10 Trades Added to NZ WTR
In a significant move to address skills shortages across key industries, the New Zealand Government has announced the addition of ten new trades occupations to the Work to Residence pathway on the Green List. This change, effective 18 August 2025, is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain highly skilled workers in roles that are critical to the economy.
Fast-Tracked Residency for Skilled Tradespeople
From August 2025, eligible workers in the following 10 trades occupations will be able to apply for residence under the Green List Work to Residence pathway:
Metal Fabricator
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Fitter (General)
Fitter and Turner
Fitter Welder
Pressure Welder
Welder
Panel Beater
Vehicle Painter
Paving Plant Operator
This pathway offers a clear route to permanent residency for workers with the necessary experience and qualifications, provided they have been employed in New Zealand for at least 24 months in one of the listed occupations and meet all other immigration requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for residence under this new Green List category, applicants must:
Have a current job or a job offer in one of the ten listed occupations
Be 55 years old or younger at the time of application
Meet health, character, and English language requirements
Have worked full-time and been paid in a relevant role in New Zealand for at least 24 months, earning at or above the applicable wage threshold during that time
Wage Thresholds for New Occupations
To ensure only the most skilled and experienced workers are eligible, specific wage thresholds have been set for each occupation:
For Metal Fabricators, Welders, Fitters, and Machinists:
Minimum wage of $43.63 per hour (or $90,750 annually based on a 40-hour week)For Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Vehicle Painters:
Minimum wage of $38.59 per hour (or $80,267 annually)
These wage thresholds were established following the 2023 Green List review and reflect consultations with industry stakeholders to ensure immigration policy aligns with real-world skill and pay expectations.
Annual Median Wage Updates Also Announced
In addition to the changes to the Green List, Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that the median wage thresholds for all skilled residence visa categories — including Skilled Migrant, Work to Residence, and Straight to Residence — will be updated from 18 August 2025.
The new median wage will be $33.56 per hour, based on data from June 2024 released by Statistics New Zealand. These updates are part of regular adjustments aimed at ensuring immigration settings remain aligned with the current labour market.
What This Means for Employers and Migrants
For employers, this expansion provides access to a wider pool of qualified, experienced trade professionals, with the added benefit of offering a clear path to residence — a powerful incentive for long-term employee retention.
For skilled tradespeople already in New Zealand or considering migration, this presents an exciting opportunity to secure permanent residency through an occupation-based route that values practical experience and industry pay standards over formal qualifications or registration.