New Zealand Green List – Straight to Residence & Work to Residence for In-Demand Jobs
Immigration New Zealand's Green List of in-demand jobs gives a direct path to permanent residence. Tier 1 roles can apply for residence as soon as they have a job offer; primary and intermediate school teachers were moved to Tier 1 from 26 March 2025. Check your exact role on the official Green List before applying.
Who can apply
You need a job offer for a role on the Green List, plus the qualification, registration and pay rate that role requires. Tier 1 roles (Straight to Residence) can apply for residence right away, even from outside New Zealand. Tier 2 roles (Work to Residence) need 24 months of work in New Zealand on a work visa at the required wage first.
- Type
- Legal work route
- Organisation
- Immigration New Zealand
- Location
- New Zealand
- Field
- In-demand professions (e.g. teaching, health, engineering, construction trades)
- Level
- Professional
- Deadline
- Rolling (apply any time)
- Pay or funding
- No cost to check; visa fees are set by Immigration New Zealand. Employers or recruiters must not charge you for a job.
Apply on the official site (opens in a new tab) → Check eligibility & prepare my CV
You'll go to immigration.govt.nz. ✓ Checked by PathAbroad when listed. Applications confirmed open on the official page: 7 November 2026. Official link working: 8 November 2026. Always confirm the deadline and requirements on the official page before you apply.
Similar opportunities
- Legal Work Route Ongoing government pathway
BridgeUSA J-1 Teacher Exchange – Teach in US Primary and Secondary Schools (up to 3 years)
U.S. Department of State (BridgeUSA) · United States
Deadline: Rolling (apply any time)
- Legal Work Route Ongoing government pathway
Canada Express Entry – Category-Based Selection (Trade Occupations)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) · Canada
Deadline: Rolling (apply any time)
- Legal Work Route Ongoing government pathway
Canada Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) · Canada
Deadline: Rolling (apply any time)
- Legal Work Route Ongoing government pathway
Canada Express Entry 2026 – Priority Draws for French Speakers and Health-Care Workers (Permanent Residence)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) · Canada
Deadline: Rolling (apply any time)
- Legal Work Route Ongoing government pathway
Denmark Positive Lists – Work Permits for Shortage Occupations (updated 1 July 2026)
SIRI – Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration · Denmark
Deadline: Rolling (apply any time)
More: Legal work routes · Nursing & health · Teaching