New Occupations Required in New Zealand 2026 – Work to Residence

Are you a competent tradesperson who aspires to establish a permanent residence in New Zealand? The constellations have finally aligned! The New Zealand Government has announced the addition of ten new trades occupations to the prestigious Work to Residence Green List Pathway.

In a significant effort to address the country’s skill shortages and attract top global talent. If you’re a skilled trades worker dreaming of permanent residency in New Zealand, this is your moment.

Introduction:

The Green List is a list of high-demand occupations in New Zealand. If your job is on the list and you meet the criteria, you can apply for residency after 24 months of working in New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

This pathway is designed to:

• Attract critical skills
• Fill urgent labor shortages
• Provide a structured, transparent route to permanent residency

Read Also: New Zealand Visa Sponsorship Jobs– Apply Here

Green List Trades Occupations:

Here are the 10 newly added roles:

• Fitter (General)
• Metal Machinist (First Class)
• Metal Fabricator
• Fitter and Turner
• Pressure Welder
• Vehicle Painter
• Fitter-Welder
• Panel Beater
• Paving Plant Operator
• Welder

Note: Titles must align with ANZSCO codes recognized by Immigration New Zealand.

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for residency under the Work to Residence Green List pathway, you must meet the following:

You must:

1. Eligible Occupation

You must be currently employed or have a valid job offer in one of the new occupations added to the Green List.

2. Duration of Work in New Zealand

• You must have completed at least 24 months of full-time, paid employment in New Zealand in the eligible occupation.

3. Minimum Wage Threshold

You must earn at or above the required hourly wage, based on your role:

• $43.63/hour (or $90,750/year) for Metalworkers, Fitters, and Welders
• $38.59/hour (or $80,267/year) for Vehicle Painters, Panel Beaters, and Paving Plant Operators

4. Age Limit

• You must be 55 years or younger at the time of application.

5. Health Requirements

• You must pass a medical examination proving you are in good health.
• A chest X-ray and blood tests may be required, depending on your country of origin.

6. Character Requirements

• You must provide a police clearance certificate from your home country and any country where you have lived for 12+ months.

7. English Language Proficiency

• You must demonstrate sufficient English language skills, usually through an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, unless exempt.

8. Proof of Work and Job Role

• Employer references, contracts, job descriptions, and payslips are required to prove your role matches a Green List occupation.

9. Valid Work Visa

• You must hold or have held an eligible New Zealand work visa while gaining your 24 months of experience.

10. Qualification/Registration (If Applicable)

• Some occupations may require registration or qualifications recognized in New Zealand. Check with Immigration NZ or relevant licensing bodies.

Wage Thresholds:

To be eligible, you must earn at least:

• $43.63/hour or $90,750/year for:
  • Metalworkers
  • Fitters
  • Welders
• $38.59/hour or $80,267/year for:
  • Vehicle Painters
  • Panel Beaters
  • Paving Plant Operators

These thresholds reflect industry recommendations and ensure New Zealand attracts experienced, high-quality professionals.

Update version:

Alongside the new Green List additions, the median wage used across multiple residence categories will be updated on August.

• New Median Wage: $33.56/hour
• Applies to:
  • Skilled Migrant Category
  • Work to Residence
  • Straight to Residence visas

This ensures the immigration system reflects current labor market data and economic conditions.

Benefits:

• Pathway to Permanent Residency
  Eligible workers can apply for New Zealand residency after 24 months of employment in a listed occupation.
• Expanded Green List Opportunities
  Ten new trade occupations have been added, increasing access for skilled tradespeople worldwide.
• High Demand for Skilled Trades
  Secure long-term job prospects in essential sectors like construction, welding, and fabrication.
• Competitive Wage Thresholds
  Guaranteed minimum pay rates help protect workers and ensure fair compensation.
• Fast-Tracked Immigration Process
  Green List roles are prioritized for processing, reducing delays in work and residency applications.
• Employer Support
  Most Green List jobs come with employer sponsorship and job security in a regulated environment.
• Family Inclusion Options
  Bring your partner and dependent children with you under the same visa pathway.
• Quality of Life in New Zealand
  Enjoy a safe, clean, and family-friendly environment with access to world-class healthcare and education.
• Clear Criteria and Job Role Matching
  Immigration NZ provides detailed role descriptions and qualification requirements for transparency.
• Long-Term Career Growth
  Build a future in a country that values skilled trades and offers professional development opportunities.

How to Apply for New Occupations Required in New Zealand 2026?

• Confirm your occupation is on the updated Green List
  Check the official Green List ➝
• Ensure your employment meets the wage threshold
  Use your employment contract and pay slips for proof.
• Accumulate 24 months of AEWV work experience
  Document your start and end dates, job duties, and work hours.
• Prepare supporting documents
  • Passport
  • Medical certificate
  • Police certificate
  • Proof of English
  • AEWV history
  • Wage and employment records
• Apply online via Immigration New Zealand’s portal
  Processing time varies. Be prepared to submit additional documents if requested.

Conclusion:

This August update is a significant opportunity for tradespeople who want to settle in New Zealand permanently. With transparent eligibility rules, high wages, and a faster pathway to residency, now is the time to take action if you’re already working—or planning to work—in one of the listed trades.

Useful Resources:

• Green List Roles – Immigration New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions: