Tier 2 requires 24 months working in that occupation in New Zealand on a work visa before residence can be applied for. Every trades occupation sits here. The gate takes three forms: New Zealand registration for electrician, plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer; an NZQF Level 4 qualification for the automotive trades; and an hourly wage threshold for the ten metal and panel trades added in August 2025.
Route overview
Green List Tier 2: residence after 24 months of New Zealand work
Typical timeline / duration: 24 months of work, then 3-9 months to decide
Important notes
The occupation must be on the Green List Tier 2 (Work to Residence) list.
Complete 24 months of full-time paid work in that occupation in New Zealand.
Electrician, plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer: hold the corresponding New Zealand registration. For electricians a Limited Certificate other than a Trainee one also qualifies.
Automotive trades: hold an NZQF Level 4 or higher qualification carrying the credit and knowledge requirements of the named New Zealand certificate. Motor mechanic and diesel motor mechanic may instead hold an NZTA vehicle inspector appointment.
The ten metal and panel trades: metal fabricator, machinist, fitter and welder roles must be paid at least NZD 43.63 an hour; paving plant operator, panel beater and vehicle painter at least NZD 38.59 an hour.
The 24 months can only be accrued after arriving and starting work in New Zealand. Overseas experience does not substitute for it.
Ten occupations were added on 18 August 2025: metal fabricator, metal machinist (first class), fitter (general), fitter and turner, fitter welder, pressure welder, welder, panel beater, vehicle painter and paving plant operator. These carry no qualification or registration requirement — a wage threshold is used instead.
Refrigeration mechanic, toolmaker and sheetmetal trades worker are not on the Green List, but the SMC Trades and Technician residence pathway opens to them from 24 August 2026.
Preparation checklist
Confirm your occupation is on the current Tier 2 list in Appendix 13, and read which of the three gates applies to it.
For a registration-gated trade, start the EWRB or PGDB overseas process early — registration is the gate, not the qualification.
For an automotive trade, check your qualification against the credit and knowledge of the named New Zealand certificate, not merely against Level 4.
For a wage-gated trade, check the offer meets the hourly threshold for that group across the whole 24 months.