Green List Straight to Residence Visa
For people in high-demand Tier 1 Green List occupations who can apply for residence directly.
The Green List Straight to Residence Visa is a New Zealand work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NZ$6,450 including levy) and processing time (~4-10 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Green List Straight to Residence Visa is for
For people in high-demand Tier 1 Green List occupations who can apply for residence directly.
Grants residence immediately; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship.
Green List Straight to Residence Visa - eligibility criteria
- Hold a job or job offer in a Tier 1 Green List occupation
- Meet the qualification, registration or experience for the role
- Be paid at the required rate where specified
- Be aged 55 or under
- Meet English, health and character requirements
Green List Straight to Residence Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Green List Straight to Residence Visa (New Zealand) is ~NZ$6,450 including levy, with an indicative processing time of ~4-10 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration New Zealand.
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online, from outside or inside New Zealand |
| Length of stay | Permanent (indefinite resident visa) |
| Work rights | Work for any employer in any role |
| Study rights | Study with no restrictions |
| Government fee | ~NZ$6,450 including levy |
| Processing time | ~4-10 months |
| Route to PR | Grants residence immediately; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
Grants residence immediately; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship.
Many applicants also compare Green List WTR · Green List Work to Residence Visa, SMC · Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, AEWV · Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Run a free VisaChief check to see which New Zealand route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Green List Straight to Residence Visa pitfalls we fix
Green List Straight to Residence Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Green List Straight to Residence Visa cost?
The Green List Straight to Residence Visa government fee is ~NZ$6,450 including levy. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Green List Straight to Residence Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~4-10 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Green List Straight to Residence Visa lead to permanent residence?
Grants residence immediately; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship.
Can I work on the Green List Straight to Residence Visa?
Work rights: Work for any employer in any role.
Who can apply for the Green List Straight to Residence Visa?
For people in high-demand Tier 1 Green List occupations who can apply for residence directly.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official New Zealand government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration New Zealand - official New Zealand immigration authority