Planning to study in New Zealand and build a future here? Choosing a profession from the Green List could be your smartest move.
By studying for an in-demand role, you can become eligible for a residence visa much sooner than other migrants—sometimes immediately after securing a job offer. In many cases, you could apply for Permanent Residency (PR) just two years after graduation.
What Is the Green List?
New Zealand’s Green List includes occupations that are currently in high demand. These are jobs that the country needs urgently—such as healthcare, engineering, construction, teaching, and technology roles.
If your future career is on this list and you meet the qualification and experience requirements, you may be eligible for:
- A Straight to Residence Visa (Tier 1), or
- A Work to Residence Visa (Tier 2)
The difference between these two options depends on how urgently the role is needed and whether you need to work in the role for 24 months before applying for residency.
Why Choose a Green List Qualification?
If you plan to study in New Zealand, enrolling in a Green List-related course can offer significant benefits:
- Faster Residency: Green List graduates often move into residency pathways more quickly than those in non-priority roles.
- Clearer Requirements: Immigration instructions for Green List occupations are more specific and streamlined, helping to simplify the application process.
- Career Opportunities: These roles are in areas with strong and ongoing demand, which means better employment prospects and long-term job security.
Post-Study Work Rights
If you complete a qualification that aligns with a Green List role, you may also be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa, allowing you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years after graduation.
To qualify, you must:
- Complete a Level 7 degree or higher (such as a bachelor’s degree), or
- Complete a Level 7 non-degree or Level 4–6 qualification that is eligible for post-study work rights
The duration of your work visa depends on the length and level of your course.
What You’ll Need for Residency
To apply for residency through a Green List role, you must meet certain requirements:
- The job must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) and either permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months
- You must be 55 years old or younger
- You must meet the English language requirement:
- IELTS score of 6.5 or more (primary applicant)
- Partners and children must also meet minimum English levels
- IELTS score of 6.5 or more (primary applicant)
- You and any family members must meet health and character requirements
- For Tier 2 roles (Work to Residence), you must work in the role in New Zealand for 24 months before applying for PR
Start Planning Your Future
Studying a Green List profession is not just about education—it’s a direct pathway to residency and long-term opportunities in New Zealand.
If you’re ready to take the next step, our team at Visa Advisers is here to help. We’ve been through the process ourselves, and we’re committed to making your journey smoother and clearer from the start.
Let’s find the best pathway for you.