How Are Green List Occupations Changing Job Prospects for SMC Visa Holders in New Zealand?

How Are Green List Occupations Changing Job Prospects for SMC Visa Holders in New Zealand?

Looking for a Kiwi residency ticket straight from your toolbox? You’re closer than you think!

Green List New Zealand 2025 is reshaping pathways to residency, which is all good news for SMC visa holders. If you’re navigating the Skilled Migrant Category or contemplating the Green List, we’re your toolkit for understanding how things are changing and also thriving.

What the Green List Update Means

• The Green List has ten high-demand trades, such as welders and metal fabricators, eligible to apply for a Work to Residence visa after two years on the job.
• Wage thresholds have changed: $43.63/hr for specialist trades and $38.59/hr for painters and plant operators.
• The median wage for SMC, Work to Residence, and Straight to Residence visas increased to $33.56/hr on 18 August 2025.

This means clearer pathways – no more guessing.

Impact on SMC Visa Holders

Here is what is changing for those who are holders of an SMC visa:

Stricter wage rules

If you are claiming points under the Skilled Migrant Category, your wage now needs to be higher – and particularly so if you are claiming for ANZSCO skill levels 4-5 – you now need to be earning 1.5× the median wage ($50.34/hr).

Streamlined points system

You get points only based on: earnings, qualifications, registration, or NZ experience (six points are needed to cross the line).

Syncing with the Green List

If your occupation falls under Green List Tier 1 or 2, you might be able to transition to residence immediately from Tier 1 or after 2 years from Tier 2 (if the same role).

With these most recent updates to the Skilled Migrant Category, you will now have to pay much closer attention to your income, job title, and list placement.  But, once done, the pathway to PR is much smoother than before.

Why This is Important to You

• Faster residency pathways. Tier 1 positions = straight to PR (permanent residency). Tier 2 trades = two-year work-to-residence pathway.
• New pathways open. If you are already on SMC, you could pivot to the Green List if your job is listed.
• Aligns with real-life needs. The government is responding to skilled labour shortages with a focus on essential roles.

How to Leverage These Changes

• Check your classification: Is your position Tier 1 or 2? Are you compensated at the right levels?
• Track your earnings: Update your wage records to meet thresholds exactly.
• Align with your pathway: If you are in the skilled migrant category, double-check if the Green List could be a faster and easier route.
• Get help early: This is where VisaExperts by Abhinav Immigration Services come in—we will help map out whether SMC or Green List makes better sense based on your job, qualifications, and earning.

Final Thoughts

The updated high‑demand occupations in New Zealand list is more meaningful than ever before—higher pay rates, new trades, and clear entry points make the list a game changer for skilled migrants. Whether you’re just beginning your journey under the Skilled Migrant Category or stepping into a new Green List job, the list makes it easier to get on your journey to residence.

If you’re interested in your next steps, VisaExperts can help. We can help you in many ways – we can check if you are on the list, and help you build an optimal visa pathway.

Your journey in New Zealand deserves clarity and a friendly guide.