Again in 2024, many hoped that key trades—like welding and fabrication—can be added to New Zealand’s Inexperienced Checklist. Whereas that replace didn’t come then, Immigration New Zealand has now confirmed a major shift. As of 12 June 2025, 10 new expert trades have been added to the Inexperienced Checklist, providing a clearer path to residence.
That’s nice information for expert staff and employers in these sectors.
From 18 August 2025, extra eligible trades staff may have a clearer path to residence after two years of working in a Inexperienced Checklist position for an accredited employer.
Inexperienced Checklist replace: 10 new roles added in 2025
- Metallic Fabricator
- Metallic Machinist (First Class)
- Fitter (Normal)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter Welder
- Strain Welder
- Welder
- Panel Beater
- Car Painter
- Paving Plant Operator
These modifications will permit New Zealand employers to fill crucial gaps within the workforce and provide long-term safety for expert migrant staff already employed in these industries.
At VisaAide, we’re encouraging employers to overview their workforce now and establish any staff who might profit from this replace. Not solely does this assist with employees retention, nevertheless it additionally opens alternatives for smoother long-term planning.
Who qualifies for the Inexperienced Checklist residence pathway?
Whereas this Inexperienced Checklist growth is a serious alternative, not everybody in these roles will routinely qualify for residence. To be eligible below the Work to Residence pathway, candidates should:
- Have labored within the listed occupation for no less than 24 months
- Be below 55 years outdated
- Meet well being, character, and English language necessities
As well as, every occupation has particular standards, particularly round pay charges.
For instance:
- Metallic Fabricators, Welders, Fitters, and Machinists should earn no less than $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a yr, primarily based on a 40-hour week)*
- Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Car Painters should earn no less than $38.59 an hour (or $80,267 a yr)*
Figures right as at 18 June 2025.
Notice: Employers don’t want to extend the pay for current visa holders mid-role, but when a employee is getting ready to satisfy residence visa necessities, modifications jobs, applies for a brand new visa, or lodges residence, the present wage threshold might apply.
What this implies for employers and expert trades staff
This Inexperienced Checklist replace brings actual advantages for each employers and migrants working in these important trades:
- New alternatives for candidates and employers: In case you’re hiring or positioned in one in all these 10 trades, eligible candidates now have a transparent path to New Zealand residence after two years.
- Improved long-term planning: Employers can provide expert migrants a clearer and faster development from work to residence—serving to with retention and staff constructing.
- Sooner settlement for expert staff: Migrants in these occupations can apply for residence as soon as they’ve met the required standards, with out leaping via additional hoops.
