What the Green List is
New Zealand's Green List is a classification of occupations facing significant, long-term workforce shortages where the government actively wants to attract and retain skilled overseas workers. It was introduced in 2022 as part of New Zealand's post-pandemic immigration reset and has been updated periodically since.
The Green List has two tiers with different residency pathways. Tier 1 is the straight-to-residence tier: workers in Tier 1 occupations who have worked in New Zealand for two years under the Accredited Employer Work Visa are eligible to apply for a Resident Visa directly. Tier 2 is the work-to-residence tier: workers can apply for residency after accumulating sufficient points under the Skilled Migrant Category, a points-based system.
Registered nurses are on Tier 1. This is the most advantageous classification available in New Zealand's immigration framework. For a Filipino or UK-trained nurse who qualifies for NCNZ registration, the two-year pathway to permanent residency is a material and genuine advantage over every other English-speaking destination.
The Green List is reviewed periodically by Immigration New Zealand. Occupations can move between tiers or be added or removed based on labour market conditions. At the time of writing (June 2026), registered nurses remain on Tier 1. Before making any decisions based on the Green List pathway, verify the current classification at immigration.govt.nz.
The AEWV: how employer sponsorship works
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) replaced the previous employer-sponsored visa pathways in New Zealand from 2022. To sponsor an overseas nurse under the AEWV, a New Zealand employer must hold current AEWV accreditation from Immigration New Zealand.
Employer accreditation is the employer's responsibility. It involves demonstrating compliance with employment law, confirming that the role is genuine, paying New Zealand market rates, and meeting certain workforce planning requirements. AEWV accreditation must be renewed every 12 months for high-volume employers.
When you have a job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer, the process is: your employer lodges a job check application with Immigration New Zealand, confirming that the role meets visa requirements and that they have genuinely tested the New Zealand labour market; you receive a job check approval number; you then apply for the AEWV online using the job check approval number and your NCNZ registration.
The AEWV is initially granted for up to three years (or the length of the job offer, whichever is shorter). It can be extended for a further three years. After two years of qualifying employment in a Tier 1 Green List occupation, you can apply for the Resident Visa.
The 2024 AEWV updates removed the median wage threshold requirement that had previously applied to some Green List roles, making it easier for lower-graded nursing roles to qualify for the visa pathway. This was a significant change that benefited community health nurses, aged care nurses, and other roles that fell below the previous wage threshold.
The two-year pathway to permanent residency
The Straight-to-Residence pathway under the Green List Tier 1 is activated after two years of continuous employment in a Tier 1 Green List occupation in New Zealand while holding a current AEWV.
Two years is counted from the date of commencement of qualifying employment in New Zealand. Employment must be continuous — periods of redundancy or unemployment do not count toward the two years, though brief breaks between roles at the same employer (such as annual leave or parental leave) are typically acceptable.
The Resident Visa application is submitted online through Immigration New Zealand's system. Required documents include: your current passport; evidence of two years of qualifying employment (employment agreement, recent payslips, employer letter); your current NCNZ Annual Practising Certificate; character requirements (police certificates); and health requirements.
Once granted, the Resident Visa is indefinite — there is no expiry date on the residence itself, though you must meet a minimum physical presence requirement (travel conditions) to maintain it. Eligible family members — partner and dependent children — can be included in the Resident Visa application.
After five years of lawful residence in New Zealand and meeting a physical presence threshold, you become eligible for New Zealand citizenship by grant. New Zealand citizenship enables visa-free access to Australia under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, effectively giving you the ability to live and work in both countries without restriction.
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