New Zealand Green List Tier 1 vs Tier 2 2026: Which Visa Is Right for You?

If you're a skilled migrant considering moving to New Zealand, the Green List offers two fast-track pathways to residence—but they work very differently. Tier 1 can get you to permanent residence almost immediately, while Tier 2 requires two years of work first. Understanding which pathway suits your situation could save you years of visa uncertainty and help you plan your move with confidence.

What Is the New Zealand Green List?

The Green List is New Zealand's targeted immigration scheme designed to attract skilled workers in occupations where we have genuine shortages. Rather than the points-based Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List offers a clearer, faster route to residence for people working in roles the country actively needs.

The list is regularly updated to reflect changing labour market demands. If your occupation appears on it—and you meet the specific requirements—you can potentially skip years of visa limbo and move straight to permanent residence or transition to it after a defined work period.

Tier 1: The Straight to Residence Pathway

How It Works

If your job is on the Tier 1 Green List, you can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa immediately. This means you don't need to work in New Zealand first—you can apply for permanent residence as soon as you have a job offer or are already employed with an accredited employer.

This is the fastest route available. In practice, skilled professionals with a Tier 1 job offer can often secure residence without the prolonged waiting periods typical of other visa categories.

Tier 1 Occupations Include

Tier 1 covers several key sectors where New Zealand has significant skill gaps:

• Business professionals
• Construction roles (project managers, quantity surveyors, surveyors)
• Engineering specialties (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, structural, and many others)
• Health and social services (registered nurses in various specialties, medical specialists, rehabilitation counsellors)
• Primary industries and science roles

For a complete list of Tier 1 occupations, you can search the official Immigration New Zealand Green List.

Requirements for Tier 1

To qualify for a Tier 1 Straight to Residence Visa, you'll need to meet these criteria:

• Your occupation must be listed on Tier 1 of the Green List
• You must be 55 years old or younger at the time of your residence visa application
• You need a full-time job offer or current employment with an accredited employer approved by Immigration New Zealand
• The job must meet minimum wage thresholds—either occupation-specific minimums or at least the median wage
• You must meet role-specific requirements, which may include relevant qualifications, professional registration in New Zealand, or demonstrated work experience

For example, if you're an engineer or architect, you'll typically need a relevant degree. Health professionals often require specific licences or registrations recognised by New Zealand authorities.

The Tier 1 Advantage

The main benefit is speed. You're not waiting years to apply for residence—you can transition to permanent status quickly, giving you stability and the ability to plan your future in New Zealand with certainty. There's also less risk of visa rule changes affecting your pathway, since you're on a government-backed route.

Tier 2: The Work to Residence Pathway

How It Works

If your job is on Tier 2, you'll first need to secure a Work to Residence Visa and work in your role for 24 months in New Zealand. Once you've completed that two-year period, you can then apply for permanent residence.

This pathway is slightly longer, but it's still significantly faster than traditional points-based immigration routes. You're building work history in New Zealand while knowing exactly what you need to do to secure residence.

Tier 2 Occupations

Tier 2 covers roles where New Zealand has moderate skill shortages but where employers may need time to develop local talent. The specific occupations vary, but they typically include skilled trades, technician roles, and other professional positions.

Requirements for Tier 2

To qualify for a Tier 2 Work to Residence Visa, you need:

• Your occupation must be listed on Tier 2 of the Green List
• You must be 55 years old or younger at the time of your residence visa application
• A full-time job offer or employment contract with an accredited employer
• The job must meet minimum wage thresholds
• You must work in that role for 24 months in New Zealand on an acceptable work visa before applying for residence
• Role-specific qualifications, registration, or experience as required for the occupation

The key difference from Tier 1 is the work requirement. You're not applying for residence immediately—you're building your New Zealand work experience first.

The Tier 2 Advantage

While Tier 2 takes longer, it offers several benefits. You get to experience working in New Zealand before committing to permanent residence. You're building local work experience, professional networks, and understanding of the New Zealand workplace. After two years, the pathway to residence is clear and streamlined—fewer visa uncertainties than other categories.

Tier 1 vs Tier 2: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)	Tier 2 (Work to Residence)
Time to Residence	Immediate (with job offer)	After 24 months of work in NZ
Job Requirement	Job offer or current employment required	Job offer or employment contract required
Work Experience	Can apply without NZ work history	Must work 24 months in NZ first
Age Limit	55 years or younger	55 years or younger
Wage Thresholds	Must meet minimum salary requirements	Must meet minimum salary requirements
Best For	Those with strong qualifications and job offers ready to go	Those wanting to trial NZ work life before committing to residence

Wage Thresholds and 2026 Updates

From 9 March 2026, wage thresholds for Green List roles have increased in line with the new median wage. This means some occupations now require higher minimum salaries to qualify.

For example, teachers must now be on Step 5 of the pay scale (previously Step 4) to meet the Green List requirements. It's essential to check the current wage threshold for your specific occupation before applying.

Partner and dependent income thresholds have also increased. If you're bringing family members, the income support requirements are now higher.

Which Pathway Is Right for You?

Choose Tier 1 If You:

• Have a firm job offer in hand (or are already employed)
• Meet all the qualifications and registration requirements
• Want to move to New Zealand and secure permanent residence as quickly as possible
• Have the financial stability to relocate without a trial period
• Are confident about committing to a New Zealand career immediately

Choose Tier 2 If You:

• Have a job offer but want to experience working in New Zealand first
• Want to build local work experience and professional networks before permanent residence
• Prefer a more gradual transition to living in New Zealand
• Are willing to wait two years for permanent residence in exchange for a lower-risk pathway

Important Considerations

Accredited Employers

Your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand to hire overseas workers under either pathway. Before accepting a job offer, confirm that your employer has this accreditation.

Professional Registration

Some occupations require New Zealand professional registration. Architects and teachers typically need this before you can start work. Health professionals often need specific licences or registrations recognised by New Zealand authorities. Check the specific requirements for your role before applying.

Qualifications

Your overseas qualifications must be recognised in New Zealand. Some professions require formal qualification assessment. It's worth getting this done early in your planning process.

Age Limit

You must be 55 years old or younger at the time of your residence visa application for either pathway. This is a hard cutoff—there are no exceptions.

How to Apply

Start by checking whether your occupation appears on the official Immigration New Zealand Green List. You can search by job title or occupation code.

Once you've confirmed your occupation is listed and identified whether it's Tier 1 or Tier 2, you'll need:

1. A job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand
2. Evidence that you meet the role-specific requirements (qualifications, registration, experience)
3. Confirmation that the salary meets the minimum threshold
4. Your passport and other identity documents

You can apply through the Immigration New Zealand website or contact an immigration advisor to guide you through the process.

Next Steps

If the Green List sounds like the right pathway for you, start here:

1. Search the official Green List on the Immigration New Zealand website to confirm your occupation is listed and identify whether it's Tier 1 or Tier 2
2. Check the wage threshold for your role to ensure job offers you receive will meet the minimum salary requirement
3. Verify qualification and registration requirements specific to your occupation
4. Begin your job search with accredited New Zealand employers in your field
5. Consider consulting an immigration advisor if you need guidance on your specific situation

The Green List offers a genuine fast-track to New Zealand residence for skilled workers. Whether you choose Tier 1's immediate pathway or Tier 2's two-year work-to-residence route, you're choosing a clearer, more predictable immigration journey than many alternatives.