Yesterday, the Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced an expansion of the Green List to help fill labour shortages by attracting more long term high-skilled migrants to New Zealand. Some of the measures that will be taken are:
- Adding more rolls to the Green List to include more professions in healthcare, education and construction sectors;
- Extending the Employer Accreditation of the Accredited Employer Work Visa for further 12 months for all employers who have applied or will apply before 4 July 2023;
- Granting a 12-month Post Study Work Visas for people who held a Post Study Work Visa but were unable to enter New Zealand due to border closure;
- Allowing Critical Purpose Visitor Visa holders that want to remain in their role after their visa expires to apply for Specific Purpose Work Visas that will extend their visas (conditions will apply).
Green List Additions
From 15 December 2022, the following measures will apply:
- All medical doctor roles not already included on the Straight to Residence (StR) Green List will be added;
- All registered nurse and midwife roles will move from the Work to Residence (WtR) to the Straight to Residence (StR) Green List.
From March 2023, the following measures will apply:
- Auditors will be added to the StR Green list;
- All primary and secondary school teacher roles not already included on the WtR Green List will be added;
- Halal Slaughterer, Skilled Motor Mechanic, Skilled Telecommunications Technician, Gasfitter, Drainlayer, Building Associate (specifically Civil Construction Supervisor), Skilled Crane Operator, Earthmoving Plant Operator (General), Backhoe Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Excavator Operator, Grader Operator and Loader Operator will be added to the WtR Green List;
- Bus and truck drivers will have a residence pathway through a sector agreement.
According to the announcement, the Green List will be reviewed in mid-2023. To read the full announcement, click here.
If you have any questions, contact our immigration team on immigration@trinityemployment.co.nz
Disclaimer: information provided in this article is general only and it does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Due to the continuously evolving nature of New Zealand Immigration policies, Trinity can provide no warranty as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness, other than accuracy at the time of publication. Before taking any course of action related to this article you should make your own inquiries and seek further advice on whether it is suitable for your circumstance. Trinity Employment Services has in house Licensed Immigration Advisers who will be happy to help you with your enquiries.
