New Zealand Green List jobs 2026: Full Occupation List, Requirements & Visa Pathways

For Indian professionals researching New Zealand Green List jobs, the biggest advantage is not simply that these occupations are in demand. The Green List links specific shortage occupations to defined residence pathways when the worker meets the exact job, qualification, registration and pay requirements.

The list is divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 roles can lead to the Straight to Residence Visa, while Tier 2 occupations can lead to Work to Residence after the applicant completes the required period of qualifying employment in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand currently requires the qualifying job or job offer to be with an accredited employer.

That does not mean every person with the same job title automatically qualifies. A civil engineer, nurse, electrician or automotive technician must still satisfy the occupation-specific rules.

This guide explains the current occupation list, both residence pathways, Indian qualification requirements, employer rules and a practical way to check whether your profile actually fits.

What Is the New Zealand Green List?

The Green List is Immigration New Zealand’s list of occupations where the country needs skilled workers.

The official Green List occupation search allows candidates to search a role and check its tier and specific qualification, registration or experience requirements.

It is useful to think of the list as two questions:

Question 1: Is your occupation on the Green List?

Question 2: Do you personally meet the Green List conditions for that occupation?

A positive answer to only the first question is not enough.

For example, a registered nurse role may be listed, but an Indian nurse still needs the required New Zealand professional registration. Likewise, an electrician may need the New Zealand registration specified for that occupation.

How New Zealand Green List jobs Work in 2026

The system currently has two main residence tracks.

Immigration New Zealand’s official Green List residence pathway guide confirms this structure.

Tier 1 therefore suits applicants who already have the correct accredited-employer job or job offer and satisfy all occupation conditions.

Tier 2 requires a longer strategy: qualify for the role, work lawfully in New Zealand in eligible employment, complete the required qualifying period, and then apply for residence.

Tier 1: Straight to Residence Occupations

Tier 1 contains many of New Zealand’s highest-priority professional shortages.

The list below groups the current roles by sector so candidates can identify their profession more easily.

Business and Audit

• External Auditor

• Internal Auditor

Construction

• Construction Project Manager

• Project Builder, including Building Project Manager and Site Foreman

• Quantity Surveyor

• Surveyor

Engineering

• Chemical Engineer

• Materials Engineer

• Civil Engineer

• Geotechnical Engineer

• Structural Engineer

• Electrical Engineer

• Electronics Engineer

• Industrial Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer

• Production or Plant Engineer

• Aeronautical Engineer

• Environmental Engineer

• Naval Architect / Marine Designer

• Engineering Professionals NEC

• Civil Engineering Technician

• Electrical Engineering Technician

• Electronic Engineering Technician

• Mechanical Engineering Technician

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer — Avionics

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer — Mechanical

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer — Structures

• Telecommunications Engineer

• Telecommunications Network Engineer

Current Green List instructions attach specific qualifications, professional recognition or registration conditions to many engineering roles. For Indian engineers, a B.Tech or BE title by itself does not establish eligibility; the degree must satisfy the relevant New Zealand requirement.

Medical and Dental Professionals

The Tier 1 health section is extensive and includes:

• Clinical Dental Technician

• Dentist

• Dental Specialist

• Dental Technician

• Dental Therapist

• Endodontist

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

• Oral Medicine Specialist

• Oral Pathologist

• Oral Surgery Specialist

• Orthodontist

• Paedodontist

• Periodontist

• Prosthodontist

• Public Health Dentistry Specialist

• Restorative Dentistry Specialist

• Special Needs Dentistry Specialist

• Oral Health Therapist

• General Practitioner

• Resident Medical Officer

• Anaesthetist

• Specialist Physician — General Medicine

• Cardiologist

• Clinical Haematologist

• Medical Oncologist

• Endocrinologist

• Gastroenterologist

• Intensive Care Specialist

• Neurologist

• Paediatrician

• Renal Medicine Specialist

• Rheumatologist

• Thoracic Medicine Specialist

• Specialist Physicians NEC

• Psychiatrist

• General Surgeon

• Cardiothoracic Surgeon

• Neurosurgeon

• Orthopaedic Surgeon

• Otorhinolaryngologist

• Paediatric Surgeon

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

• Urologist

• Vascular Surgeon

• Dermatologist

• Emergency Medicine Specialist

• Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

• Ophthalmologist

• Pathologist

• Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist

• Radiation Oncologist

• Medical Practitioners NEC

Professional registration is central for these occupations. Indian medical qualifications must be assessed against the requirements of the relevant New Zealand registration authority.

