The Government has announced changes to the Green List that take effect on 8 March 2027. Seventeen occupations will be removed from the Work to Residence tier because they now have a residence pathway through the Skilled Migrant Category. Four special education teaching roles will move up to Straight to Residence. If you are working towards residence in one of the affected roles, the timing matters.
Key points
- The changes take effect on 8 March 2027.
- 13 occupations leave Work to Residence and can use the new SMC Trades and Technician pathway instead.
- 4 more leave Work to Residence and can use the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway instead.
- 4 special education teaching occupations move to Straight to Residence.
- If you started qualifying work before 8 March 2027, that work can keep counting towards the 24 months.
Occupations leaving Work to Residence
| Occupation | Alternative residence route |
|---|---|
| Building Associate (Building Construction Supervisor) | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Automotive Electrician | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector) | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Motorcycle Mechanic | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Panel Beater | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Vehicle Painter | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Metal Fabricator | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Welder | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Fitter (General) | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Fitter and Turner | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Fitter-Welder | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) | SMC Trades and Technician |
| Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator | SMC Skilled Work Experience |
| Telecommunications Technician | SMC Skilled Work Experience |
| Paving Plant Operator | SMC Skilled Work Experience |
| Pressure Welder | SMC Skilled Work Experience |
The Government’s reasoning is that these roles now have overlapping pathways through the Skilled Migrant Category, so they no longer need a separate Green List route.
Occupations moving to Straight to Residence
- Special Needs Teacher
- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
- Teacher of the Sight Impaired
- Special Education Teachers not elsewhere classified
Eligible people in these roles will be able to apply for residence without first completing 2 years of work in New Zealand. See the Straight to Residence Visa.
Other changes
- Career Counsellor: removed from the Straight to Residence tier. Other residence pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, may still be available.
- Sterilisation Technician: Green List eligibility will be limited to graduate and registered members of the New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association.
If you are already on the Work to Residence path
Starting before 8 March 2027 protects your progress. If you have started building qualifying work experience in an affected role before the changes take effect, you can keep counting it towards the 24 month requirement, even after the role is removed. You must still meet all the other Work to Residence requirements.
Employers can still recruit migrants into the removed roles through the AEWV, but those roles will lose the Green List advertising exemption and priority processing for Job Checks and visas.
What you should do now
- Check your occupation: against the lists above.
- Start qualifying work early: if you plan to use Work to Residence in an affected role.
- Compare the SMC pathways: they may suit you better after March 2027.
- Employers, plan advertising: for removed roles once the exemption ends.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Green List changes start?
On 8 March 2027.
I am a welder working towards residence. What happens to me?
If you started qualifying work before 8 March 2027, you can keep counting it towards the 24 months. After that date, new applicants would look at the SMC Trades and Technician pathway.
Which teachers move to Straight to Residence?
Special Needs Teachers, Teachers of the Hearing Impaired, Teachers of the Sight Impaired and Special Education Teachers not elsewhere classified.
Can employers still hire migrants for removed roles?
Yes, through the AEWV, but without the Green List advertising exemption or priority processing.
Is Career Counsellor still on the Green List?
No. It is being removed from Straight to Residence, although other residence pathways may apply.
Related guides
- Green List roles
- Work to Residence Visa
- Straight to Residence Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category
- Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category
- Accredited Employer Work Visa
Is your occupation affected? Book a consultation with our New Zealand immigration team.
This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice for your situation.
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