Working in a trade? A path to residence may be open to you

The government recently announced from 18 August 2025 ten trade occupations will be added to Tier Two of the Green List.

This means people working in these trades and meeting certain criteria may have a pathway to residence either from 18 August or after two years of working in the job.

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The ten new trades going onto the Green List and the minimum pay rates for certain occupations are:

• Metal Fabricator - $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a year for a 40 hour work week)
• Metal Machinist (First Class) - $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a year for a 40 hour work week)
• Fitter (General) - $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a year for a 40 hour work week)
• Fitter and Turner
• Fitter Welder
• Pressure Welder
• Welder - $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a year for a 40 hour work week)
• Panel Beater - $38.59 an hour (or $80,267 a year for a 40 hour work week)
• Vehicle Painter - $38.59 an hour (or $80,267 a year for a 40 hour work week)
• Paving Plant Operator - $38.59 an hour (or $80,267 a year for a 40 hour work week)

The Green List is made up of highly skilled occupations where there are national shortages of these workers in New Zealand.

If you are working in one of these trades and intend to apply for residence there are some rules you and your family need to be aware of.

1. You cannot be older than 55 years of age when you apply.
2. All family members included in the application must pass health and character tests plus anyone aged 16 years or older pass English language requirements.
3. You must have worked in New Zealand in one of the above trades for at least two years when you apply for residence and meet the required wage threshold throughout that two years.
4. The required wage threshold is either set out above next to the trade occupation or if no wage is provided it needs to be at least the median wage of $31.61 an hour.

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The median wage rate for visa application assessments is set to increase on 18 August 2025 to $33.56 an hour.  

Immigration NZ took advice from trade industries in reaching the occupation specific wage thresholds.  You might be concerned that you do not meet these wage thresholds because they may seem quite high compared to what you are being paid. Don’t panic!

A review of the Skilled Migrant Category (points system) is underway and we expect more announcements in the coming months about further changes. If you need help to extend your work visa or want to discuss your eligibly for residence talk to our team today.

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