Nursing and Midwifery

Tier 1 also includes:

• Midwife

• Nurse Practitioner

• Registered Nurse — Aged Care

• Registered Nurse — Child and Family Health

• Registered Nurse — Community Health

• Registered Nurse — Critical Care and Emergency

• Registered Nurse — Developmental Disability

• Registered Nurse — Disability and Rehabilitation

• Registered Nurse — Medical

• Registered Nurse — Medical Practice

• Registered Nurse — Mental Health

• Registered Nurse — Perioperative

• Registered Nurse — Surgical

• Registered Nurse — Paediatrics

• Registered Nurses NEC

• Enrolled Nurse / Nursing Assistant

Indian nurses should verify Nursing Council registration before treating the occupation listing as a residence entitlement.

Allied Health and Social Services

Eligible roles also include:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Anaesthetic Technician

• Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician

• Medical Laboratory Technician

• Clinical Psychologist

• Educational Psychologist

• Organisational Psychologist

• Psychologists NEC

• Psychotherapist

• Medical Physicist

• Orthoptist

• Veterinarian

• Addiction Practitioner / Alcohol and Drug Clinician

• Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

• Audiometrist

• Chiropractor

• Clinical Physiologist

• Careers Counsellor

• Family and Marriage Counsellor

• Rehabilitation Counsellor

• Student Counsellor

• Counsellors NEC

• Dietician

• Dispensing Optician

• Optometrist

• Genetic Counsellor

• Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician

• Orthotist / Prosthetist

• Osteopath

• Ambulance Paramedic

• Perfusionist

• Hospital Pharmacist

• Industrial Pharmacist

• Retail Pharmacist

• Physiotherapist

• Play Therapist

• Speech Language Therapist

• Sterilisation Technician

• Social Worker

• Audiologist

• Medical Imaging Technologist

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

• Medical Radiation Therapist

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist

• Sonographer

• Occupational Therapist

• Podiatrist

Again, many of these occupations require registration with a named New Zealand professional body.

Education

Current Tier 1 education roles include:

• Secondary School Teacher

• Māori-medium Primary School Teacher

• Māori-medium Primary School Senior Teacher

• Primary School Teacher

• Middle School / Intermediate School Teacher

Teacher registration and a valid practising certificate can be required.

Science and Primary Industries

• Other Spatial Scientist

• Environmental Research Scientist

• Food Technologist

Information Technology

Tier 1 ICT roles include:

• Chief Information Officer

• ICT Project Manager

• ICT Managers NEC

• Analyst Programmer

• Developer Programmer

• Software Engineer

• Software Tester

• ICT Security Specialist

• Software and Applications Programmers NEC

• Database Administrator

• Systems Administrator

• Multimedia Specialist

Some ICT occupations have high remuneration thresholds rather than relying purely on a degree.

Immigration New Zealand’s current 2026 wage guidance shows, for example, occupation-specific rates for certain ICT and multimedia roles.

For Indian applicants comparing New Zealand Green List jobs, this is why the job title alone should never be used to decide eligibility. The qualification, registration and salary columns of the official list are equally important.

Tier 2: Work to Residence Occupations

Tier 2 contains shortage occupations where residence normally follows a qualifying period of employment in New Zealand.

Construction

• Building Associate / Building Construction Supervisor

• Crane Operator

A Building Associate is subject to a higher wage requirement, while eligible crane operators must satisfy both pay and qualification conditions.

Food Processing

• Halal Slaughterer

The role has specific employment-site requirements and is not a general slaughterhouse occupation.

Education and Social Services

• School Principal

• Special Needs Teacher

• Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

• Teacher of the Sight Impaired

• Special Education Teachers NEC

• Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages

• Registered Early Childhood Teacher

Teacher registration requirements apply to relevant roles.

Telecommunications

• Telecommunications Technician

Applicants may qualify through the specified remuneration route or a relevant New Zealand telecommunications qualification, depending on current requirements.

Civil Machinery Operators

• Earthmoving Plant Operator

• Backhoe Operator

• Bulldozer Operator

• Excavator Operator

• Grader Operator

• Loader Operator

• Paving Plant Operator

For 2026, these roles have wage conditions linked to the Green List work-to-residence thresholds.

Protective Services

• Corrections Officer

This pathway includes specific New Zealand training and qualification requirements.

Automotive and Skilled Trades

• Automotive Electrician

• Diesel Motor Mechanic / Heavy Vehicle Inspector

• Motor Mechanic — General

• Motorcycle Mechanic

• Electrician — General

• Plumber — General

• Drainlayer

• Gasfitter

• Panel Beater

• Vehicle Painter

• Metal Fabricator

• Pressure Welder

• Welder

• Fitter — General

• Fitter and Turner

• Fitter-Welder

• Metal Machinist — First Class

Several of these occupations require an NZQCF-equivalent trade qualification or New Zealand occupational registration.

