Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that 17 occupations will leave the Tier 2 Green List roles for the Work to Residence Visa pathway from March 8, 2027.
The jobs are being dropped because they are now covered by the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) pathways.
INZ said the move to cut the 17 jobs from the Green List residence pathway is aimed at reducing duplication and simplifies the residence system. The SMC pathways were introduced in August 2026, and the Green List and the new routes now overlap for these roles.
The affected jobs include mechanics, welders, construction supervisors, metal fabricators and telecommunications technicians. Workers in these occupations will instead need to qualify through the country’s new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) pathways.
17 Jobs Moving to New Skilled Migrant Category Pathways
From 8 March 2027, the following occupations will no longer qualify under the existing Tier 2 Green List Work to Residence pathway.
SMC Trades and Technician pathway
- Building Associate (Building Construction Supervisor)
- Automotive Electrician
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway
- Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
- Telecommunications Technician
- Paving Plant Operator
- Pressure Welder
Workers will need to meet the specific qualification, salary, work experience and other eligibility requirements of their respective SMC pathway.
For some applicants, the new routes could actually make permanent residence easier to achieve. Depending on the occupation, they may offer lower wage thresholds, shorter New Zealand work experience requirements or no specified qualification requirement.
However, these benefits will not apply equally to everyone.
Special Education Teachers to Get Direct Residence
Four occupations will move from the Work to Residence category to the Straight to Residence Visa pathway:
- Special Needs Teacher
- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
- Teacher of the Sight Impaired
- Special Education Teachers not elsewhere classified
Eligible teachers will be able to apply directly for New Zealand residence without first completing two years of qualifying employment in the country.
This puts special education teachers on a similar footing to other teaching professionals already covered by the direct residence route.
Workers who have already started accumulating qualifying employment experience before 8 March 2027 will receive transitional protection.
They can continue counting that experience towards the existing 24-month Work to Residence requirement, subject to meeting all other visa conditions.
Employers will also remain able to recruit workers in the affected occupations through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
