New Zealand Green List Occupations for International Graduates (2026)

## Quick Facts - **Green List occupations**: 89 roles as of 2026, divided into Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) and Tier 2 (Work to Residence) pathways - **Post Study Work Visa duration**: Up to 3 years for Level 7 bachelor's graduates, 1–2 years for Level 4–6 diplomas, 3 years for Level 8–10 qualifications - **Median wage threshold (2026)**: NZD $31.61 per hour for skilled employment (up from NZD $29.66 in 2024) - **Green List wage requirements**: Most Tier 1 occupations require NZD $31.61/hour or higher; specific roles like Civil Engineer require NZD $41.50/hour - **Processing time for Straight to Residence**: 90% of applications processed within 12 months (as of early 2026) - **Graduate starting salaries by field**: Engineering NZD $65,000–$80,000, IT NZD $60,000–$75,000, Health NZD $62,000–$85,000, Teaching NZD $55,000–$62,000 per year ## Overview New Zealand's Green List is a central immigration policy tool that identifies occupations with demonstrable skill shortages where international talent is actively sought. For international graduates who complete their studies in New Zealand, the Green List offers a structured pathway from student visa to residence, provided they secure employment in a listed occupation. As of 2026, the Green List includes 89 occupations spanning construction, engineering, health, information technology, trades, and primary industries. The list is reviewed annually by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) based on labour market data, skill shortage assessments, and industry consultation. This article provides a data-grounded overview of how the Green List intersects with post-study work rights, visa requirements, and realistic graduate outcomes. ## Understanding the Green List Structure The Green List is divided into two tiers, each with distinct residence pathways and requirements for international graduates. ### Tier 1: Straight to Residence Tier 1 occupations allow individuals who hold a job offer in a listed role to apply for residence directly, without first needing to work in New Zealand for a specified period. As of 2026, 56 occupations are on Tier 1, including: - **Construction**: Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Construction Project Manager - **Health**: General Practitioner, Registered Nurse (aged care, medical practice, mental health, surgical), Physiotherapist, Medical Laboratory Scientist - **IT**: ICT Project Manager, Software Engineer, ICT Security Specialist, Multimedia Specialist - **Trades**: Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter (if working on new construction projects) **Key requirement**: You must hold a job offer or be currently employed in the role, earning at or above the median wage (NZD $31.61/hour) or the specific wage threshold for your occupation (e.g., Civil Engineer: NZD $41.50/hour). ### Tier 2: Work to Residence Tier 2 occupations require you to work in New Zealand in the listed role for 24 months before you can apply for residence. As of 2026, 33 occupations are on Tier 2, including: - **Construction**: Building Associate, Building Inspector, Surveyor Technician - **Health**: Anaesthetic Technician, Dental Technician, Pharmacy Technician - **Trades**: Automotive Electrician, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Metal Fabricator - **Primary Industries**: Dairy Cattle Farmer, Sheep and Beef Cattle Farmer (both require a minimum of 3 years' experience in addition to the 24-month work period) **Key requirement**: You must hold a job offer or be employed in the role for at least 24 months, earning at or above the relevant wage threshold. Your employer must be accredited under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system. ## Post Study Work Visa & Green List Alignment The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is the primary visa type for international graduates seeking to transition into Green List employment. Here is how qualification levels map to PSWV durations and Green List eligibility: ### PSWV Duration by Qualification Level - **Level 4–6 diploma** (non-degree): 1 year for qualifications completed in fewer than 30 weeks; 2 years for 30+ week programmes - **Level 7 bachelor's degree**: 3 years - **Level 7 graduate diploma** (if studied in a field with skill shortage): 2 years - **Level 8 postgraduate diploma or certificate**: 3 years - **Level 9 master's degree**: 3 years - **Level 10 doctoral degree**: 3 years ### Strategic Considerations for Graduates For graduates aiming to use the Green List pathway, the most effective strategy is to: 1. **Choose a qualification aligned with Green List occupations** — Engineering, IT, health sciences, and construction trades are heavily represented 2. **Secure employment in a Green List role during or immediately after your PSWV period** — Most Tier 1 and Tier 2 roles require a job offer from an accredited employer 3. **Meet the wage threshold** — The median wage of NZD $31.61/hour (2026) is the baseline; some occupations have higher specific thresholds **Example**: A graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from the University of Auckland (Level 8) can work for 3 years on a PSWV. If they secure a Civil Engineer role paying NZD $41.50/hour, they can apply for Straight to Residence immediately, bypassing the 24-month work requirement. ## University Programmes Aligned with Green List Occupations Several New Zealand universities offer programmes that directly feed into Green List occupations. Below are examples with 2026 tuition fees for international students: ### Engineering Programmes - **University of Auckland** — Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): NZD $52,000–$55,000 per year (2026) - **University of Canterbury** — Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): NZD $48,500–$51,000 per year (2026) - **University of Waikato** — Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): NZD $43,000–$46,000 per year (2026) ### Health Programmes - **University of Otago** — Bachelor of Nursing: NZD $42,000–$45,000 per year (2026) - **Auckland University of Technology** — Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Laboratory Science): NZD $44,000–$47,000 per year (2026) - **Massey University** — Bachelor of Veterinary Science: NZD $55,000–$58,000 per year (2026) ### IT Programmes - **Victoria University of Wellington** — Bachelor of Science (Computer Science): NZD $38,000–$41,000 