Green List (Straight to Residence & Work to Residence)
Category: Migration · Processing time: 4-12 weeks (Straight to Residence); 2 years + processing (Work to Residence) / —
Apply through official authority
Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-29.
Visa type
Migration
Processing time
4-12 weeks (Straight to Residence); 2 years + processing (Work to Residence) / —
Fees
MinIncomePoints: Varies by occupation — generally NZ$31.61/hour minimum, higher for specialist roles
Validity
Indefinite for Straight to Residence; 2 years for Work to Residence.
Stay duration
Indefinite for Straight to Residence; 2 years for Work to Residence.
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
Save this visa to My Plan
Overview
Green List (Straight to Residence & Work to Residence) immigration pathway. Path to permanent residence: —. Path to citizenship: —. Income / points requirement: Varies by occupation — general
- Leads to permanent residency: No
- Requires job offer: Yes
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified
- Financial requirement: Varies by occupation; generally requires a minimum income of NZ$31.61/hour or higher for specialist roles.
Estimated Costs
- - MinIncomePoints: Varies by occupation — generally NZ$31.61/hour minimum, higher for specialist roles
- - MinSavings: —
- - PathToPr: —
- - PathToCitizenship: —
Required Documents
- - Proof of job offer in a Green List occupation.
- - Evidence of qualifications and work experience.
- - Identity documents (passport, birth certificate).
- - Medical and police clearance certificates.
Application Steps
- Check eligibility based on occupation and income requirements.
- Gather required documents.
- Submit the application online through the official portal.
- Wait for processing (4-12 weeks for Straight to Residence; up to 2 years for Work to Residence).
- Receive decision and follow any further instructions.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in New Zealand (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
Track your Green List (Straight to Residence & Work to Residence) preparation
Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.
Get visa checklist updates
Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Green List (Straight to Residence & Work to Residence) in New Zealand.
Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Citizenship timeline: —
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in New Zealand depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admissio
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In New Zealand, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in New Zealand for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for New Zealand, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter New Zealand, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track borde
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for New Zealand through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa pr
Scammers advertise fake apartments in New Zealand, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Green List (Straight to Residence & Work to Residence). It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Insufficient evidence of qualifications or work experience.
- - Failure to meet the minimum income requirement.
- - Incomplete application or missing documents.
Application Tips
- - Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
- - Double-check the specific income requirements for your occupation.
- - Consider consulting with an immigration advisor if needed.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Last verified 2026-05-29.
Feedback
Was this guide helpful?
Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority.
Summarize this page with AI
Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode.
Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Migration pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 4-12 weeks (Straight to Residence); 2 years + processing (Work to Residence) / —, subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.