Automotive trades will be removed from the Green List Work to Residence pathway from March 8, 2027, under changes to New Zealand’s skilled migration settings.
The affected roles are automotive electrician, diesel motor mechanic (including heavy vehicle inspector), general motor mechanic, motorcycle mechanic, panel beater and vehicle painter.
They will instead be covered by the Skilled Migrant Category Trades and Technician pathway introduced by the Government in August.
Crane, hoist and lift operators, along with paving plant operators, will also leave the Tier 2 Green List and move under the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway.
Immigration New Zealand says removing occupations with overlapping residence options “simplifies the residence system by reducing duplication” and will keep the Green List aligned with the country’s workforce needs.
The SMC pathways have different qualification, employment history and wage requirements from the existing Work to Residence Visa.
For some experienced workers, they could offer a more accessible route through lower wage thresholds, shorter New Zealand work requirements or no specified qualification requirement.
However, Immigration New Zealand cautions that the pathways “may not be more accessible for everyone”.
Other trades moving from the Green List to the Trades and Technician pathway include metal fabricators, welders, fitters, fitter-turners, fitter-welders and first-class metal machinists.
Telecommunications technicians and pressure welders will join crane and paving plant operators under the Skilled Work Experience pathway.
Migrants will still be able to enter New Zealand for the affected jobs through the Accredited Employer Work Visa, provided they and their employers meet the relevant requirements.
However, the Green List settings currently applying to these roles will end. These include labour-market test exemptions and priority processing for employer job checks and AEWV applications.
The change could therefore increase recruitment requirements and processing times for transport and automotive employers relying on skilled workers from overseas.
Transitional arrangements will protect eligible migrants already working towards residence through the existing pathway.
Those who begin accumulating qualifying work experience before March 8 will be able to continue counting it towards the current 24-month Work to Residence requirement. They must still meet all other residence conditions.
In total, 17 occupations will be removed from the Tier 2 Green List.
The Green List is expected to undergo a wider review in 2027 to ensure it continues supporting New Zealand’s workforce requirements.
