Green List STR vs Green List WTR: which New Zealand visa is right for you?
Both are fast-track residence routes for Green List occupations. Straight to Residence grants residence immediately; Work to Residence requires a period of NZ work first.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Green List Straight to Residence Visa (Green List STR) | Green List Work to Residence Visa (Green List WTR) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Temporary |
| Who it's for | For people in high-demand Tier 1 Green List occupations who can apply for residence directly. | For people in Tier 2 Green List occupations who gain residence after working in New Zealand for a period. |
| Government cost | ~NZ$6,450 including levy | ~NZ$750 work visa fee, then ~NZ$6,450 residence fee |
| Processing time | ~4-10 months | ~1-2 months (work visa); residence after qualifying work |
| Length of stay | Permanent (indefinite resident visa) | Work visa up to 5 years, then residence after qualifying period |
| Where to apply | Online, from outside or inside New Zealand | Online, from outside or inside New Zealand |
| Work rights | Work for any employer in any role | Work for the accredited employer in the Green List role |
| Pathway to PR | Grants residence immediately; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship. | Leads to residence after working in the role for the required time (commonly 24 months). |
Which is right for you?
Green List Straight to Residence Visa (Green List STR)
For people in high-demand Tier 1 Green List occupations who can apply for residence directly.
Full Green List STR guide →Green List Work to Residence Visa (Green List WTR)
For people in Tier 2 Green List occupations who gain residence after working in New Zealand for a period.
Full Green List WTR guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Green List STR or Green List WTR?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Green List Work to Residence Visa (Green List WTR) is the lowest at ~NZ$750 work visa fee, then ~NZ$6,450 residence fee. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Green List STR or Green List WTR?
Indicatively Green List Work to Residence Visa (Green List WTR) is the quickest at ~1-2 months (work visa); residence after qualifying work. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
Green List STR is permanent. Green List STR: Grants residence immediately; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship. Green List WTR: Leads to residence after working in the role for the required time (commonly 24 months).
What's the main difference between Green List STR and Green List WTR?
Green List Straight to Residence Visa (Green List STR) is for for people in high-demand Tier 1 Green List occupations who can apply for residence directly. Green List Work to Residence Visa (Green List WTR) is for for people in Tier 2 Green List occupations who gain residence after working in New Zealand for a period.