Eligibility Standards
To use for residence underneath this new Inexperienced Record class, candidates should:
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Have a present job or a job provide in one of many ten listed occupations
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Be 55 years outdated or youthful on the time of software
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Meet well being, character, and English language necessities
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Have labored full-time and been paid in a related function in New Zealand for at the least 24 months, incomes at or above the relevant wage threshold throughout that point
Wage Thresholds for New Occupations
To make sure solely essentially the most expert and skilled staff are eligible, particular wage thresholds have been set for every occupation:
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For Steel Fabricators, Welders, Fitters, and Machinists:
Minimal wage of $43.63 per hour (or $90,750 yearly based mostly on a 40-hour week) -
For Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Automobile Painters:
Minimal wage of $38.59 per hour (or $80,267 yearly)
These wage thresholds had been established following the 2023 Inexperienced Record overview and replicate consultations with trade stakeholders to make sure immigration coverage aligns with real-world ability and pay expectations.
Annual Median Wage Updates Additionally Introduced
Along with the adjustments to the Inexperienced Record, Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that the median wage thresholds for all expert residence visa classes — together with Expert Migrant, Work to Residence, and Straight to Residence — can be up to date from 18 August 2025.
The brand new median wage can be $33.56 per hour, based mostly on knowledge from June 2024 launched by Statistics New Zealand. These updates are a part of common changes geared toward making certain immigration settings stay aligned with the present labour market.
What This Means for Employers and Migrants
For employers, this growth offers entry to a wider pool of certified, skilled commerce professionals, with the additional benefit of providing a transparent path to residence — a robust incentive for long-term worker retention.
For expert tradespeople already in New Zealand or contemplating migration, this presents an thrilling alternative to safe everlasting residency via an occupation-based route that values sensible expertise and trade pay requirements over formal {qualifications} or registration.
