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Forget the red tape. New Zealand just did what most countries won’t: It officially started trusting Indian degrees. Starting June 23, 2025, Indian graduates no longer need to jump through the IQA (International Qualifications Assessment) hoop to apply for work or residence visas.
For once, a country acknowledged that our universities aren’t churning out complete incompetents.But here’s the catch: Not all degrees matter. And not all jobs make the cut. So before you pack your bags and update your LinkedIn location to “Auckland,” make sure you actually belong to a profession New Zealand wants.Until now, if you had an Indian degree and wanted to work in New Zealand, you had to shell out a few hundred dollars and wait weeks for an official nod from their qualification body.
That step is now history—if your job is on their Green List.Read as: They’ll welcome you with open arms only if you can build roads, fix bodies, or code like a beast.
New Zealand’s Green List decoded
So what’s this ‘Green List’? Think of it as New Zealand’s official “VIP jobs list.” If your profession is on it, you're not just welcome—you’re fast-tracked. These are roles the country desperately needs to fill, ranging from software engineers and doctors to plumbers and welders. The Green List is split into two tiers:
- Tier 1 – Straight to Residence: Get a job offer → Apply for residency immediately. No waiting. No hoops.
- Tier 2 – Work to Residence: Work in New Zealand for 2 years in that role → Then apply for PR.
In short, if you're on the Green List, New Zealand rolls out the red carpet.
If you're not, you're stuck in the general queue—with slower processing, tougher scrutiny, and far fewer guarantees.
Top jobs New Zealand actually cares about
New Zealand isn’t handing out visas for just any job. They’ve made it crystal clear: they want skills that keep the economy running, not padded CVs with vague job titles. If you can build, heal, or code, you're in the game. Everyone else? Good luck. Here is the list of jobs that may give you a PR in New Zealand.1. Engineering & ICT: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers, Software Engineers, Developers
- They are among the most sought-after Tier 1 Green List occupations
- These roles qualify for Straight-to-Residence, eliminating typical two-year wait times.
2. Healthcare Practitioners: Registered Nurses & Midwives, GPs, Specialists & Allied Health RolesNew Zealand has maintained a persistent shortage in medical professionals. So, it’s but natural that these roles are already recognized under LQEA and Green List, qualifying for direct visa and residency channels 3. Construction & Trades: Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Surveyors are Tier 1 Green List roles that lead to fast-track residency. On the other hand, Metal Fabricators, Welders, Machinists and Painters are Tier 2 roles added to the Green List in August 2025 under the Work-to-Residence pathway
What Should You Do?
- Check if your degree is LQEA exempt (Spoiler: most top Indian degrees now are)
- See if your job is on the Green List (Don’t assume “MBA” is a job title)
- Get an offer from an accredited employer—that’s non-negotiable
- Don’t expect miracles if you’re in humanities or management without experience
- Don’t mess up the paperwork.
Bottom Line
New Zealand has made a smart move in a world where migration politics is becoming pure theatre. It’s signalling something rare: We want skilled migrants, and we trust your education. But they’re not throwing open the doors for just anyone with a degree and a dream. They want doers. Builders. Coders. Healers.
If you’re one of them—this is your moment. If not, maybe try a different country or, better yet, a different career.
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