This is especially important for Indian ITI holders.

An ITI certificate can be relevant evidence, but ITI does not automatically equal a New Zealand Level 4 qualification. A formal assessment or registration process may be necessary.

Agriculture

• Dairy Cattle Farmer — Dairy Farm Manager

• Assistant Dairy Farm Manager

• Dairy Herd Manager

Current Green List rules require relevant commercial-farm experience for this pathway.

Straight to Residence Visa Requirements

The Straight to Residence route is available for eligible Tier 1 applicants.

The official Straight to Residence Visa page states that the applicant must have or be offered a Tier 1 job with an accredited employer and satisfy the role’s qualification, registration and remuneration requirements.

The employment must generally be:

• full-time

• with an accredited employer

• an eligible Tier 1 occupation

• paid at the required rate

• permanent or sufficiently long fixed-term employment, subject to current rules

One useful feature is that an eligible applicant can potentially apply from outside New Zealand.

That makes Tier 1 particularly relevant for Indian doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers and other professionals who can obtain the required New Zealand registration and employer offer before moving.

How Tier 2 Work to Residence Works

Tier 2 takes longer.

The official Work to Residence Visa guidance requires the principal applicant to have completed 24 months of qualifying New Zealand work, normally within the 30 months immediately before the residence application.

That employment must satisfy requirements such as:

• Tier 2 occupation eligibility

• full-time work

• appropriate work visa status

• required remuneration

• occupation-specific qualifications or registration

The visa currently has a maximum age of 55 years for the principal applicant and lets successful residents live, work and study indefinitely.

Simple Tier 2 Example

Suppose an Indian diesel mechanic gets an eligible New Zealand job with an accredited employer.

The practical path may be:

eligible qualification → employer offer → appropriate work visa → move to New Zealand → complete 24 months of qualifying Tier 2 employment → apply for Work to Residence

It is therefore inaccurate when an advertisement describes every Tier 2 role as “direct PR.”

Why an Accredited Employer Matters

Green List residence is connected to eligible employment.

For both pathways, the employer generally needs Immigration New Zealand accreditation.

Before accepting a job, check:

• legal employer name

• accreditation status

• exact occupation

• employment agreement

• hourly or annual salary

• weekly hours

• work location

• contract duration

Candidates looking for genuine opportunities can compare the WorkAbroad New Zealand jobs hub for Indian applicants before approaching an employer.

For broader openings, WorkAbroad’s overseas jobs portal can also be used to compare destinations.

Qualification Requirements for Indians

Indian applicants often lose time by assuming their qualification name has a direct New Zealand equivalent.

The Green List is based on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

An occupation may require:

• a specific NZQCF level

• particular subject content

• occupational registration

• a Washington Accord engineering qualification

• a trade certificate equivalent

• specified experience

• a combination of these

The NZQA International Qualification Assessment guidance explains that an IQA compares an overseas qualification with a New Zealand qualification level and type.

Some qualifications do not need an IQA because they are exempt.

Do not pay for an assessment until you have confirmed that your occupation and qualification actually require one.

Important Advice for Indian Engineers

Engineering is one of the most attractive Tier 1 sectors, but eligibility needs careful checking.

Relevant Indian professionals can include:

• civil engineers

• structural engineers

• mechanical engineers

• electrical engineers

• electronics engineers

• environmental engineers

• engineering technicians

Some routes recognise appropriately accredited engineering degrees, including eligible Washington Accord qualifications.

Candidates should verify:

1. exact graduation institution,

2. programme accreditation,

3. year of graduation,

4. occupation match,

5. employer role,

6. any Engineering New Zealand evidence required.

A degree called “Civil Engineering” is not enough by itself if the Green List condition specifies a particular accreditation or assessment.

Important Advice for Indian Nurses and Health Professionals

Healthcare is one of the largest Tier 1 groups.

However, it is also heavily regulated.

A registered nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist or doctor cannot usually rely only on an Indian certificate and employer offer.

The appropriate New Zealand professional body may need to assess:

• education

• registration status

• professional experience

• identity

• English ability

• competence or examination requirements

WorkAbroad’s guide to migrating to New Zealand from India can help candidates compare Green List, Skilled Migrant Category and employer-led pathways.

Green List vs Skilled Migrant Category

These are not the same immigration route.

The Green List is occupation-driven.

The Skilled Migrant Category evaluates applicants under its separate residence criteria, including its points, work-experience and trade/technician pathways.

