New Zealand Green List Healthcare Pathways: Straight-to-Residence Guide (2026)

With New Zealand facing critical healthcare workforce shortages, the Green List Straight to Residence (STR) pathway offers international healthcare professionals one of the world’s fastest and most direct routes to permanent residency. This comprehensive 2026 guide details how qualified healthcare workers can secure New Zealand residence from day one of employment.

The Green List Revolution: Why Healthcare Professionals Are Prioritised

New Zealand’s Green List (replacing the Long Term Skill Shortage List) identifies globally sought-after roles where shortages are most acute. The Straight to Residence pathway is the crown jewel for eligible healthcare professionals, offering:

• Work-to-residence pathway without waiting periods
• Priority processing for healthcare applications
• Family inclusion from the start
• Clear, transparent requirements with minimal bureaucracy

As of 2026, healthcare remains the most represented sector on the Green List, reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to rebuilding its health system post-pandemic.

Understanding the Two-Tier Green List System

Tier 1: Straight to Residence (STR) Roles

Eligible healthcare professionals can apply for residence immediately upon securing an eligible job offer or starting employment.

Tier 2: Work to Residence (WTR) Roles

After 24 months of working in New Zealand in these roles, professionals can apply for residence.

This guide focuses exclusively on Tier 1 (STR) healthcare roles—your fastest path to calling New Zealand home.

Eligible Healthcare Professions for Straight to Residence (2026)

Medical Practitioners:

• General Practitioners/Physicians (ANZSCO 253111)
• Specialist Physicians (all specialisations) (ANZSCO 253311-253999)
• Psychiatrists (ANZSCO 253411)
• Surgeons (all specialisations) (ANZSCO 253511-253999)
• Resident Medical Officers (ANZSCO 253112)
• Medical Laboratory Scientists (ANZSCO 234611)

Nursing & Midwifery:

• Registered Nurses (all specialisations) (ANZSCO 254411-254499)
  • Aged Care, Critical Care, Mental Health, Perioperative, etc.
• Nurse Practitioners (ANZSCO 254411)
• Midwives (ANZSCO 254111)

Allied Health Professionals:

• Clinical Psychologists (ANZSCO 272311)
• Educational Psychologists (ANZSCO 272312)
• Organisational Psychologists (ANZSCO 272313)
• Psychotherapists (ANZSCO 272314)
• Psychologists (other specialisations) (ANZSCO 272399)
• Physiotherapists (ANZSCO 252511)
• Sonographers (ANZSCO 251214)
• Radiation Therapists (ANZSCO 251212)
• Occupational Therapists (ANZSCO 252411)

Specialised Technical Roles:

• Medical Radiation Technologists (ANZSCO 251211)
• Dental Specialists (ANZSCO 252311-252319)
• Veterinarians (ANZSCO 234711)

Note: The Green List is reviewed regularly. Always check Immigration New Zealand’s official website for the most current list.

Step-by-Step: The Straight to Residence Journey (2026 Edition)

Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation (3-6 months)

Step 1: Qualifications Assessment

• Medical Professionals: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
  • Primary Source Verification via EPIC for international medical graduates
  • NZREX Clinical or comparable pathway completion
• Nurses: Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ)
  • Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) for internationally qualified nurses
• Allied Health: Registration with respective professional bodies:
  • Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand
  • Occupational Therapy Board
  • New Zealand Psychologists Board

Step 2: Secure Job Offer

• Offer must be: Full-time (≥30 hrs/week), permanent or fixed-term ≥12 months, for an eligible Green List role
• Salary threshold: Must meet or exceed the median wage (NZ$31.61/hr in 2026) AND any higher requirements for specific professions
• Accredited Employers: Your employer must be accredited with Immigration NZ

Step 3: English Language Proficiency

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
• OET: Grade B in all sections
• TOEFL iBT: 79 overall with a minimum writing score of 21
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 58
• Exceptions: Qualified in/from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia

Phase 2: Application Process (3-4 months)

Step 4: Expression of Interest (EOI)

1. Submit EOI through the Immigration NZ portal
2. Provide evidence of job offer, qualifications, and registration
3. Pay EOI fee (NZD $610 as of 2026)

Step 5: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• Healthcare applications receive priority processing
• Typically issued within 2-4 weeks of EOI submission

Step 6: Residence Application

• Submit a full application within 4 months of the ITA
• Required documents:
  • Police certificates (all countries lived in ≥12 months past 10 years)
  • Medical certificates (INZ 1007/1201 forms)
  • Proof of relationship (if including family)
  • Full qualification and registration evidence
  • Employment agreement and employer supplementary form

Phase 3: Post-Approval (1-2 months)

Step 7: Visa Issuance

• Resident Visa granted, typically valid for an indefinite stay
• Travel Conditions: Initial 2 years multiple entry
• Can work, study, and live anywhere in New Zealand

Step 8: Arrival & Settlement

• Activate your visa by arriving in New Zealand
• Apply for an IRD number (tax identification)
• Open a bank account
• Enrol in public healthcare (eligible immediately)

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Critical Requirements: Registration & Accreditation

Professional Registration is Non-Negotiable

You cannot practice or obtain STR without full registration with the appropriate New Zealand regulatory authority. Each profession has specific pathways:

For International Medical Graduates:

1. Primary Source Verification (EPIC)
2. NZREX Clinical exam or comparable assessment
3. Provisional general registration
4. Supervised practice (12-24 months)
5. Full registration

For Internationally Qualified Nurses:

