Exploring Tier 2 Green List Occupations: Opportunities and Challenges
- iclegalnz
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
New Zealand's Green List Tier 2 occupations offer a unique gateway for skilled professionals seeking long-term residence in a thriving, high-quality lifestyle environment. As part of the country’s immigration strategy to fill workforce shortages in specific sectors, the Tier 2 Green List provides structured but conditional residency pathways. Unlike the Tier 1 list, which grants direct residency upon arrival for eligible applicants, Tier 2 roles require additional steps, presenting both opportunities and challenges for migrants and employers alike.
Understanding Green List Tier 2 Occupations
The Green List Tier 2 comprises occupations that are in demand across various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, education, health, social services, and engineering, but require migrants to work for a specified duration in New Zealand before becoming eligible for residency. Typically, applicants must complete two years of continuous full-time employment in a Tier 2 role before applying for residency through the Work to Residence Visa pathway.
Key Sectors Under Tier 2 Green List
1. Health and Social Services
New Zealand faces a persistent shortage of qualified nurses, midwives, aged care workers, and allied health professionals. Tier 2 facilitates the recruitment of such professionals under the condition that they commit to work for two years before applying for residence.
Roles include:
Aged care registered nurse
Alcohol and drug counsellor
Disability support worker
Community health worker
Social worker
These roles are essential to support the country's aging population and increased mental health care demand.
2. Education Sector
New Zealand schools are facing shortages of qualified teachers, especially in remote or underserved areas. The Tier 2 list allows primary and secondary teachers to enter the workforce under the Work to Residence route, contributing to regional education development.
Key roles:
Primary school teacher
Secondary school teacher (all specialisations)
Teachers must have New Zealand registration and meet professional and character standards.
3. Infrastructure and Construction
As New Zealand invests heavily in rebuilding and expanding infrastructure, skilled tradespeople and engineers are vital. The Tier 2 Green List ensures that professionals in this sector can migrate with a clear path to residency, albeit after meeting the two-year employment condition.
Examples of roles:
Electricians
Plumbers
Roofers
Drainlayers
Civil engineering technicians
These roles are particularly essential in post-disaster reconstruction areas such as Hawke’s Bay and Christchurch.
4. Engineering and Technical Services
The country continues to experience a significant demand for mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers. Tier 2 enables employers to fill these gaps with overseas professionals who are willing to commit long-term to New Zealand’s engineering growth.
Roles in demand:
Mechanical engineer
Civil engineering technician
Electrical engineering technician
Environmental engineers
The list favours those with New Zealand-recognised qualifications or relevant overseas experience in equivalent roles.
Advantages of Tier 2 Green List Pathway
1. Structured Path to Residency
The two-year employment requirement acts as a stability filter, favouring candidates who are genuinely committed to contributing to New Zealand's growth. This approach supports long-term labour retention in key sectors.
2. Work to Residence Visa Advantage
Successful candidates receive a Job Check approval under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), granting them a visa for up to three years. After two years of qualifying employment, they can apply for the residence visa, provided all eligibility criteria are met.
3. Employer Benefits
Employers gain access to a pre-qualified pool of global talent to address sector shortages. Accredited employers are empowered to offer clear migration pathways, making roles more attractive for foreign workers.
Challenges Migrants May Face
1. Delayed Residency Eligibility
Unlike Tier 1 occupations, Tier 2 applicants do not get immediate residency, which may deter high-skilled migrants seeking fast-track migration options. The two-year wait can be a barrier for some professionals.
2. Job Match and Location Constraints
Tier 2 occupations often require migrants to work in specific geographic areas or for government-funded services, narrowing the scope of opportunities. For example, many health roles require employment with Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) or in public hospitals only.
3. Employer Accreditation Dependency
Migrants can only be employed by accredited employers, which limits their job-seeking pool and increases dependency on the employer’s ongoing accreditation status. A lapse or revocation in employer accreditation may affect visa stability.
4. Regulatory Compliance
Professionals in regulated industries like health and education must meet New Zealand’s licensing or registration requirements, a process that can be lengthy, expensive, and complex for migrants unfamiliar with local systems.
Pathway Steps for Green List Tier 2 Migrants
Secure a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer for a Tier 2 occupation.
Apply for the AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa) with Job Check approval.
Work for 24 months in the role specified on your visa.
Maintain compliance and good character during the employment period.
Apply for residence under the Work to Residence category after 2 years.
How Employers Can Attract Tier 2 Talent
To secure high-quality Tier 2 candidates, employers should:
Highlight the Work to Residence pathway in job advertisements.
Provide assistance with relocation and licensing processes.
Maintain active accreditation and compliance with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) regulations.
Offer long-term employment contracts and competitive compensation packages.
Foster inclusive workplaces that help new migrants integrate smoothly.
Recent Updates and Implications
As of 2025, Immigration New Zealand is actively reviewing and adjusting the Green List based on market demand. Several roles have been added or removed, underscoring the dynamic nature of the Tier system. Migrants and employers must stay updated with current INZ announcements, as these affect both eligibility and occupation classification.
Conclusion: Balancing Promise with Patience
The Tier 2 Green List is a strategic gateway for filling long-term workforce gaps in New Zealand. While it does not provide the instant residency seen in Tier 1 roles, it offers a structured, achievable route to permanent settlement for those willing to invest time and effort. Migrants who can demonstrate commitment, compliance, and professional excellence are likely to succeed under this pathway.
As New Zealand continues to refine its immigration policy, the Tier 2 list will remain a cornerstone of long-term workforce planning, especially for sectors where local talent pipelines remain limited.
Ready to begin your Tier 2 Green List journey?
Immigration Chambers offers tailored guidance to help you secure the right role, meet work-to-residence requirements, and navigate complex visa regulations with confidence. From job offer eligibility to compliance support, we ensure your migration journey is smooth, strategic, and successful. Contact our expert team of Immigration Advisers in
New Zealand for a consultation and start building your life in New Zealand with confidence.
FAQs on Green List Tier 2 Occupations
Q: Can I bring my family on a Tier 2 Green List role?
A: Yes, AEWV holders can usually support visa applications for partners and dependent children, subject to INZ conditions.
Q: What happens if I change jobs during the two-year period?
A: You must remain with an accredited employer and in a role that matches your visa. Changes may require new Job Check approvals or variation of conditions.
Q: Is there a minimum salary requirement?
A: Yes. Roles must meet the market rate and any specific salary thresholds listed by INZ to qualify for AEWV and Work to Residence pathways.
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