New Zealand AEWV Green List Expansion for Healthcare & Construction Trades

Immigration New Zealand Expands Green List Occupations

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has formally updated its national Green List framework to solve acute workforce shortages across infrastructure, civil engineering, electrical trades, and residential healthcare sectors.

Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Green List Comparison

Understanding which tier your occupation falls under is critical for planning your migration timeline:

• Tier 1 (Straight to Residence): Qualified applicants can apply for New Zealand Permanent Residence directly from offshore or immediately upon arrival with an accredited job offer.
• Tier 2 (Work to Residence): Applicants work for an INZ Accredited Employer for 24 months before gaining direct residency eligibility.

Newly Added Occupations for 2026

The latest gazetted additions include:

• Heavy Vehicle & Diesel Mechanics (Tier 2)
• Electricians & Industrial Automation Technicians (Tier 2)
• Registered Nurses & Midwives (Tier 1)
• Civil & Geotechnical Engineers (Tier 1)
• Refrigeration & HVAC Mechanics (Tier 2)

Processing Fast-Track: Job Check processing times for INZ Accredited Employers offering roles in Green List occupations have been slashed to under 10 business days.

Minimum Hourly Wage & Accreditation Standard

Accredited Employers nominating candidates under the AEWV framework must meet the updated median wage threshold of NZD $31.61 per hour. Candidates must verify that their employer holds active INZ Employer Accreditation before signing employment contracts.