Green List Updated

New Zealand is extending an invitation to skilled professionals from around the world. Recent updates to Immigration New Zealand’s instructions and the Green List reveal an array of opportunities, particularly in the transport, health, business, dental, nursing, medical, construction, education and trade sectors. This blog post will unpack these changes and provide a comprehensive guide to understanding these exciting new pathways for professionals interested in immigrating to New Zealand.

Expanding Pathways in the Transport Sector

The spotlight is on the transport sector with the introduction of a new Transport Sector Work to Residence policy. This two-year scheme is designed for bus drivers, truck drivers, ship’s masters (skippers), and deck hands, offering them a unique opportunity to attain residence.

For bus drivers, the prerequisites include holding a ‘P’ endorsement on a class two New Zealand drivers’ license and receiving at least $28 per hour of remuneration. They must be employed with an employer who has signed the Waka Kotahi Memorandum of Understanding or work as a school bus driver on a Ministry of Education-funded service or a service directly contracted to a school.

For truck drivers and similar roles, the requirements include holding either a class four or five New Zealand driver’s license and earning at least the median wage. Ship’s masters must earn the median wage and hold the Skipper Restricted Limits Certificate of Competency or a STCW Certificate of Competency. Deck hands are required to earn at least the median wage and hold a Qualified Deck Crew Certificate of Proficiency or Deck Watch Rating Certificate of Proficiency.

Health and Non-Health Roles in the Green List

The Green List, denoting roles in high demand in New Zealand, has been expanded to include various health and non-health roles. This allows individuals in these roles to be eligible for residence under the Green List Straight to Residence or Green List Work to Residence instructions. Notably, for all health roles, individuals must be paid at least the median wage to be eligible. A special provision has been made for registered midwives, enabling them to meet the contract for services provisions under the Green List Straight to Residence instructions.

Business Professionals and the Green List

For business professionals such as External Auditors and Internal Auditors, their pathway to residence has been cleared with the inclusion of their occupations in Tier 1 of the Green List. To be eligible, they must earn at least $38.56 per hour, which equates to an annual salary of $80,200.64.

The Green List Welcomes Dental, Nursing, Medical, Construction, Education, and Trade Professions

The latest additions to the Green List encompass a range of professions in the dental, nursing, medical, construction, education and trade sectors. These updates reflect the high demand for these professionals in New Zealand, creating an exciting prospect for skilled migrant workers.

In the dental sector, roles such as Clinical Dental Technician, Dentist, Dental Specialist, Dental Technician, Dental Therapist, Endodontist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, among others, have been added. For nursing, Nurse Practitioners and Enrolled Nurses have been included. Medical Laboratory Scientists and several other laboratory roles now find a place on the Green List as well. These roles necessitate registration with respective professional councils in New Zealand.

There are also fresh opportunities for those in construction, with Building Associate and Construction Crane, Hoist or Lifter Operator added to Tier 2 of the Green List. For those in education, roles like School Principal, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages, and various specific teaching roles have been included. Finally, trade professionals, including Motor Mechanic, Motorcycle Mechanic, Drainlayer and Gas
fitter, have made their way to Tier 2 of the Green List.

To summarise, the Green List has seen a significant expansion, including various dental, nursing, medical, construction, education and trade professions. This reflects the growing demand for these professionals in New Zealand, presenting a unique opportunity for skilled migrant workers. If you belong to any of these sectors, there’s never been a better time to consider making New Zealand your new home.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s recent immigration updates represent a broader commitment to attracting and retaining skilled workers across a range of industries. Whether you’re a transport professional, a health worker, a business auditor, a dental specialist, a construction worker, a teacher, or a trade professional, these changes offer you new opportunities to live and work in this beautiful country.

Remember, immigration rules and instructions can be complex, and it’s crucial to understand them fully before you proceed. If you need any further information, do reach out to MK Law to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date advice!