On 12 December 2022, New Zealand announced changes to the Green List and Employer Accreditation.

The Green List is getting more occupations under the Straight to Residence pathway and more professions in general. Eligible accredited employers are getting an extension on their accreditation.

Expansion of the Green List

From 15 December 2022, New Zealand is moving registered nurses, midwives, and all medical doctors from the Work to Residence to the Straight to Residence Green List pathway.

Under Work to Residence, professionals need 24 months of work experience in New Zealand, while it’s not necessary under Straight to Residence.

In March 2023, more changes are coming:

• New Zealand will add auditors to the Straight to Residence Green List pathway.
• New Zealand will add the following professions to the Work to Residence Green List pathway:
  • Civil construction supervisors
  • Gasfitters
  • Drainlayers
  • Skilled crane operators
  • Skilled civil machine operators
  • Halal slaughterers
  • Skilled motor mechanics
  • Skilled telecommunications technicians
  • All secondary school teachers (in addition to the specialisations already on the Green List)
  • Primary school teachers

What are the Green List pathways?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has three residence pathways:

• Work to Residence
• Straight to Residence
• Highly Paid Residence

Visa applicants must have an occupation on the Green List to qualify for either of the first two pathways.

Accredited Employer Work Visa employer accreditation extension

Employers with accreditation who made their first application by 4 July 2023 will get an automatic extension of their accreditation by 12 months.

This extension will be a once-off, but Immigration New Zealand hopes it provides employers with certainty that they’ll continue to have access to skilled labour with the additional cost and administrative burden of reapplying for accreditation.

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