What is the "Green List"? Is my profession on the list? How does this benefit me?

Okay, no problem. Let's talk in plain language about what this "Green List" is all about.

What is the "Green List"?

In simple terms, the "Green List" is a list of "in-demand occupations" identified by the New Zealand government.

You can think of it as a VIP fast track. New Zealand currently has a significant shortage of talent in certain sectors. To more quickly and easily attract people to work and live in New Zealand, the government created this list. If your profession happens to be on this list, then congratulations, you have a "priority pass" when applying for a work visa and immigration.

This list is mainly divided into two "tiers":

• Tier 1: "Straight to Residence pathway"
  • This is the top-tier VIP. Occupations on this list are considered "critically short" in New Zealand, such as some specialist doctors, engineers, and scientists.
• Tier 2: "Work to Residence pathway"
  • This is also a VIP path, but it requires working in New Zealand for a period to "prove yourself." Occupations on this list are in "long-term shortage" in New Zealand, such as registered nurses, teachers, electricians, and plumbers.

Is my profession on the list?

I cannot answer this question directly, as the occupation list is updated periodically, and the specific requirements are very detailed. The most reliable way is to check the official website yourself.

1. Check the Immigration New Zealand official website: This is the most authoritative source.
   • Official Link: Immigration New Zealand Green List Page
   • Once you open the link, you will see clear lists for Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) and Tier 2 (Work to Residence).
2. Carefully verify your occupation title and requirements:
   • Don't just check if the job title matches; also look at the specific requirements listed next to it (e.g., qualifications, salary, or whether an industry registration certificate is needed). Sometimes, for the same occupation, different requirements lead to different outcomes.

Here are a few examples (for reference only, please refer to the official website):

• Occupations likely in Tier 1: Construction Project Managers, various Engineers (civil, electrical, structural, etc.), various Specialist Doctors, Multimedia Specialists, IT Experts, etc.
• Occupations likely in Tier 2: Registered Nurses, Secondary School Teachers, Automotive Mechanics, Electricians, Diesel Mechanics, Chefs, etc.

How does this help me?

If your profession is on the list, the help can be enormous! This is basically a shortcut for you to immigrate to New Zealand.

If you are on the Tier 1 list (Straight to Residence pathway)

• Biggest Advantage: You don't even need to work in New Zealand first. As long as you have a job offer from an eligible New Zealand employer and meet all the requirements for your occupation on the list (e.g., qualifications, certifications), you can apply directly for a resident visa (PR)!
• Comparison: Other skilled migrant pathways (like the SMC Skilled Migrant Category points system) usually require you to accumulate work experience and calculate points, which is a much more complex process. Tier 1 bypasses these cumbersome steps.

If you are on the Tier 2 list (Work to Residence pathway)

• Clear Immigration Pathway: The advantage of this path is its clear goal. You first need to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer.
• After 2 years of work, as long as you have continuously worked in this Tier 2 occupation and met the salary and employment requirements, you can directly apply for a resident visa (PR).
• High Certainty: Unlike the points system, which has uncertainties, this path offers a high probability of obtaining PR after two years if you follow the steps diligently.

Also helps with Work Visa applications

Even if you are not considering immigration for now, if your profession is on the Green List, it is a huge advantage for applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Because when your employer applies for a work visa for you, they can skip some steps that prove "no local workers are available," making the entire process smoother and faster. Simply put, employers are more willing to hire people on the Green List.

Finally, a key point to remember

"Being on the list" is just the first step, not everything.

You must also meet all the specific requirements for your occupation on the list, such as:

• Qualifications and experience must meet New Zealand standards.
• If it's an occupation requiring industry registration (e.g., nurses, teachers, electricians), you must first obtain New Zealand professional registration.
• Most importantly, you typically need to first find an Accredited Employer in New Zealand and receive a job offer.

I hope these explanations help you! Good luck!