1. CAP (Competency Assessment Programme) – 6-8 weeks
2. CAP supervised practice – 2-3 months
3. Full registration

Employer Accreditation

• Your New Zealand employer must hold a current Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) accreditation
• Check the employer’s status on Immigration NZ’s accredited employer list
• Accreditation ensures the employer meets immigration and employment standards

Family Inclusion: Bringing Your Loved Ones

One of the STR pathway’s greatest advantages is immediate family inclusion:

Who Can Be Included:

• Partner/spouse (including de facto relationships of 12+ months)
• Dependent children (under 24, single, financially dependent)
• Dependent parents (in limited circumstances)

Partner’s Work Rights:

• Open work visa conditions
• Can work for any employer in any role
• Valid for the same duration as the principal applicant’s visa

Children’s Benefits:

• Access to domestic tuition fees after 24 months of residence
• Free primary/secondary education from arrival
• Eligibility for public healthcare

Costs & Financial Considerations (2026 Estimates)

Application Fees:

• Expression of Interest: NZD $610
• Residence Application (per person): NZD $2,890
• Medical examinations: NZD $300-$500 per person
• Police certificates: Varies by country

Professional Costs:

• Qualifications assessment: NZD $500-$2,000
• Registration fees: NZD $400-$800 annually
• Examination costs (if required): NZD $2,000-$5,000

Settlement Costs:

• Flights to New Zealand: NZD $1,500-$3,000 per person
• Initial accommodation (1-2 months): NZD $3,000-$6,000
• Setup costs (car, furniture, deposits): NZD $10,000-$20,000

Salary Expectations:

• Registered Nurses: NZD $70,000-$110,000
• General Practitioners: NZD $180,000-$250,000
• Specialists: NZD $200,000-$400,000+
• Allied Health: NZD $65,000-$120,000

Regional Opportunities & Priority Areas

While STR applies nationwide, certain regions offer additional incentives:

Workforce Service Areas (Priority Regions):

• Northland, Tairawhiti, West Coast, South Canterbury
• Additional support for relocation
• Potential for bonded scholarships or incentives
• Higher likelihood of job offers

Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) Districts:

All 20 districts have significant vacancies, but the highest needs are in:

• Counties Manukau (Auckland region)
• Waitematā (Auckland region)
• Canterbury (Christchurch area)
• Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley (Wellington region)

Common Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Registration Delays

Solution: Begin the registration process 6-12 months before the job search. Use credentialing services like EPIC (for doctors) early.

Challenge 2: Job Offer Without Being Onshore

Solution:

• Utilise reputable recruitment agencies specialising in NZ healthcare
• Attend virtual recruitment fairs hosted by Te Whatu Ora
• Consider initial locum/temporary positions to enter NZ

Challenge 3: Qualification Recognition Issues

Solution:

• Contact the relevant professional body early for pre-assessment
• Consider bridging programs through NZ universities
• Explore supervised practice pathways

Challenge 4: Meeting Salary Thresholds

Solution:

• Research collective agreements for your profession
• Negotiate based on experience and specialisation
• Consider regional positions which may offer additional allowances

The 2026 Advantage: Why Act Now?

1. Processing Priority: Healthcare applications receive the fastest processing times
2. Policy Stability: Green List pathways secured through at least 2028
3. Family Unity: No separation periods for families
4. Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible after 5 years of residence
5. Reciprocal Benefits: Access to Australia after obtaining NZ citizenship

Post-Approval: Your First 12 Months in New Zealand

Immediate Actions:

1. Register with a GP and enrol in the public health system
2. Apply for a NZ driver’s license conversion
3. Open NZ bank accounts and transfer funds
4. Register children in schools

Professional Integration:

1. Join your professional college or association
2. Connect with local healthcare networks
3. Understand NZ’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) principles in healthcare
4. Complete any required cultural competency training

Long-Term Planning:

1. Pathway to Citizenship: Available after 5 years (including time on a resident visa)
2. Property Purchase: Eligible immediately with a resident visa
3. Returning Resident’s Visa: Apply before initial travel conditions expire
4. Superannuation: Begin planning for NZ retirement savings (Kiwisaver)

Alternative Pathways if Not Green List Eligible

If your role isn’t on the STR list:

1. Work to Residence Pathway: After 24 months in a Tier 2 Green List role
2. Skilled Migrant Category: Points-based system reopening 2026
3. Sector Agreements: Specific healthcare workforce agreements
4. Regional Skill Shortage Lists: Check specific regional needs

Essential Resources & Next Steps

Official Websites to Bookmark:

• Immigration New Zealand: immigration.govt.nz
• Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ): tewhatuora.govt.nz
• Medical Council of NZ: mcnz.org.nz
• Nursing Council of NZ: nursingcouncil.org.nz

Recommended Actions Today:

1. Verify your profession’s Green List status
2. Contact your professional regulatory body for registration advice
3. Update your CV to NZ standards
4. Connect with NZ healthcare recruiters
5. Join NZ healthcare professional groups on LinkedIn

Conclusion: Your New Zealand Healthcare Future Awaits

The Green List Straight to Residence pathway represents one of the most generous immigration offers globally for healthcare professionals. With New Zealand’s healthcare system undergoing significant transformation through Te Whatu Ora, qualified professionals have unprecedented opportunities to build rewarding careers while securing permanent residency for their families.

The pathway is clear, the demand is urgent, and the welcome is genuine. By systematically addressing registration requirements, securing an accredited employer, and navigating the application process with attention to detail, you could be practising healthcare in New Zealand and enjoying its renowned quality of life within 6-12 months.

Your skills are needed, your future is welcome, and your pathway is straight to residence.