New Zealand has announced it will remove 17 occupations from the Green List Work to Residence Visa pathway effective March 8, 2027. Immigration New Zealand stated that these roles will be removed from Tier 2 of the Green List because they are already covered under new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) pathways introduced in August 2026. The government stated the decision is intended to simplify the country’s residency system by removing overlapping immigration pathways.
According to Immigration New Zealand, 13 specific occupations will be covered under the SMC Trades and Technician pathway. These include: 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, and Metal Machinist (First Class).
Additionally, Crane, Hoist or Lift Operators, Telecommunications Technicians, Paving Plant Operators, and Pressure Welders will be covered under the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway. Immigration New Zealand noted that workers in these occupations may still qualify for residency under the new pathways if they meet the relevant qualification, work experience, and wage requirements. The agency stated that the new pathways may offer shorter work experience requirements and lower wage thresholds for some applicants, though eligibility will depend on individual circumstances.
Employers will be able to continue hiring foreign workers through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). However, Immigration New Zealand stated that existing Green List benefits, including priority application processing and applicable labor market test exemptions, will no longer apply.
The government confirmed transitional arrangements for eligible workers already working toward residency. Those who began gaining qualifying work experience before March 8, 2027, can continue counting that experience toward the existing 24-month Work to Residence Visa requirement, provided they meet all other conditions.
Further changes include allowing four categories of special education teachers to apply directly for residency without completing two years of qualifying employment. Career Counsellors will be removed from the Straight to Residence pathway. Finally, Immigration New Zealand stated that Green List eligibility for Sterilisation Technicians will be restricted to graduate and registered members of the New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association.
