New Changes to the Green List Work to Residence Pathway

Immigration New Zealand has just announced that ten skilled trades occupations will be added to the Work to Residence pathway.

On 18 August 2025, 10 skilled trades occupations will be added to the Green List Work to Residence pathway, allowing them to apply for residence after working in New Zealand for two years.

The trade occupations are:

• Metal Fabricator

• Pressure Welder

• Welder

• Fitter (General)

• Fitter and Turner

• Fitter-Welder

• Metal Machinist (First Class)

• Panel Beater

• Vehicle Painter

• Paving Plant Operator

To be eligible, applicants will need to be paid at a level that reflects the skill and experience required for their role:

• for Metal Fabricator, Welder, Fitter, and Machinist roles listed above, applicants must be earning at least $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a year based on a 40-hour week)

• for Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Vehicle Painters, applicants must be earning at least $38.59 an hour (or $80,267 a year).

• Also changing is the median wage threshold across all Residence Categories. The new median wage rate of $33.56 an hour will apply.

Email Arno at arno@nothandco.com to learn how these changes might affect your eligibility or visa application.