New Pathway to NZ Residence for Skilled Trades18 Aug 2025

From 18 August 2025, ten trades occupations have been added to the Work to Residence (WTR) under the Green List pathways. These trades join the existing list of eligible WTR trades including Automotive Electrician, Electrician (General), Plumber (General), and more. This follows the government announcement made in June 2025.


Who’s Eligible

The new occupations include:

  • Metal Fabricator
  • Metal Machinist (First Class)
  • Fitter (General)
  • Fitter and Turner
  • Fitter Welder
  • Pressure Welder
  • Welder
  • Panel Beater
  • Vehicle Painter
  • Paving Plant Operator

To qualify, you’ll need to:

  • Have a job or job offer in one of the listed occupations
  • Be aged 55 or under
  • Meet health, character, and English language requirements
  • Be earning the required wage at the time you apply for residence
  • Have earned at least the required wage when you started your 24 months of work experience in NZ

Wage Requirements

To be eligible for residence, your pay must reflect the skill and experience required for your role. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has set the following specific wage thresholds:


For Metal Trades

If you are working as a Metal Fabricator, Metal Machinist (First Class), Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter Welder, Pressure Welder, or Welder, you must be earning:

  • At least $43.63 per hour, or
  • $90,750 per year (based on a 40-hour workweek)

For Vehicle and Construction Trades

If you are a Paving Plant Operator, Panel Beater, or Vehicle Painter, you must be earning:

  • At least $38.59 per hour, or
  • $80,267 per year (based on a 40-hour workweek)

Need Help Navigating the Visa Process?

The team at Pathways to New Zealand® specialises in Work and Residence Visas and can help you navigate the visa process.

Contact one of Pathways® licensed immigration advisers today for a no-obligation eligibility assessment.