Trades and Technician pathway to residence

From 18 August 2025, ten new trades occupations will be added to the Green List’s Work to Residence pathway.

This requires a migrant to have two years of work experience in the relevant occupation in New Zealand and be working for an Accredited Employer when they apply for residence. 

The occupations being added are:

• Metal Fabricator

• Metal Machinist (First Class)

• Fitter (General)

• Fitter and Turner

• Fitter-Welder

• Pressure Welder

• Welder

• Panel Beater

• Vehicle Painter

• Paving Plant Operator

  
  

To be eligible, applicants will need to be paid at a level that reflects the skill and experience required for their role:

• for Metal Fabricator, Welder, Fitter, and Machinist roles listed above, applicants must be earning at least $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a year based on a 40-hour week)

• for Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Vehicle Painters, applicants must be earning at least $38.59 a hour (or $80,267 a year based on a 40-hour week).

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