Pathway · Green List / WTR

Work-to-Residence (Green List & Sector Agreements)

Fast-tracked residence for in-demand occupations on INZ's Green List.

Professional fees: $2.5k–$6k; NZD, GST incl., 2026 typical band
INZ application fee: $4,290; Includes Immigration Risk Levy. Separate from adviser fees.
Processing time: 6–20 weeks; After file is filed; INZ official median, not the marketing number

What this pathway actually is

Green List occupations get a tier-1 (straight-to-residence) or tier-2 (work-to-residence after two years) pathway. The list is updated periodically by MBIE; in 2026 it covers most healthcare specialisms, secondary teachers in shortage subjects, registered engineers, ICT senior roles, vets, and several skilled-trades categories. Occupational registration is gating on most tier-1 pathways — and registration timelines are the slowest moving part of the process for healthcare migrants in particular.

Good fit for

Healthcare professionals (RNs, MRTs, midwives, GPs, vets)
Senior ICT roles (NZ$120k+ income, specific occupation codes)
Skilled trades on the Sector Agreement lists (construction, dairy, transport)
Secondary teachers in shortage subjects (maths, sciences, te reo Māori)

Not the right pathway if

Occupations not currently on the Green List (use SMC instead)
Healthcare migrants without NZ occupational registration secured
Trades migrants without recognised qualification mapping

Field notes

If you're on the Green List, this is the fastest residence pathway in the system. Confirm your occupation code with INZ in writing before paying for any other process — the list reads ambiguously in places.