Immigration confirms new roles for the Green list
To address labour shortages and support New Zealand businesses, the Government is adding further occupations to the Green List. Green List occupations provide a straight-to-residence or 2-year work-to-residence pathway for workers hired under certain roles, who meet the requirements of the roel.
What are the new occupations and when do these start to qualify?
Straight to residence pathway
From 29 May 2023, External Auditors (221213) and Internal Auditors (221214) will be added to the ‘Straight to Residence’ Green List pathway providing they are offered 30% over median wage, which would be currently $38.56 per hour, or $80,200 per year.
2-year work to residence pathway
From 29 May, the following roles will be added to the ‘Work to Residence’ Green List pathway. Note the requirements to be met by the applicant, under each occupation.
| Occupation | Green List Requirements |
| Civil Construction Supervisors
· Building Associate (312112) – Common example job titles for this role are site supervise, site manager, site foreman, build supervisor, build manager and civil project manager |
Remuneration for the employment must be NZD $44.49 per hour or above (median plus 50%), or the equivalent annual salary (NZD $92,540 per annum) |
| Gasfitters (334114)
|
Registration as either a certifying, tradesman, or journeyman gasfitter with the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (12 months on a provisional licence will be accepted toward the overall 24 months duration and for AEWV purposes provided registration is complete on application for the residence visa) |
| Drainlayers (334113) | Registration as either a certifying, tradesman, or journeyman drainlayer with the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (12 months on a provisional licence will be accepted toward the overall 24 months duration and for AEWV purposes provided registration is complete on application for the residence visa) |
| Skilled crane operators
· Crane, Hoist or Lifter Operator (712111) |
Role offered must be as a crane operator only. Remuneration for the employment must be $38.56 per hour or above (median plus 30%), or the equivalent annual salary ($80,200 per annum).
The applicant must have a New Zealand Level 3 Certificate in Cranes with at least one Level 4 specialisation (or overseas equivalent) at the time of application for residence. |
| Skilled civil machine operators
· Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) (721211) · Backhoe Operator (721212) · Bulldozer Operator (721213) · Excavator Operator (721214) · Grader Operator (721215) · Loader Operator (721216) |
Remuneration for the employment must be $34.11 per hour or above (median plus 15%), or the equivalent annual salary ($70,947 per annum) |
| Halal slaughterers
· Slaughterer (831212) |
Role offered must be as a halal slaughter, and with an employer and at a site listed on the ‘New Zealand approved animal products halal premises (excluding dairy) under the Animal Products Notice’ (administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries) |
| Skilled motor mechanics
· Motor mechanic – General (321211) · Motorcycle mechanic (321213) |
One of the following qualifications (or higher):
· New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 4) · New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) · New Zealand Certificate in Motorcycle Engineering (Level 4); or · Appointment as a vehicle inspector by Waka Kotahi for warrant of fitness service delivery |
| Skilled telecommunications technicians
· Telecommunications Technician (342414) |
One of the following:
· New Zealand Certificate in Telecommunications (Level 3) at the time of application for residence (overseas equivalents will not be accepted for this qualification) · Remuneration for the employment for the 24 month period prior to application must be at or above $34.11 per hour (median plus 15%), or the equivalent annual salary ($70,947 per annum) |
| Teachers:
· School Principal (134311) · Kaiako Kura Kaupapa Māori – Māori-medium Primary School Teacher (241211) · Pouako Kura Kaupapa Māori – Māori-medium Primary School Senior Teacher (241212) · Primary School Teacher (241213) · Middle School Teacher / Intermediate School Teacher (241311) · Secondary School Teachers (241411) - all specialisations · Special Needs Teacher (241511) · Teacher of the Hearing Impaired (241512) · Teacher of the Sight Impaired (241513) · Special Education Teachers nec (241599) · Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (249311) - if working in a primary, intermediate or secondary school |
NZ registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
AND A provisional practising certificate issued by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages must be working in a primary, intermediate or secondary school |
Benefit to employers
From 29 May 2023, employers applying for a job check for these occupations will not be required to do a labour market test (evidence of advertising the role). The successful migrant candidates will need, however, to meet the requirement of the occupation.
When can you apply for residence?
Eligible migrant workers will be able to seek residence from 29 September 2023 so long as they have worked in the relevant Green List occupation, but also met the specified requirements of that occupation for the full 24 months.
