NZ Visa Update: Changes to the Green List from March 2027
The Green List is being updated from 8 March 2027 following the announcement of new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence pathways in August 2026.
The changes will remove occupations where there is overlap between the Green List and the new SMC pathways and help keep residence settings clear and targeted.
Employers can continue recruiting migrants for affected occupations through the Accredited Employer Work Visa. However, occupations removed from the Green List will no longer qualify for Green List advertising exemptions or priority processing for Job Checks and visa applications.
From 8 March 2027
- 13 occupations will be removed from the Work to Residence pathway, as they are on the new SMC Trades and Technician pathway.
- 4 occupations will be removed from the Work to Residence pathway that have similar or more generous residence pathways through the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway.
- 4 special education teaching occupations will move to the Straight to Residence pathway.
- Career Counsellor will be removed from the Green List.
- The eligibility criteria for Sterilisation Technicians will change.
Transitional arrangements
There will be transitional arrangements for people in Work to Residence occupations who have started accumulating qualifying work experience before the changes take effect.
Contact GHS for further information on how the changes may affect you.