Green List Occupations in New Zealand Guide

What the Green List is

The Green List is a list maintained by Immigration New Zealand of occupations identified as in demand in New Zealand. Roles on the list can be associated with more streamlined pathways to work and, in some cases, residence, compared with other roles.

This guide explains the concept in general terms. It is general information, not immigration advice. The occupations on the list, the conditions attached to each, and the pathways available are all defined by Immigration New Zealand and are reviewed and updated, so confirm the current details on the official source.

Why it matters for residence pathways

For some occupations on the Green List, there are designated pathways that can lead toward residence, which is why students and graduates often look at it when planning a career in New Zealand. The specific pathway, the requirements (such as qualifications, registration, or work experience), and any timeframes depend on the role and its category on the list.

Because these conditions are detailed and can change, do not assume a particular pathway applies to a role — check the official entry for that occupation on the Immigration New Zealand website.

• Some roles have streamlined work-to-residence or residence pathways
• Requirements (qualifications, registration, experience) vary by role
• Conditions and timeframes are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change

The list changes — we do not reproduce it

The set of occupations on the Green List is reviewed and updated by Immigration New Zealand, and roles can be added or removed. For that reason this guide deliberately does not reproduce the list of occupations or claim that any specific role is or is not on it.

The only reliable way to know whether an occupation is on the Green List today, and what pathway and conditions apply, is to check the current, official list on immigration.govt.nz.

• Occupations can be added or removed over time
• This guide does not list specific roles — the official list is the source of truth
• Always check the current Green List on the official website

How students and graduates use it

Prospective and current students sometimes research the Green List when considering which course or career direction to pursue in New Zealand, since some in-demand roles can offer clearer pathways. This can be one input into planning, alongside your own interests and the official entry requirements for a profession.

Keep in mind that being qualified for an occupation on the list does not by itself guarantee a visa or residence — each pathway has its own criteria that you must meet at the time you apply.

Where to verify the current list and pathways

Immigration New Zealand publishes and updates the Green List, including which occupations are on it, which pathway each belongs to, and the conditions for each. Because the list is reviewed periodically, an occupation's status can differ between reviews.

Before making study or career decisions based on the Green List, read the current list and pathway details on immigration.govt.nz and verify everything there. This guide is general information only and is not immigration advice.