Two key changes have just been announced by Immigration New Zealand this afternoon that will impact how employers hire and retain skilled workers.
The Green List will soon include ten new skilled trade roles, and the Median Wage threshold for Skilled Residence Visa applications will also increase.
Here’s what you need to know
10 new Trades roles will be added to the Green List
From 18 August 2025, ten new occupations will be added to the Green List Work to Residence Pathway. This means migrants working in these roles will be able to apply for residence after two years of working in New Zealand in one of the Green List occupations.
The new roles include:
- Metal Fabricator
- Pressure Welder
- Welder
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Paving Plant Operator
Applicants will still need to meet skill, experience, and wage thresholds, as well as standard health, character, age, and English language requirements
Median wage threshold to increase for Skilled Residence
At the same time as the Green List additions come into play, Immigration New Zealand will implement its annual update to the Median Wage. This change will affect eligibility criteria for many Skilled Residence Visa categories.
The new median wage rate of $33.56 will be implemented into policy. Any other wage thresholds indexed to the Median Wage will also be updated.
Any applications submitted prior to 18 August 2025 can still be made based on current wage thresholds.
Planning to support staff with residence?
It’s important to check how this change may affect their timing and eligibility. Act now or your employees may no longer qualify unless they receive the relevant pay increase.
We’re here to help you plan ahead. If you’d like guidance on how these changes could impact your recruitment or workforce retention strategy, get in touch with our team.
