What Is the New Zealand Green List?
The New Zealand Green List is a register of occupations in critical short supply. Introduced in 2022, it operates as a separate pathway from the SMC 6-point system — not a bonus within it. Workers in Green List occupations have dedicated visa pathways that either lead directly to residence (Tier 1) or provide a structured work-to-residence route (Tier 2).
It is important to understand that the Green List does not add extra points to your SMC 6-point score. It is an entirely different residence pathway. If your occupation is on the Green List, you may not need to use the SMC points system at all.
Green List vs SMC 6-Point System — Key Difference
🟦 Green List Pathway
- • Separate from the SMC 6-point system
- • Based on your specific occupation
- • Tier 1: apply directly for residence
- • Tier 2: work 2 years → apply for residence
- • Does not add points to SMC score
🟩 SMC 6-Point System
- • Points from qualification / income / registration
- • Requires 6 points total
- • Plus up to 3 pts NZ work experience
- • No occupation-specific bonus points
- • Requires accredited employer job offer
⚠️ Important: If your occupation is on the Green List Tier 1, you should generally pursue the Green List Straight to Residence pathway rather than the SMC. If it is Tier 2, the Work to Residence pathway gives you a clear 2-year timeline to apply for residence.
Tier 1 vs Tier 2 — What Each Means
🟦 Tier 1 — Straight to Residence
- ✅ Apply directly for a Straight to Residence Visa
- ✅ No need to enter the SMC 6-point system
- ✅ Requires a job offer at or above the Tier 1 pay threshold
- ✅ Must hold relevant qualifications and/or NZ registration
- ✅ Fastest pathway to NZ permanent residence
🟩 Tier 2 — Work to Residence
- ✅ Apply for a Green List Work to Residence Visa
- ✅ After 2 years in the role, apply for residence
- ✅ More predictable timeline than SMC pool
- ✅ Must meet Tier 2 pay threshold throughout
- ⚠️ Does not bypass a work visa stage
Tier 1 Occupations — Straight to Residence
Indicative list only. Always confirm current Tier 1 occupations and pay thresholds with INZ — the list is updated periodically.
Tier 2 Occupations — Work to Residence (2 Years)
These roles qualify for the Green List Work to Residence Visa — after 2 years meeting requirements, you can apply for residence.
Straight to Residence — Tier 1 Requirements
To apply for the Straight to Residence Visa under Tier 1, you must:
- Have a genuine job offer in the Tier 1 occupation from an accredited employer
- Meet the pay threshold for that specific occupation (varies by role — check INZ)
- Hold the relevant qualifications and/or NZ occupational registration
- Meet INZ's standard health and character requirements
- Meet English language requirements
Work to Residence — Tier 2 Requirements
To use the Tier 2 Work to Residence pathway:
- Your occupation must appear on the Tier 2 Green List
- You need a job offer at or above the Tier 2 pay threshold for your occupation
- You work in NZ for 2 years while maintaining the pay threshold
- After 2 years, you apply for a Green List resident visa
- Health, character, and English requirements must be met
How to Check If Your Role Is on the Green List
- Identify your ANZSCO code — the occupation classification code INZ uses
- Search the official INZ Green List page for your ANZSCO code
- Confirm whether your role is Tier 1 or Tier 2
- Check the specific pay threshold for your occupation
- Verify any registration or qualification requirements
Green List or SMC? Which Should You Use?
| Your Situation | Best Pathway |
|---|---|
| Occupation on Green List Tier 1 | Green List Straight to Residence — fastest option |
| Occupation on Green List Tier 2 | Green List Work to Residence — predictable 2-year timeline |
| Occupation not on Green List | SMC 6-point system — earn points via qualification/income/registration |
| On Tier 2 but already have 6 SMC points | Either pathway may work — compare processing times |
| On Red List (August 2026) | Must use SMC 6-point system — new experience pathways not available |