Green List Occupations in New Zealand

If you want a career in New Zealand, then start by studying a Green List Occupations in New Zealand. You can study in New Zealand-a Level 7 Course to apply for a post study work visa straightforward.

2025, March Updates: This means starting from 26 March 2025, inclusion of primary teachers under the Green List direct-to-residence pathway is going to occur. The main aim of this update in Green List Occupations in New Zealand is to alleviate the shortage of primary teachers throughout New Zealand, specifically Auckland and Northland.

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Here’s what these Changes Mean?

• This change implies that primary teachers will be able to apply for residency directly without any kind of need to work in New Zealand for the first two years.
• They will also be eligible to apply for residency based on a job offer from an accredited employer even while they are away from New Zealand.
• Change-of-residency application has been a deviation from the Work to Residence pathway, which required primary teachers to first work in New Zealand for minimum two years before applying for residency.

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What is a Green List?

With the adverse COVID restrictions bringing the NZ immigration process to a standstill and increasing the demand for the respective staff, the NZ government has now initiated a list termed the Green List. The green list is a compilation of skills that require urgent occupations filled by people outside New Zealand, as these job requirements cannot be filled by local talent.

It can be a very confusing to understand exactly what areas are covered under the Green List and how to assess your eligibility within them. This is where SIEC can help! Our Top Study Abroad Consultants, are specialists in applying for the Green List and will provide expert advice and assistance to foreign students and migrants wanting to grab the many opportunities available under such in-demand professions in New Zealand.

If you are want to speak to an expert in New Zealand about the Green List, please get in touch with us today!

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Benefits of Applying for Green List Occupations

There are multiple advantages for applying for the Green List Occupations, and here it follows:

• Green List applications are simplified and prioritized in processing.
• Green List applicants are fast-tracked into permanent residency either through work-to-residence or direct-straight-to-residence.
• Tertiary students can enrol under one of these green list occupations, get post study work rights on that basis, and then apply for PR straightforwardly.
• Some occupations attract an established minimum salary in order to incentivize high-calibre candidates.

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Green List Skilled Occupations

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Green List Eligibility Criteria for Students

Studying in NZ for a Green List job will render you eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. Such a visa will give you a maximum time range of up to three years to stay in New Zealand while completing your degree (duration of stay varies according to course length).

To be eligible for this visa, you have to study at Level 7 (level 7 courses NZ) in the New Zealand or upward to qualify for, or at a non-degree Level 7 or below, and gain qualifications that are eligible for a post-study work visa.

Your Pathway to PR with Green List in NZ

However, you need to satisfy some requisites in general to apply for green list roles.

• It must be a tier one of the green list role for straight-to-residence visa or on tier two of the list for work-to-residence
• You must be suitably qualified as outlined in the role requirements. This may include a minimum time already in employment
• The role must be full time or at least 30 hours per week, and permanent/ at least a 12-month contract
• You must be 55 years of age or younger
• You and any family members aged 16 and older who will be accompanying you need to meet the English language requirements
• You, the visa holder, must have overall an IELTS score of 6.5 or more
• Dependent children must have an IELTS overall score of 5.0 or more
• Spouse must have a minimum IELTS score of more than 5.0 or more than 4.0 in a minimum of two of the skills
• You and all family accompanying you must meet health and character requirements
• With your work to residence visa, you must work for 24 months before you can apply for PR. You satisfy all these requirements; thus, you can begin the application process.

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How to Apply for a Green List Role?

• Applications for a work to residence visa open in September 2023, while the straight to residence visas are already open.
• To get such a visa, apply for any relevant job from an accredited employer. After being employed, you can now apply for the visa online.
• Once you have created and logged into your 'RealMe' account, you can start the application process. You will need to provide evidence that you meet the requirements. This includes:
• IELTS Test Results
• Health Good
• Education qualifications and experience of work
• Accredited employer job offer
• Once you submit this information, you must pay the fee (between NZ$4000 and $5000).

The NZ Immigration department advises you in case more documents are required. You can log into your RealMe account at any time to peer into the state of your application for a visa. Once it is approved, you can then start your journey to NZ.

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Study in NZ for a Green List Role

Find out from SIEC's best study abroad consultants for studying abroad in New Zealand on how we can assist you in achieving that qualification that will give you the pathway to New Zealand PR. We help to realize your green list dreams in the land of the long white cloud.

If you are set to begin the process for your application, speak with us today.

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

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