significantly increasing their prospects for long-term settlement and career advancement in New Zealand’s dynamic and diverse job market. By capitalizing on these pathways, students can not only secure employment but also lay a solid foundation for their future in New Zealand.

What is New Zealand’s Green List:

The Green List encompasses occupations classified into different tiers based on their demand and importance to the New Zealand economy. Tier 1 roles qualify for the Straight to Residence Visa, while Tier 2 roles are eligible for the Work to Residence Visa. These visas grant individuals the opportunity to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, along with the inclusion of family members in their visa applications.

Straight to Residence Visa:

The Straight to Residence Visa stands as a gateway to permanent residency in New Zealand for individuals holding or with job offers from accredited employers in Tier 1 roles on the Green List. This visa not only offers the prospect of an indefinite stay but also facilitates seamless integration into the vibrant Kiwi community. Let’s explore the essential components of the Straight to Residence Visa:

To qualify for the Straight to Residence Visa, applicants must meet several criteria, including:

1. Employment with an Accredited Employer: Applicants must be currently employed by or have a job offer from an accredited employer at the time of application.
2. Tier 1 Green List Role: The applicant’s role must be classified as Tier 1 on the Green List, indicating its high demand and significance to the New Zealand economy.
3. Age Requirement: Individuals aged 55 or younger are eligible to apply for this visa category.
4. Qualifications and Experience: Applicants must possess the necessary qualifications, registration, or experience specified for their role on the Green List.

Benefits of the Straight-to-Residence Visa:

Securing the Straight to Residence Visa opens doors to a plethora of benefits, including:

1. Indefinite Stay: Visa holders can reside in New Zealand indefinitely, fostering stability and long-term settlement opportunities.
2. Work and Study Rights: Visa holders have the freedom to work and study in New Zealand, empowering them to pursue career advancement and educational pursuits.
3. Family Inclusion: The visa allows for the inclusion of partners and dependent children aged 24 or younger in the application, fostering family unity and cohesion.

Work to Residence Visa:

For individuals seeking to transition from employment to residency in New Zealand, the Work to Residence Visa provides a viable pathway. This visa category caters to individuals currently employed or with job offers from accredited employers in Tier 2 roles on the Green List. Let’s delve deeper into the key aspects of the Work to Residence Visa:

Applicants must satisfy specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the Work to Residence Visa:

1. Employment with an Accredited Employer: Similar to the Straight to Residence Visa, applicants must be employed by or have a job offer from an accredited employer.
2. Tier 2 Green List Role: The applicant’s role must be classified as Tier 2 on the Green List, signifying its demand and importance to New Zealand’s labor market.
3. Age Requirement: Individuals aged 55 or younger are eligible to apply for this visa category.
4. Work Experience: Applicants must have worked in a Tier 2 Green List role for a minimum of 24 months, demonstrating their commitment and contribution to the New Zealand workforce.

Benefits of the Work-to-Residence Visa:

Securing the Work to Residence Visa offers a multitude of benefits, including:

1. Pathway to Residency: Visa holders can transition from employment to permanent residency in New Zealand, fostering stability and long-term settlement opportunities.
2. Employment Flexibility: The visa grants individuals the freedom to work for any employer in New Zealand, facilitating career advancement and exploration of diverse job opportunities.
3. Family Inclusion: Similar to the Straight to Residence Visa, the Work to Residence Visa allows for the inclusion of partners and dependent children, promoting family unity and cohesion.

Recent Changes to New Zealand’s Greenlist

The New Zealand Government has introduced modifications to the eligibility criteria for Transport Sector Work to Residence and Green List Straight to Residence visas, effective April 7, 2024. Bus and truck drivers who begin work under an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or an open work visa on or after this date will no longer qualify for the Transport Work to Residence visa. However, individuals with existing AEWV or approved applications, as well as those already working under open work visas, will retain eligibility for the Transport Work to Residence visa.

From April 2024, the Green List incorporated six new roles, encompassing nine ANZSCO occupations eligible for Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visas. These roles include Aviation Engineer, Naval Architect, ICT Database and Systems Administrator, Mechanical Engineering Technician, and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer for Straight to Residence visas, along with Corrections Officer for Work to Residence visas. However, previously announced roles like Paving Plant Operator, Metal Fabricator, and Pressure Welder, among others, will not be included in the Green List.

In addition, plans to integrate seven roles into the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement have been suspended. These roles consist of Driller’s Assistant, Earthmoving Labourer, Earthmoving Plant Operator (general), Linemarker, Machine Operators not elsewhere classified, Mechanic’s Assistant, and Road Traffic Controller.