Quick Path to New Zealand Residency: New Green List Occupations for 2025

New Zealand has updated its Green List for 2025, introducing in-demand jobs that offer fast-track residency options. This is an ideal moment to pursue your dream of living and working in New Zealand. The recent changes allow qualified professionals to apply for a Straight to Residence visa without delays.

Whether you are an aeronautical engineer or an ICT systems administrator, these updates aim to attract global talent for roles crucial to New Zealand’s economy.

Overview: New Zealand’s Green List

The Green List includes occupations that are either in long-term skill shortage or essential to national infrastructure. Workers in these roles enjoy streamlined visa pathways, often leading directly to residency. There are two primary visa options under the Green List:

• Straight to Residence Visa: Apply for residency as soon as you receive a job offer.
• Work to Residence Visa: Work in New Zealand for two years before applying for permanent residency.

These pathways are part of New Zealand’s strategy to attract skilled professionals and address workforce shortages in key industries.

Green List Jobs Added in 2025

New Zealand has expanded its Green List, adding several high-demand roles eligible for the Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visa pathways:

• Aeronautical Engineer (ANZSCO Code: 233911)
• Naval Architect (ANZSCO Code: 233916)
• ICT Systems/DB Administrator (ANZSCO Codes: 262111, 262113)
• Mechanical Engineering Technician (ANZSCO Code: 312512)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (ANZSCO Codes: 323111–323113)
• Corrections Officer (ANZSCO Code: 442111)

Straight to Residence Visa

The Straight to Residence Visa allows skilled workers to apply for residency immediately after securing a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

Key Benefits:

• No need to live or work in New Zealand before applying for residency.
• Family members can be included in the visa application.
• Faster processing and settlement opportunities.

Basic Requirements:

• Meet health and character requirements.
• Obtain a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
• The role must be on the Green List (Tier 1).
• Relevant qualifications or experience must align with ANZSCO definitions.

Other Visa Path: Work to Residence Visa

Some roles fall under the Work to Residence pathway, requiring workers to first gain employment in New Zealand for a set period before applying for permanent residency.

Work to Residence Visa Requirements:

• Work for an accredited employer for 24 months.
• Meet the role-specific qualifications and experience.
• Hold a valid job offer and meet salary thresholds.

Other Relevant Visa Categories

While the Green List focuses on skilled migrants, other visa options may apply depending on your situation, including:

• Skilled Migrant Category: A points-based system for skilled workers outside the Green List occupations.
• Work Visa: Various temporary work visas based on skills and employer needs.
• Partner and Family Visas: Options for partners and family members of New Zealand citizens and residents.

Why Move to New Zealand?

New Zealand offers stunning landscapes, a high quality of life, and strong worker protections, making it a top destination for skilled migrants. The latest Green List expansion ensures global professionals can settle more easily, with fast-tracked residency options.

Final Words

New Zealand’s 2025 Green List update opens exciting residency opportunities in engineering, IT, aviation, and public safety. With many roles qualifying for Straight to Residence Visas, now is the time for skilled professionals to take action and make the move.