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In-demand occupations · 2026
🇳🇿 New Zealand in-demand & shortage occupation list
updated for 2026.
18 shortage occupations across 3 sectors, with indicative salaries, official codes and the visa route each one unlocks.
Immigration New Zealand · Green List reviewed 2026
Overview
Green List (Tier 1 & Tier 2) and Sector Agreements
New Zealand's Green List is the country's official shortage list. Tier 1 occupations qualify for Straight to Residence — permanent residence applied for from day one. Tier 2 occupations use Work to Residence, converting after 24 months with an accredited employer. Everything else runs through the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the points-based Skilled Migrant Category.
How the New Zealand shortage list works
- 1Confirm your role sits in Green List Tier 1 or Tier 2 and that you meet the qualification or registration condition attached to it.
- 2Secure an offer from an INZ-accredited employer — accreditation is a hard requirement for the AEWV.
- 3Tier 1: apply for residence directly. Tier 2: work 24 months, then apply.
- 4Non-Green-List roles need 6 points under the Skilled Migrant Category, usually from a recognised degree, registration or high salary.
Sector-wise demand
New Zealand shortage occupations by sector
Green List Tier 1 — straight to residence
| Occupation | Code | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical practitioners (GP, anaesthetist, psychiatrist, surgeon) | — | NZD 180,000 – 350,000 | Tier 1 |
| ICT security specialist & software engineer | — | NZD 110,000 – 160,000 | Tier 1 |
| Civil, structural, geotechnical & electrical engineer | — | NZD 95,000 – 140,000 | Tier 1 |
| Registered nurse (all fields) | — | NZD 78,000 – 110,000 | Tier 1, NCNZ registration |
| Midwife & physiotherapist | — | NZD 80,000 – 110,000 | Tier 1 |
| Secondary school teacher — maths, science, technology | — | NZD 75,000 – 105,000 | Tier 1 |
| Surveyor & construction project manager | — | NZD 100,000 – 145,000 | Tier 1 |
Green List Tier 2 — work to residence
| Occupation | Code | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician & electrical line mechanic | — | NZD 78,000 – 105,000 | Tier 2, registration |
| Plumber, gasfitter & drainlayer | — | NZD 75,000 – 100,000 | Tier 2 |
| Diesel motor & automotive mechanic | — | NZD 68,000 – 92,000 | Tier 2 |
| Telecommunications technician | — | NZD 70,000 – 95,000 | Tier 2 |
| Early childhood teacher | — | NZD 68,000 – 92,000 | Tier 2 |
| Dairy farm manager | — | NZD 72,000 – 95,000 | Tier 2, sector agreement |
Sector agreement & other shortage roles
| Occupation | Code | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged-care and disability support worker | — | NZD 58,000 – 72,000 | Care sector agreement |
| Bus, truck and heavy vehicle driver | — | NZD 62,000 – 80,000 | Transport sector agreement |
| Chef and cook | — | NZD 60,000 – 78,000 | |
| Meat processing and seafood operative | — | NZD 55,000 – 68,000 | |
| Construction labourer and scaffolder | — | NZD 60,000 – 80,000 |
Salaries are indicative gross annual figures for 2026 hiring and vary by employer, city, experience and negotiation. Shortage lists are revised by the issuing authority — we re-verify your occupation before any filing.
Why it matters
What a shortage occupation gets you in New Zealand
Family included
Partners get open work rights and children access domestic-fee schooling.
Median wage indexation
Green List roles carry salary floors that keep pay competitive against local benchmarks.
Matching visa routes
File under the right New Zealand category
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
6-point residence pathway for skilled workers
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Employer-sponsored work visa with PR pathway
New Zealand Student Visa
Study at NZ universities and polytechnics
Green List Straight to Residence
Fast-track PR for in-demand occupations
Documents Required for New Zealand
Complete document checklist for NZ visas
New Zealand in-demand occupations — FAQs
Is a job offer compulsory for the Green List?
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Yes for both tiers — the offer must come from an INZ-accredited employer and match the Green List role and any qualification or registration condition.
What if my occupation is not Green List?
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The Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system remains open, and an AEWV can still get you into the country while you build residence eligibility.
How long does the Straight to Residence visa take?
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Typically 3-7 months from a complete application, once accreditation and registration evidence is in order.
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