The government has announced that ten trades occupations will be added to the Work to Residence pathway on the Green List of in-demand occupations in August 2025.
Eligible applicants will soon be able to apply for a residence if they have current employment or an offer of employment in the following occupations and have worked in New Zealand for 24 months in the following occupations:
- Metal Fabricator
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter Welder
- Pressure Welder
- Welder
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Paving Plant Operator.
The Green List pathway is designed to attract highly skilled workers, and eligibility for these roles includes meeting specific wage thresholds. These thresholds are set to ensure that applicants have the experience and qualifications required to contribute at a high level in their field.
From August 18, 2025, people working in these 10 trades can apply for a Work to Residence Visa if they:
- Have a job or job offer in one of the listed green list occupations
- Are aged 55 or under when applying for residence
- Meet health, character, and English language requirements
- Meet the specific job and pay requirements for their occupation, including having 24 months of NZ work experience in a relevant occupation at the time the application is submitted.
To be eligible, applicants will need to be paid at a level that reflects the skill and experience required for their role:
- for Metal Fabricator, Welder, Fitter, and Machinist roles listed above, applicants must be earning at least NZD 43.63 per hour (or NZD 90,750 per year based on a 40-hour week)
- for Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Vehicle Painters, applicants must be earning at least NZD 38.59 per hour (or NZD 80,267 per year).
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.