On 18 August 2025, the New Zealand Government will add 10 new trade occupations to the Green List expanding the Work to Residence pathway. This change acknowledges the continuous need for skilled tradespeople and creates a clearer path to residency for those who qualify.
This major shift in immigration policy benefits workers and employers giving skilled tradespeople already working in New Zealand a chance at long-term stability.
What Is the Work to Residence Pathway?
The Work to Residence Pathway visa gives qualified immigrants a chance to apply for New Zealand residency after they’ve worked in an approved job for at least 24 months. This visa is part of the bigger Green List plan, which tries to draw in and keep skilled people who help New Zealand’s infrastructure, economy, and growth.
This way to get residency goes along with other options like the Straight to Residence and Skilled Migrant Category—but it’s made for people who need to get some local work experience before they can qualify for residency.
If you already work in New Zealand in a skilled trade job, this could be your chance to get permanent residency—as long as you meet certain requirements.
Which 10 Trade Occupations Are Being Added?
Starting in August 2025, these jobs will be added to the Work to Residence Green List:
- Metal Fabricator
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Pressure Welder
- Welder
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Paving Plant Operator
These positions show New Zealand’s urgent need for skilled workers in key areas like construction, manufacturing, and transport. By including these trades in its immigration rules, the Government is giving priority to industries that are crucial to build infrastructure and houses.
If your job is on this list and you’ve worked in New Zealand for 24 months, you might be closer to getting residence than you realize.
What You Need to Qualify for a Work to Residence Pathway Visa
To apply for the Work to Residence Visa under the new Green List jobs, you must:
- Have a current job or a valid job offer in one of the 10 listed positions
- Be 55 or younger when you apply
- Pass standard health, character, and English language checks
- Have worked full-time for 24 months in the qualifying job
- Earn at or above the wage level set for your job
Here’s a look at the current wage thresholds:
- For Metal Fabricators, Welders, Fitters, and Machinists: You need to make at least $43.63/hour or **$90,750 ** (for a 40-hour work week).
- For Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Vehicle Painters: You need to make at least $38.59/hour or **$80,267 **.
These wage rules make sure that applicants work at a skilled level and get paid . They also line up with the median wage updates that kick in from 18 August 2025.
Why This Change Matters
This change shows the Government’s bigger push to tackle skill gaps in trade sectors. For years, workers in IT, healthcare, and engineering had clear paths to residency. Now crucial tradespeople get the same chance.
As the Green List grows, trades workers can enjoy the same steady future as other in-demand experts—the right to live here, work long-term, and put down roots in Aotearoa.
Companies win too. By offering a clear road to residency, they can draw top trade talent and cut down on ongoing hiring headaches.
Getting Through the Application Steps
Applying for residence through this work to residence pathway can be tricky. You need to keep detailed records of your work history, pay, and qualifications. Timing is key—you can submit your application after you’ve completed the full 24 months of experience.
Teaming up with a licensed immigration adviser like Ezy Immigration helps make sure your application meets all requirements and avoids expensive holdups.
We help clients at every step—from checking if you qualify to preparing and turning in a full residence application. Our staff keeps up with policy shifts and wage limits, so you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
🔗 Take a look at our Work to Residence visa services here
🔗 See other Green List occupations
Changes to Skilled Residence Visa Wage Thresholds
As part of this wider change, median wage thresholds for all skilled residence categories will go up from 18 August 2025. The new median wage will be $33.56/hour, based on June 2024 Statistics NZ data.
This change affects:
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
- Work to Residence
- Straight to Residence
If you plan to apply under these categories check that your employer offer or current pay matches the new rates.
🔗 Find out more about skilled residence visa thresholds
Build Your Future in New Zealand — Begin Your Journey Now
This broadening of the Work to Residence pathway gives skilled trades workers in New Zealand a clear path to permanent residency.
If you work in one of the listed jobs and want to move towards residency, Ezy Immigration can help you.
✅ Get expert help
✅ Find out if you qualify
✅ Submit a full correct application
🔗 Reach out to us now to schedule a meeting
Need Assistance With Your Residency Application?
At Ezy Immigration, we focus on helping skilled workers move from temporary jobs to permanent residency in New Zealand. If you’re a welder, panel beater, or machinist, we can help you create the best possible application.
Our guidance is straightforward, easy to follow, and comes from our knowledge of New Zealand’s immigration rules. Don’t risk your future—team up with a certified adviser who prioritizes your aims.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply from 18 August 2025, after you’ve met all eligibility requirements including 24 months of relevant NZ work experience.
You might be on your way to apply for residence. Check that your job matches the Green List description and wage criteria.
You can use either option. You must have current employment or a valid job offer in one of the listed trades.
Yes. You can include eligible family members, but they must also meet relevant character and health requirements.
This pathway won’t work for you if your pay is too low. But don’t worry, you can look into other options, like the Skilled Migrant Category.
