Green List Work to Residence Visa
For people in Tier 2 Green List occupations who gain residence after working in New Zealand for a period.
The Green List Work 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$750 work visa fee, then ~NZ$6,450 residence fee) and processing time (~1-2 months (work visa); residence after qualifying work), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Green List Work to Residence Visa is for
For people in Tier 2 Green List occupations who gain residence after working in New Zealand for a period.
Leads to residence after working in the role for the required time (commonly 24 months).
Green List Work to Residence Visa - eligibility criteria
- Hold a job in a Tier 2 Green List occupation
- Work for an accredited employer for the required period
- Be paid at the required rate where specified
- Be aged 55 or under at residence application
- Meet English, health and character requirements
Green List Work to Residence Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Green List Work to Residence Visa (New Zealand) is ~NZ$750 work visa fee, then ~NZ$6,450 residence fee, with an indicative processing time of ~1-2 months (work visa); residence after qualifying work. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration New Zealand.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online, from outside or inside New Zealand |
| Length of stay | Work visa up to 5 years, then residence after qualifying period |
| Work rights | Work for the accredited employer in the Green List role |
| Study rights | Study limited to up to 3 months in any 12 months |
| Government fee | ~NZ$750 work visa fee, then ~NZ$6,450 residence fee |
| Processing time | ~1-2 months (work visa); residence after qualifying work |
| Route to PR | Leads to residence after working in the role for the required time (commonly 24 months). |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to residence after working in the role for the required time (commonly 24 months).
Many applicants also compare Green List STR · Green List Straight to Residence Visa, AEWV · Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), SMC · Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. 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 Work to Residence Visa pitfalls we fix
Green List Work to Residence Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Green List Work to Residence Visa cost?
The Green List Work to Residence Visa government fee is ~NZ$750 work visa fee, then ~NZ$6,450 residence fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Green List Work to Residence Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-2 months (work visa); residence after qualifying work. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Green List Work to Residence Visa lead to permanent residence?
Leads to residence after working in the role for the required time (commonly 24 months).
Can I work on the Green List Work to Residence Visa?
Work rights: Work for the accredited employer in the Green List role.
Who can apply for the Green List Work to Residence Visa?
For people in Tier 2 Green List occupations who gain residence after working in New Zealand for a period.
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