New Zealand Adds 10 In-Demand Jobs to Work to Residence Green List Starting August 18, 2025

If you’re a skilled tradesperson dreaming of starting a new life in New Zealand, August 18, 2025, could be your turning point. The New Zealand government has announced the addition of 10 new occupations to the Work to Residence Green List Pathway, giving more trades professionals a clear and achievable path to permanent residency.

This latest update is part of New Zealand’s ongoing effort to address skill shortages across key industries. It offers international workers an opportunity to not only contribute to the nation’s workforce but also gain long-term security through residency.

Let’s explore what this update means for you—and how to make the most of it.

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What Is the Green List Work to Residence Pathway?

The Green List is a targeted immigration pathway developed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to attract talent in high-demand sectors. Workers on this list enjoy a fast-tracked or simplified route to residency, depending on their job, qualifications, and experience.

With the latest expansion, more skilled trades workers can now apply for residence after just 24 months of full-time employment in New Zealand—a significant advantage compared to other visa categories.

The 10 New Occupations Added (Effective August 18, 2025)

Here are the ten new in-demand roles being added to the Green List:

1. Fitter (General)
2. Fitter and Turner
3. Fitter Welder
4. Metal Machinist (First Class)
5. Metal Fabricator
6. Pressure Welder
7. Welder (General)
8. Panel Beater
9. Vehicle Painter
10. Paving Plant Operator

These jobs are vital to New Zealand’s infrastructure, automotive, and manufacturing industries. By adding them to the Green List, the government aims to retain skilled talent, fill ongoing vacancies, and boost the economy.

What Makes This Update Important?

This is more than just a policy change—it’s a life-changing opportunity for tradespeople already in New Zealand or looking to move there. If you’re employed (or have a job offer) in one of these occupations and have worked in New Zealand for 24 months, you may now be eligible to apply for residency.

That means:

• More job security
• Eligibility for public healthcare and social benefits
• The chance to bring your family with you
• Long-term opportunities in one of the most stable and beautiful countries in the world

Residency Requirements Under the Green List Work to Residence Pathway

To qualify for residence under this new Green List expansion, you must:

• Have a valid job or job offer in one of the newly listed trades
• Be 55 years old or younger at the time of your application
• Meet English language, health, and character requirements
• Have completed 24 months of full-time, paid work experience in the relevant role in New Zealand
• Be earning at or above the required hourly wage threshold

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New Wage Thresholds: What You Need to Earn

The wage thresholds are designed to ensure applicants are contributing meaningfully to New Zealand’s economy while meeting the country’s skill demand.

Wage Requirements (Effective August 18, 2025):

• For Metalworkers, Fitters, and Welders:
  📌 $43.63 per hour or $90,750 per year
• For Vehicle Painters, Panel Beaters, and Paving Plant Operators:
  📌 $38.59 per hour or $80,267 per year

These thresholds were determined in consultation with key industry bodies and reflect current wage trends in New Zealand.

Other Updates Coming August 2025: Median Wage Review

In addition to the Green List update, Immigration New Zealand will revise the median wage across all major skilled visa categories—including the Skilled Migrant Category, Work to Residence, and Straight to Residence pathways.

Starting August 18, 2025, the new median wage will be set at:

📌 $33.56 per hour

This update ensures that immigration policies stay aligned with the real-time labor market and economic conditions. If you’re applying under any skilled visa route, it’s important to verify that your wage meets the new threshold.

Why This Is Great News for Global Trades Workers

This expansion sends a strong message: New Zealand wants you—especially if you’re experienced, qualified, and ready to contribute.

Here’s why this is a win:

• 🌐 Clearer Pathways to Permanent Residency: You no longer have to wait years or jump through multiple visa categories.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Policies: Bring your partner and children with you and enjoy access to schools, healthcare, and local services.
• 🛠️ Support for Trade Skills: Many immigration programs focus on white-collar professions. This update gives tradespeople the recognition and support they deserve.
• 📈 Competitive Wages: With rising wage thresholds, skilled workers can enjoy strong earnings and high quality of life.

Key Date to Remember

Mark your calendar:
📍 August 18, 2025 – The date when:

• 10 new trade jobs are added to the Green List
• New median wage thresholds go into effect
• Immigration NZ starts processing Work to Residence applications under updated criteria

If you’re already working in one of these roles, this could be your fast lane to residency.

Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)

How Travul.org Can Help You Apply

Navigating visa processes can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. At Travul.org, we offer personalized support for:

• 🔍 Finding eligible job offers and employers
• 📑 Preparing your visa application documents
• 📬 Meeting immigration deadlines and requirements
• 🛂 Verifying eligibility under the new Green List pathway
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Helping you relocate with your family

Our experts stay up to date on every immigration update, so you don’t miss a single opportunity.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s decision to expand its Green List to include more trade occupations is a major step forward for global skilled workers. If you’re a fitter, welder, painter, or machinist dreaming of making New Zealand your permanent home, this update is your signal to act.

With the right job, 24 months of work experience, and the required wage, you could soon enjoy residency in one of the world’s safest, cleanest, and most livable countries.

📌 Apply early, stay informed, and prepare your documents in advance.

And when you’re ready to take the next step, Travul.org is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to make New Zealand your new home?
Visit Travul.org today and start your Green List visa journey with expert help.

Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)