In November 2026, Immigration New Zealand announced that 17 occupations would leave the Tier 2 Green List pathway for the Work to Residence Visa on 8 March 2027. Its 3 November notice says the roles are covered by new Skilled Migrant Category pathways, whose eligibility rules differ.

Employers can still recruit workers for these occupations through the Accredited Employer Work Visa when they meet the requirements. Applicable Green List concessions, such as labour market test exemptions and priority processing, will no longer apply.

Check open cases and planned hires

Ask the local immigration adviser to verify the occupational classification used for each file, rather than relying on an internal job title. Compare current and proposed residence options against the worker’s pay, experience and qualifications; identify cases still in progress when the change takes effect and check the applicable guidance before making commitments. For new hires, allow time for any additional recruitment evidence and for processing without a priority setting.

For multinational employers, delays can affect housing, school dates and the start of local benefits.

Sources

Immigration New Zealand: Green List changes