Green List Work to Residence Visa
Your Route to NZ Residency After Two Years on the Job
Do you have a job in New Zealand that’s on the Green List Tier 2? If yes, the Work to Residence Visa might give you a straightforward way to become a New Zealand resident after just 24 months.
This visa type aims to help skilled workers in key areas—such as health, construction, engineering, and education—who help New Zealand grow and improve. It rewards dedication and effort with a chance at residency based on your job in the country.
At Ezy Immigration, we’ve helped many skilled migrants make the switch from temporary work visas to full residency under this program. If you’re thinking long-term, we’re here to help you—every step of the way.
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What Is the Green List Work to Residence Visa?
The Green List Work to Residence Visa applies to people with jobs in Tier 2 occupations on New Zealand’s Green List. These jobs are crucial to the country but might not qualify for immediate residence.
Instead qualified candidates can take on a Green List position for 24 straight months with an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). After this time—and meeting all criteria—they can submit an application for residency through the Work to Residence route.
This visa aims to recognize steady work and input making it a great choice for those already employed in New Zealand and looking to establish themselves here long-term.
Who Is This Visa For?
You might qualify if you:
- Are now working (or intend to work) in a Tier 2 Green List job
- Have a valid Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Meet the qualification and experience standards for your position as set by Immigration NZ
- Have had a full-time job in that role for at least 24 months
- Meet English, health, and character standards
You can include your partner and dependent children in the application giving your entire family a chance to settle in New Zealand for the long haul.
Which Jobs Does Tier 2 of the Green List Cover?
Tier 2 Green List jobs include key roles in:
- Education – Early childhood teachers, School Principals, Special Needs Teachers
- Construction and Infrastructure – Electricians, Plumbers, Drainlayers, Crane operators, Bulldozer operators, Excavator Operators, Earthmoving Plant Operators and more
- Other critical sectors – Automotive technicians, Diesel mechanics, Motorcycle mechanics, Farm Managers and more
Each job on the Green List has its own eligibility criteria so you need to check what applies to your specific occupation.
If your job isn’t on the Green List, other pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa might still work for you.
How Ezy Immigration Can Help You
Moving from a work visa to permanent residency can thrill you—but also confuse you. We’re here to lend a hand:
- Help you grasp Green List role-specific rules
- Keep tabs on and confirm your 24 months of qualifying work
- Get your residency paperwork and backup files ready
- Make sure your spouse and kids are included
Whether you’ve just begun your job in New Zealand or you’re already a year into your 24 months, it’s time to map out your next step with pro advice.
Fill out our quick and easy Free Preliminary Evaluation to see if you can move to another country.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NZ Licensed Immigration Adviser and AU Registered Migration Agents
Want to Turn Your Work in New Zealand Into Residency?
If you’re already putting in the hard work in New Zealand, you should have a clear way to stay long-term. Let Ezy Immigration help make this happen for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight to Residence has an application to Tier 1 roles and gives you a chance to apply for residency right away. Work to Residence needs you to work in NZ for 24 months before you can apply.
Yes, the 24-month requirement counts work done while you gain work experience any of the following visas:
- any work visa; or
- a critical purpose visitor visa with work conditions; or
- an interim visa granted while the applicant held a work visa or
- any interim visa with work conditions.
The 24 months of work must be gained during the 30-month period immediately before the date the residence application is made.
You need to finish 24 months of full-time work in the Green List role before you can apply.
You can change employers, but your new company must also be accredited, and your new job must meet the same Green List requirements.
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your Work to Residence application.
Yes. You must show that you meet the required English language standards by taking an approved test like IELTS.
You can live, work, and study in New Zealand for as long as you want. After 2 years of having residence, you might qualify to get a Permanent Resident Visa.
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