per year (2026) - **University of Canterbury** — Bachelor of Science (Computer Science): NZD $40,000–$43,000 per year (2026) ### Construction and Trades Programmes - **Unitec Institute of Technology** — Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying): NZD $32,000–$35,000 per year (2026) - **Otago Polytechnic** — New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil): NZD $28,000–$31,000 per year (2026) ## Cost of Living and Financial Planning International students must demonstrate sufficient funds for living costs as part of their visa application. As of 2026, Immigration New Zealand requires: - **Living costs evidence**: NZD $20,000 per year for single applicants (increased from NZD $15,000 in 2023) - **Additional dependents**: NZD $7,000 per year for a partner, NZD $3,000 per year for each child - **Return airfare**: Budget NZD $1,500–$2,500 depending on origin - **Health insurance**: Mandatory for most international students; budget NZD $500–$800 per year for comprehensive cover **Note**: These living cost requirements are for visa purposes only. Actual living costs vary significantly by location. In Auckland, budget NZD $25,000–$30,000 per year for rent, food, transport, and utilities. In Dunedin or Palmerston North, NZD $20,000–$25,000 is more realistic. ## Work Rights During Study International students on a Fee Paying Student Visa can work: - **Full-time during scheduled holidays**: No hour limit - **Part-time during study periods**: Up to 20 hours per week - **Full-time in specified programmes**: Students enrolled in Level 8 or higher programmes with a research component (e.g., master's by thesis, PhD) can work unlimited hours throughout the year **Important**: Work rights are a legal entitlement, not a financial strategy. The median wage of NZD $31.61/hour means part-time work at 20 hours/week could generate approximately NZD $32,874 per year before tax — but this should not be relied upon to cover tuition or living costs. Budget conservatively. ## FAQ ### Q1: Which Green List occupations are easiest for international graduates to enter? Based on 2025–2026 graduate employment data, Registered Nurse, Software Engineer, and Civil Engineer consistently show high demand and lower barriers to entry for new graduates. Nursing graduates from University of Otago and AUT report job offers within 3–6 months of completing their degree. IT graduates with strong portfolios often secure roles before graduation. Construction-related roles (Quantity Surveyor, Construction Project Manager) also have strong demand, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch. ### Q2: Can I switch from a Post Study Work Visa to a Green List residence visa without a job offer? No. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Green List pathways require a job offer or current employment in a listed occupation. The job must be from an accredited employer, and you must meet the wage threshold. However, the PSWV gives you up to 3 years to find suitable employment. During this period, you can work in any role (not necessarily Green List) while searching for a Green List position. ### Q3: What happens if my occupation is removed from the Green List while I'm on a PSWV? Immigration New Zealand typically provides transitional arrangements. If you have already applied for residence under the Green List before the occupation is removed, your application will be processed under the rules in effect at the time of application. If you are still on a PSWV and the occupation is removed, you may need to explore other pathways such as the Skilled Migrant Category (6-point system) or seek a different Green List occupation. ### Q4: Are there specific English language requirements for Green List residence applications? Yes. For most Green List residence applications, you must meet English language requirements. Acceptable evidence includes: - IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0) for most occupations - PTE Academic: Overall 58 (no communicative skill below 50) - TOEFL iBT: Overall 90 (with minimum writing score of 21) - Completion of a qualification taught in English in New Zealand (Level 7 or higher, minimum 2 years) can satisfy the requirement - Citizenship of Canada, Ireland, UK, USA, or Australia also meets the requirement ### Q5: Can my partner work while I am on a Post Study Work Visa? Yes. Partners of individuals holding a Post Study Work Visa can apply for an open work visa with full work rights (no employer or occupation restrictions). This is one of the most valuable aspects of the PSWV — your partner can work in any role, for any employer, anywhere in New Zealand, without needing a job offer in advance. ### Q6: What is the Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system, and how does it compare to the Green List? The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-point system, introduced in October 2023, awards points for qualifications, income, and skilled work experience in New Zealand. You need 6 points to apply for residence. Points are awarded as follows: - **Qualifications**: Level 9 master's = 5 points, Level 10 doctorate = 6 points - **Income**: 1.5x median wage (NZD $47.42/hour in 2026) = 3 points; 2x median wage (NZD $63.22/hour) = 4 points; 3x median wage (NZD $94.83/hour) = 6 points - **Skilled work in NZ**: 1 point per year (up to 3 points) The Green List is often faster for those in listed occupations (especially Tier 1), while the SMC is more flexible for graduates with high qualifications or income but in non-Green List roles. ## Sources 1. Immigration New Zealand — Green List occupations and requirements (immigration.govt.nz/green-list) 2. Immigration New Zealand — Post Study Work Visa (immigration.govt.nz/working-in-nz/after-you-study) 3. Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system (immigration.govt.nz/skilled-migrant-category) 4. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment — Occupation shortage lists and labour market data (mbie.govt.nz) 5. Statistics New Zealand — Median wage data and employment statistics (stats.govt.nz) 6. University of Auckland — International student fees 2026 (auckland.ac.nz) 7. University of Canterbury — International student fees 2026 (canterbury.ac.nz) 8. University of Otago — International student fees 2026 (otago.ac.nz) 9. Education New Zealand — Study and work in New Zealand (studywithnewzealand.govt.nz) 10. Employment New Zealand — Employment rights and minimum wage (employment.govt.nz)