If your occupation is on New Zealand's Green List, it may open a clearer route to residence — but the details matter. Tier 1 roles are generally linked to a straight-to-residence pathway, while Tier 2 roles are generally linked to a work-to-residence pathway. This page explains the difference in plain English, so you can prepare the right documents and know when to speak with a licensed adviser.
What this means for you
The Green List is a list of occupations New Zealand has identified as being in demand. If your job, qualifications, pay and registration meet the relevant requirements, it may support a residence application.
In plain terms, the main difference is timing:
- **Tier 1** roles are generally eligible for a **straight-to-residence** pathway. This means you may be able to apply for residence without first completing a set period of work in New Zealand, provided you meet all requirements. - **Tier 2** roles are generally eligible for a **work-to-residence** pathway. This usually means you need to work in New Zealand in the eligible role for a required period before applying for residence.
Being on the Green List does not automatically mean you qualify. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) also looks at role-specific requirements, your job offer, employer status where relevant, qualifications, occupational registration, English, health and character. Start by checking whether your occupation appears on the [Green List occupations guide](/green-list-occupations/) or using the [Green List occupation checker](/green-list-occupation-checker/).
How it works step by step
A typical Green List assessment starts with the occupation, but it should not stop there. The job title alone is not enough — INZ usually looks at the duties, pay, qualifications and any registration requirements attached to that occupation.
A simple order to think about it is:
1. **Confirm the occupation** — match your role to the relevant Green List occupation, not just a similar title. 2. **Check whether it is Tier 1 or Tier 2** — this determines whether the pathway is generally straight-to-residence or work-to-residence. 3. **Review the occupation-specific requirements** — some roles require a particular qualification level, New Zealand registration, minimum pay level or a combination of these. 4. **Check the job and employer context** — for work-based pathways, the employer, job offer and visa conditions can be important. 5. **Confirm residence basics** — health, character, English and family inclusion requirements may still apply. 6. **Compare other pathways** — Green List is not the only route. Some people may be better suited to the [Skilled Migrant Category](/skilled-migrant-visa/) depending on their qualifications, income, New Zealand work and registration.
Rules and thresholds can change, so use any online information as orientation only. Before making a major decision — resigning from a job, accepting an offer, moving your family, or paying for studies — confirm the current rules with INZ or a licensed adviser.
What to prepare
Good preparation makes a big difference, especially where your occupation has detailed requirements. You may need to prove not only what your job title is, but what you actually do day to day.
Common documents to prepare include:
- A detailed job offer or employment agreement - Position description showing duties, hours, pay and reporting lines - Evidence that the employer is accredited or meets the relevant requirements, where applicable - Qualification certificates and academic transcripts - NZQA assessment or recognition, if required for your qualification - Occupational registration evidence, if your profession requires New Zealand registration - Reference letters proving relevant work experience - English language evidence, if required - Police certificates and medical examinations for health and character checks - Certified translations for documents not in English
For Tier 2 work-to-residence roles, it is especially important to keep records of your eligible New Zealand employment. Your work history, visa conditions and role continuity may matter when you later apply for residence.
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is assuming that any job with a similar name will qualify. Green List requirements can be very specific. For example, two people may both call themselves managers, engineers or technicians, but only one role may match the exact occupation and requirements.
Another mistake is thinking Tier 2 means "not eligible". Tier 2 can still be a strong residence pathway — it usually just requires eligible New Zealand work first. For many families, that means planning the work visa, job, timing and residence application together.
Also avoid relying on outdated screenshots, social media posts or informal promises from unlicensed agents. New Zealand immigration settings change regularly, and details such as pay thresholds, registration requirements and accepted qualifications can shift. If your pathway depends on the Green List, confirm your role against current INZ instructions and consider speaking with a licensed professional before you commit money or make life-changing plans.
Where to go next
If you are still exploring, your next step is to identify your occupation and compare pathways. The [Green List occupation checker](/green-list-occupation-checker/) can help you orient yourself quickly, and the [free eligibility checker](/eligibility-checker/) can point you toward possible visa routes based on your situation.
If your role looks like Tier 1, focus on whether you meet the exact straight-to-residence requirements. If your role looks like Tier 2, focus on whether you can secure or continue eligible New Zealand employment and what evidence you will need later.
If your occupation is not on the Green List, do not assume New Zealand is closed to you. The Skilled Migrant Category, partner pathways, study-to-work options, employer-supported work visas and other routes may still be relevant depending on your background and goals.
Talk to a licensed adviser
Yimin is a free, independent information and matching service. We are not a licensed immigration adviser and we do not provide personalised immigration advice. What we can do is help you understand the broad pathway, run an initial eligibility orientation, and connect you with an IAA-licensed immigration adviser or immigration lawyer where appropriate.
If your job appears on the Green List, it is worth checking the details early — especially before you accept an offer, change employer, renew a visa or plan a residence application. Start with the [free eligibility check](/eligibility-checker/), then [book a free intro call](/contact/) if you would like to be matched with a licensed adviser who can assess your specific case.
In plain English
In plain English: Tier 1 can usually mean straight-to-residence and Tier 2 usually means work-to-residence, but your exact eligibility depends on current INZ rules — start with Yimin's free eligibility check and speak with a licensed adviser if your pathway looks possible.
Yimin is a free, independent information and matching service. It is NOT a Licensed Immigration Adviser and does not provide personalised immigration or legal advice. Eligibility tools are indicative orientation only.
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