Dreaming of pristine landscapes, high salaries, and work-life balance in New Zealand? The Green List 2026 offers Indian healthcare and tech professionals a direct path to Permanent Residency (PR) without the old points grind. Future Fly Services has helped dozens secure these visas—let’s break it down.New Zealand’s Green List is a priority occupations roster addressing skill shortages, split into Tier 1 (Straight to Residence Visa) and Tier 2 (Work to Residence after 2 years). Launched to attract global talent, it bypasses lengthy waits for roles like nurses, doctors, software engineers, and ICT specialists. In 2026, Indian degrees from top institutions (e.g., IITs, AIIMS) are often recognized without extra assessment, speeding applications.
Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 Pathways
Tier 1 roles qualify for immediate PR via Straight to Residence Visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer. Tier 2 requires 24 months on a Work to Residence Visa first, then PR
| Pathway | Key Features | Processing Time | Family Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Straight to Residence | Job offer + quals; live/work/study indefinitely | 3-6 months | Spouse, kids under 24 |
| Tier 2: Work to Residence | 2 years work → PR; median wage NZ$31.61/hr | Work visa: 1-2 months; PR after 2 yrs | Same as Tier 1 post-work period |
Include partners and dependents—they get open work/study rights.
Healthcare Roles on the Green List
NZ’s healthcare sector faces acute shortages, prioritizing Indian nurses, doctors, and allied pros. Most are Tier 1 for fast PR.
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Tier 1 Examples: Registered Nurses, Midwives, General Practitioners, Anaesthetists, Cardiologists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Occupational Therapists.
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Requirements: NZ registration (e.g., via NZQA for Indian quals), job offer at median wage (e.g., RN: NZ$38/hr), English (IELTS 7.0).
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Salaries: Doctors NZ$150k+, Nurses NZ$80k+ annually.
Indian nurses from Kerala/Tamil Nadu often qualify directly post-CGNM exam.
Tech Roles on the Green List
Tech booms in Auckland/Wellington, targeting Indian IT exports.
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Tier 1 Examples: Software Engineer (261313), ICT Security Specialist (262112), Developer Programmer, Database Administrator (262111).
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Tier 2 Examples: Telecommunications Technician (342414).
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Requirements: Bachelor’s in CS/IT (IIT/NIT recognized), 3+ years exp, job offer (e.g., Software Eng: NZ$55/hr median).
New Zealand Green List 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Here’s a clear eligibility table for Indian applicants targeting healthcare and tech roles on New Zealand’s Green List. It covers both Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) and Tier 2 (Work to Residence) pathways.
| Criterion | Tier 1 (Straight to PR) | Tier 2 (Work to PR after 2 years) | Notes for Indians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 56 at application | Under 56 at application | Applies to main applicant; partners/kids (16+) also checked. |
| Job Offer | Full-time from accredited employer; Green List role at median wage (NZ$31.61/hr) | Same as Tier 1 | Must be 30+ hrs/week; IT/Healthcare prioritized. |
| Qualifications | Relevant degree (e.g., B.Tech CS for Software Engineer, MBBS/BSc Nursing); NZ-recognized or IQA | Same; or equivalent experience | IITs/AIIMS often exempt; nurses need CGNM/NZNC registration. |
| Experience | Role-specific (e.g., 3+ years for ICT roles) | Same | Proven via employer letters; Indian IT exp counts. |
| English | IELTS 6.5+ (no band <6.0) or equivalent (PTE/OET) | Same | Study in English-medium exempts; valid 2 years. |
| Salary | Median wage or occupation-specific threshold (e.g., Software Eng NZ$55/hr) | Same | Ensures skilled role; family included post-PR. |
| Health & Character | Medical exam, police clearance (India/NZ) | Same | No serious conditions/criminal record. |
| Funds | NZ$5,000+ per adult for settlement | NZ$5,000+ initially | Proof via bank statements. |
| Registration | NZ-specific (e.g., NZNC for nurses, engineering bodies) | Same | Healthcare mandatory; tech often not. |
Quick Check: No points system—job offer + quals = eligible. Future Fly Services offers free profile scans to match you. Use this table for your WordPress post or Reels infographic!
Costs and Timelines 2026
| Item | Cost (NZ$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee | 4,020 (Straight to Res) | +1,650 per family |
| IELTS | 13,000 INR | Valid 2 years |
| Medical/PCC | 500-1,000 | Indian applicants |
| Flights/Settlement | 5,000+ | Per adult |
| Total (Single) | 10,000-15,000 NZ$ | Excl. agent fees |
New Zealand increasingly values Indian professionals in healthcare and tech, with approvals for these visas rising significantly in recent years. The program offers fast PR pathways, competitive salaries often triple those in India, full family relocation options, and a clear route to citizenship after five years of residence. Future Fly Services simplifies the journey with complimentary eligibility assessments, document preparation support, and connections to accredited employers—helping you sidestep common rejection issues like qualification mismatches.