If you are on the Green List, check that route first because it may offer a clearer residence pathway.

If your profession is not listed, the Skilled Migrant Category may still be worth evaluating.

Candidates can read WorkAbroad’s New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa guide for the six-point and other SMC pathways.

Green List vs AEWV

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary work visa.

Green List residence pathways are residence routes.

An AEWV may be the practical first visa for some people, particularly Tier 2 workers who need to accumulate qualifying employment.

WorkAbroad’s New Zealand work visa guide from India explains the employment stage separately.

Do not assume:

AEWV = automatic PR

or

Green List occupation = automatic visa

Each visa must satisfy its own rules.

What Salary Do Green List Roles Require?

There is no single salary threshold covering every occupation.

Some roles have:

• no special rate beyond the applicable Green List threshold,

• a percentage of the median wage,

• a fixed occupation-specific rate,

• professional-registration requirements instead.

From 9 March 2026, Immigration New Zealand uses NZD 35.00 per hour as the relevant median-wage reference for several Green List calculations. Some Tier 2 roles require 115%, 130% or 150% of that rate.

Examples include:

These numbers should not be applied blindly to every occupation.

Check the exact official Green List entry for your role.

Documents Indian Applicants May Need

Depending on occupation and visa, prepare:

• valid passport

• CV

• Indian degree or diploma

• marksheets/transcripts

• ITI/trade certificates

• experience letters

• NZQA IQA where required

• professional registration evidence

• job offer

• signed employment agreement

• job description

• salary details

• police certificates

• medical evidence

• English evidence where required

• partner and dependent-child documents where applicable

Regulated occupations can require additional documents from the professional authority.

How to Apply for New Zealand Green List jobs From India

When applying for New Zealand Green List jobs, do not begin with a visa agent. Begin with the occupation requirements.

Step 1: Search Your Exact Occupation

Use the official Green List tool.

Check both the job title and occupation code.

Step 2: Identify the Tier

Confirm whether the role is:

• Tier 1, or

• Tier 2.

This tells you whether the route is Straight to Residence or Work to Residence.

Step 3: Read the Entire Occupation Requirement

Check:

• qualification

• registration

• experience

• salary

• additional professional conditions

Step 4: Assess Your Indian Qualification

Determine whether an IQA, professional-body assessment or registration is required.

Step 5: Prepare a New Zealand-Focused CV

Use the actual occupation terminology.

Describe relevant duties, not just your job title.

Step 6: Find an Accredited Employer

Check employer accreditation before committing significant money or resigning from your current job.

Step 7: Review the Employment Contract

Confirm that the occupation, salary, hours and contract duration satisfy the intended immigration route.

Step 8: Choose the Correct Visa

Tier 1 applicants may be able to pursue Straight to Residence.

Tier 2 applicants normally need a work visa first and qualifying New Zealand experience.

Step 9: Prepare Residence Evidence

Do not wait until the final application to collect registration, qualification or employment evidence.

Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make

Looking Only at the Job Title

Eligibility depends on the full Green List conditions.

Thinking Tier 2 Means Immediate Residence

Tier 2 normally requires 24 months of eligible work.

Assuming ITI Is Automatically NZ Level 4

Qualification equivalence must be demonstrated where required.

Applying Through an Unaccredited Employer

Accredited-employer status matters for the Green List pathway.

Ignoring Occupational Registration

Registration is critical in many medical, teaching, electrical and plumbing roles.

Using Old Salary Thresholds

Green List wage requirements have changed over time.

Paying for “Guaranteed PR”

No employer, consultant or recruitment agent can guarantee a residence decision.

How to Check Whether a Green List Job Offer Is Genuine

Before paying or travelling, verify four layers.

Employer

Confirm the legal New Zealand company.

Accreditation

Check whether the employer has the required accreditation.

Occupation

Make sure the duties match the listed Green List role.

Immigration Conditions

Confirm qualification, registration, salary and contract conditions.

A genuine company can still offer you a job that does not qualify for Green List residence.

That distinction is important.

Final Advice

The strongest way to approach New Zealand Green List jobs is to start with your occupation—not with a visa package.

First search your exact role on Immigration New Zealand’s live Green List. Then identify the tier, read every qualification and registration requirement, check whether your Indian credential needs NZQA assessment and only then focus on accredited employers.

Tier 1 can offer a much faster residence route, while Tier 2 is a planned work-to-residence pathway that normally requires two years of qualifying employment.

Do not rely on old occupation lists, old wage thresholds or claims that being “on the Green List” guarantees PR. Immigration rules, salary thresholds and role requirements can change.