From 8 March 2027, 17 occupations will move out of the Tier 2 Green List roles for the Work to Residence Visa because they are covered by the new SMC pathways. The Green List is expected to be reviewed in 2027 to ensure it continues to support New Zealand's workforce needs.

There are also changes for special education teachers, Sterilisation Technicians and Career Counsellors.

Changes to Work to Residence Visa occupations

The new SMC pathways introduced in August 2026 mean that a number of occupations now have overlapping residence pathways. Removing them from the Tier 2 Green List roles for the Work to Residence Visa simplifies the residence system by reducing duplication and helps ensure the Green List remains clear, focused and aligned with New Zealand’s immigration and workforce needs.

From 8 March 2027, 17 occupations will be removed from the Green List for the Work to Residence Visa pathway. People in these occupations may instead qualify for residence through the SMC, subject to meeting the requirements of the relevant pathway.  The SMC pathways have different qualification, work experience and wage requirements from the Work to Residence Visa.

For many experienced workers, the new SMC pathways will provide a more accessible route to residence, including through lower wage thresholds, shorter New Zealand work requirements or no specified qualification requirement, depending on the pathway. However, the pathways have different eligibility requirements and may not be more accessible for everyone.

The following occupations will be eligible through the 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).

The following occupations will be eligible through the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway:

• Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
• Telecommunications Technician
• Paving Plant Operator
• Pressure Welder.

People applying for residence through an SMC pathway will need to meet the qualification, work experience, wage and other requirements of that pathway. Employers will be able to continue to recruit migrants in these occupations through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), provided they meet the relevant requirements. 

However, the Green List settings that currently apply to these roles (including applicable labour market test exemptions and priority processing for job check and AEWV applications) will no longer apply.

Transitional arrangements

Transitional arrangements will be available for eligible people who are already progressing towards residence through the Work to Residence Visa pathway. People who have already started accumulating qualifying work experience before the changes take effect will be able to continue counting that work towards the existing 24-month Work to Residence Visa requirement.

People covered by the transitional arrangements will still need to meet all other residence requirements.

Changes for special education teachers

Four special education teaching occupations will move from the Work to Residence Visa pathway 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 people in these occupations will be able to apply directly for residence without first completing 2 years of qualifying work in New Zealand.

Special education teachers are registered teachers who deliver the same curriculum as other teachers. Moving these occupations will align their residence pathway with comparable teaching roles.

Changes for Sterilisation Technicians

Green List eligibility for Sterilisation Technicians will be limited to graduate and registered members of the New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association. This change better aligns Green List eligibility requirements with the professional standards and workforce requirements for the occupation.

Removal of Career Counsellor from Straight to Residence Visa

Career Counsellor will be removed from the Tier 1 Green List roles for the Straight to Residence Visa.

The occupation was included when allied healthcare occupations were added to the Green List but does not align with the original focus of those additions. Career Counsellors may still be eligible for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category or another residence pathway if they meet the relevant requirements.

For support with interpretation of these changes, please contact Steve for an obligation free consultation.