Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced changes to the Green List that take effect on 8 March 2027. If you're a mechanic, welder, fitter, panel beater or another tradesperson working towards residence through the Green List, this affects you. So does it if you're a special education teacher, a Sterilisation Technician or a Career Counsellor, or an employer hiring in any of these roles.
Here's what's changing, who it affects, and what to do now.
The changes at a glance
| Change | What happens on 8 March 2027 |
|---|---|
| 17 trade and technical roles | Removed from the Tier 2 Green List (Work to Residence). They move to the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) pathways |
| 4 special education teaching roles | Move from Tier 2 (Work to Residence) to Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) |
| Sterilisation Technician | Green List eligibility limited to graduate and registered members of the New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association |
| Career Counsellor | Removed from the Tier 1 Green List (Straight to Residence) |
INZ says the Green List is expected to be reviewed again in 2027.
17 occupations leaving the Tier 2 Green List
INZ is removing these occupations from the Work to Residence pathway because the new SMC pathways introduced in August 2026 already cover them. INZ says this reduces duplication in the residence system.
Moving to the SMC Trades and Technician pathway:
- Building Associate (Building Construction Supervisor)
- Automotive Electrician
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
Moving to the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway:
- Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
- Telecommunications Technician
- Paving Plant Operator
- Pressure Welder
Is the SMC better or worse for me?
It depends on your situation. INZ says that for many experienced workers, the SMC pathways will be a more accessible route to residence. Depending on the pathway, that can mean lower wage thresholds, a shorter period of New Zealand work, or no specified qualification.
But the SMC pathways have different qualification, work experience and wage requirements from the Work to Residence Visa, so they won't suit everyone. For example, the Trades and Technician pathway only counts work experience gained after you received your Level 4 (or higher) qualification. See our SMC Trades and Technician occupation list and our overview of the three SMC pathways.
Already working towards Work to Residence? Your time still counts
INZ has confirmed transitional arrangements. If you've already started building up qualifying work experience in one of these 17 occupations before 8 March 2027, you can keep counting that work towards the existing 24-month Work to Residence requirement.
You will still need to meet all the other residence requirements.
INZ hasn't yet published the detailed rules for the transitional arrangements, and says its webpages will be updated closer to the date. Until then, get advice before you change jobs, employers or hours, so you don't put your progress at risk.
Good news for special education teachers
Four special education teaching occupations move from Tier 2 (Work to Residence) to Tier 1 (Straight to Residence):
- Special Needs Teacher
- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
- Teacher of the Sight Impaired
- Special Education Teachers not elsewhere classified
From 8 March 2027, eligible special education teachers can apply for residence without first completing 2 years of qualifying work in New Zealand. INZ says this lines up their pathway with comparable teaching roles.
Sterilisation Technicians
Green List eligibility for Sterilisation Technicians will be limited to graduate and registered members of the New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association. INZ says this better matches the professional standards for the occupation.
Career Counsellors
Career Counsellor will be removed from the Tier 1 Green List for the Straight to Residence Visa. INZ says it was included when allied healthcare occupations were added, but doesn't fit the original focus of those additions.
Career Counsellors may still qualify for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category or another pathway, if they meet the requirements.
What it means for employers
Employers can keep recruiting migrants in the 17 occupations through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). But from 8 March 2027, the Green List settings will no longer apply to these roles. That includes:
- any Green List exemptions from the labour market test (advertising the job first), and
- priority processing for Job Check and AEWV applications.
If you're planning to hire mechanics, welders, fitters or other affected trades, factor in the extra time and advertising requirements from March 2027. Our employer services team can help you plan.
What to do now
- Check if your occupation is affected. Use our Green List Occupation Matcher.
- If you're in one of the 17 occupations, keep careful records of your work: employment agreements, payslips and IRD records. Get advice before you change jobs, employers or hours.
- Compare your options. You may be better off on the Work to Residence path under the transitional rules, or on an SMC pathway. Use our SMC Pathfinder.
- Special education teachers: check your Teaching Council registration and practising certificate are in order ahead of 8 March 2027.
- Sterilisation Technicians: check your New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association membership status.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Green List changes take effect? On 8 March 2027.
I'm a welder on the Work to Residence pathway. Do I lose my progress? Not if you started building up qualifying work experience before 8 March 2027. Under the transitional arrangements you can keep counting that work towards the 24-month requirement. You still need to meet all the other residence requirements.
Can employers still hire mechanics and welders on an AEWV? Yes. But from 8 March 2027, Green List settings such as labour market test exemptions and priority processing will no longer apply to these roles.
Can special education teachers apply for residence straight away? From 8 March 2027, eligible special education teachers can apply through the Straight to Residence pathway, without first completing 2 years of qualifying work in New Zealand.
What can Career Counsellors do instead? They may still qualify through the Skilled Migrant Category or another residence pathway, if they meet the requirements.
The bottom line
For many tradespeople, the SMC may turn out to be an easier route. But this is a big change, the detailed transitional rules aren't out yet, and the right path depends on your qualification, work history and pay.
If your occupation is on this list, book a 30-minute consultation ($99) with our Licensed Immigration Advisers, or message us on WhatsApp at +64 21 227 4246. We'll help you work out which pathway protects your residence plans.
This article is general information, not personalised immigration advice. Immigration instructions change frequently. Always check the latest INZ guidance or speak to a licensed immigration adviser before acting.
Official sources:
- INZ: Changes to the Green List from 8 March 2027 (published 3 November 2026)
- INZ: Work to Residence Visa
- INZ: Straight to Residence Visa
- INZ: Skilled Migrant Category pathway to residence