New Zealand Opens Door to Residence for Skilled Trades with Expanded Green List
In a move designed to address long-standing skill shortages, Immigration New Zealand has expanded its Green List, adding ten high-demand skilled trades to the Work to Residence pathway. This change, which officially took effect on August 18, 2025, provides a clearer and more direct route to permanent residency for skilled tradespeople who are in critical demand across the country. The move is a key part of the government’s strategy to attract and retain essential workers to support New Zealand’s economic growth.
The new occupations added to the Work to Residence list are: Metal Fabricator, Metal Machinist (First Class), Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter Welder, Pressure Welder, Welder, Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter, and Paving Plant Operator. These roles were identified as being in particular shortage, with the new pathway designed to incentivize skilled workers to choose New Zealand as their long-term home. By offering a clearer path to residency, the government hopes to provide certainty and a more attractive proposition for highly skilled migrants.
To be eligible for the Work to Residence pathway, applicants must have a job offer from an accredited employer and have worked in one of the listed occupations for at least 24 months in New Zealand. Additionally, applicants must meet specific wage thresholds that are aligned with their particular occupation and the national median wage, which also increased to $33.56 per hour on the same day. These wage requirements ensure that the residence pathway is targeted toward the most skilled and experienced workers in these trades.
The addition of these trades to the Green List marks a significant shift in immigration policy, acknowledging the vital contribution that skilled tradespeople make to the national economy, particularly in sectors like construction and manufacturing. Previously, many of these roles did not have a clear pathway to residency, leading to challenges in retaining skilled workers. The new policy aims to rectify this, providing a long-term solution to skills gaps that have hindered various industries.
Industry leaders and immigration experts have widely welcomed the change, viewing it as a positive and pragmatic step. They believe it will not only help fill critical labor shortages but also encourage long-term settlement and investment from a crucial segment of the workforce. For skilled tradespeople already in New Zealand on temporary visas, this provides a tangible and achievable goal for their future, offering stability and a sense of belonging in their adopted home.
