From 29 September 2023, you can apply for a Work to Residence Visa if you have worked in a Tier 2 Green List occupation for 24 months. The following occupations currently are on the Tier 2 Green List:
Building Associate (Building Construction supervisor)
Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
Halal Slaughterer
School Principal
Teacher (Pre-primary, Primary. Intermediate, Secondary)
Telecommunications Technician
Earthmoving Plant Operator
Backhoe Operator
Bulldozer Operator
Excavator Operator
Loader Operator
Automotive Electrician
Diesel Motor Mechanic
Motor Mechanic
Motorcycle Mechanic
Electrician
Plumber
Drainlayer
Gasfitter
Dairy Cattle Farmer (Including Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager and Dairy Herd Manager)
To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Hold current full-time employment, or an offer of employment for a Tier 2 Green List occupation.
The employment or offered employment is with an accredited employer.
Meet the requirements specified for the Tier 2 Green List occupation. The requirement can relate to a remuneration threshold, qualification, or occupational registration.
The employment or offered employment is full-time and permanent, or for a 12 months’ contract at least.
The hourly wage for the employment or offered employment is at or above the median wage (currently $29.66 per hour), or the wage meets or exceeds the hourly pay rate specified for a particular Tier 2 Green List occupation.
Worked in a Tier 2 Green List occupation in New Zealand for at least 24 months, and within a 30 months’ period prior to applying for this visa. You can claim work experience dating back to 29 September 2021.
Met the requirements for their Tier 2 Green List occupation for the 24-month period they wish to claim.
Hold any work visa, or critical purpose visitor visa with work conditions or interim visa for the 24 months of work in a Tier 2 occupation.
Hold a work visa or critical purpose visitor visa with work conditions when applying for residence.
Be under the age of 56 when the residence visa application is made.
Meet the health and character requirements for residence.
Meet the English language requirement, which is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5.
Applications for this visa will open on 29 September 2023, and you can include your partner and dependent children in your application.
Please contact us if you want to find out whether you are eligible to apply for a Green List Work to Residence Visa.