Green List - Fact or Fiction

Unlike Santa who makes a list and checks it twice, our immigration equivalent (the Green List) is checked once in a blue moon and probably could do with being updated a little more often. The idea of the Green List, what it does, how it works and whether it is an accurate depiction of skills we need, are questions I have heard a lot recently.

So, this week, we take a closer look at what the Green List actually is, how it works in terms of both Temporary and Resident Visa options and some of the issues that the us of lists can create for applicants. If you fancy knowing whether you are on this list, we also have a Green List Checker, available on our website (but head over there a bit later on).

What Is The Green List?

The use of lists within the visa process is nothing new and we have had numerous variations of shortage lists that have been used to determine eligibility over time. The current Green List is therefore not a revelation and comes with the same level of confusion that every other list has created. In fact the Green List is essentially just an updated version of the list that existed before it - the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL). The LTSSL set out occupations deemed to be in demand, that then gave applicants with those skills a varied pathway to both temporary Visas and Residence.

The Green List

Whilst not exactly a new concept, the Green List, does offer a direct pathway to Residence.

The Green List operates in much the same was as the previous LTSSL, with the exception that it creates a more direct pathway for Residence for certain applicants and then a work to residence option for others.

The Green List is separated into two ‘Tiers’ - Tier 1 occupations, are those deemed to be in high demand and with a particular skill level. Occupations in this tier, allow applicants who hold jobs here in those roles and meet the requirements of the list, to apply directly for residence (Straight to Residence).

The second Tier (Tier 2), are also occupations in demand, but the demand may not be as high and/or the skill levels are slightly lower. Applicants in these roles, who secure work here are able to pursue a work to residence pathway, meaning that after working in NZ, in one of these roles and meeting the list requirements, they can apply for residence.

The important thing to remember is that the list is used in two separate ways. Firstly if you have a job offer in NZ, with an accredited employer and meet the list requirements, you can apply for a work visa, without the employer needing to advertise the position - INZ already accepts that there is a shortage. For some, if they are on tier 1 of the list, they can skip the work visa step entirely and apply directly for residence and again the employer doesn’t have to provide evidence of a shortage (they never do for residence).

However, just because your occupation is on that list, isn’t by itself a guarantee that you can take advantage of these pathways. You still have to meet the specific requirements that the list sets out for that particular occupation.

For example, if you are a Diesel Motor Mechanic and secure a job offer here, in your trade, then your occupation is indeed on the Green List. However to qualify under that list and the benefits it brings (no labour market test and a two year pathway to residence), you have to hold a qualification comparable to a Level 4 NZ Certificate with knowledge requirements in Heavy Automotive Engineering or be appointed as a vehicle inspector by the NZ Transport Agency. Just having the job is not going to cut it.

People often assume that the only thing required is the job offer - unfortunately that isn’t the case, so understanding those requirements is really important.

Green List Equals Demand Right?

Demand & Supply

Just because an occupation is on an list with INZ, doesn’t necessarily mean jobs are raining from the sky.

The basic premise of a “shortage list” is that the Government has identified roles that we know we cannot fill, because we don’t have sufficient local talent. The process to identify these roles, usually involves discussions with various industry bodies, who will lobby on behalf of their members to have occupations added (or in some cases taken away).

The Government then takes that feedback and updates the list accordingly. So if the ICT sector demonstrates an ongoing, crucial shortage for software developers and engineers, then those roles will appear on the list. The list is then meant to be regularly reviewed to ensure that the occupations included are a fair reflection of the skills we need.

The reality however is that those updates happen very irregularly and not very often, yet the labour market moves at a much faster pace. There will of course be some occupations, where demand remains relatively constant (e.g. healthcare, ICT, engineering etc.) and then some where demand can be like a reed in a stiff breeze (construction is a good one).

Many potential migrants, see the Green List as a labour market indicator - surely if its on the list, then there must be jobs. The truth is a bit more complex than that. Yes, generally there will be jobs in those roles, but the demand, and therefore how quickly you might secure will vary greatly across these industries. Teachers is a great one (and lead to the inspiration for this post). Generally we have an ongoing demand for teachers, across all age groups, but that demand changes quite frequently based on kiwi teachers returning home, the outflow of local teachers to other countries, school enrolments, based on population movements and then right down to the schools, funding and their willingness to engage with the visa system.

Jobs in this sector are not raining from the sky as the Green List might suggest, but the list recognises that there is an ongoing demand, and therefore need to bring in a quantity of migrants to fill roles as required. Compare this to certain medical roles, where demand is constant and jobs are raining from the heavens (well there are plenty of them at least).

Using the list to gauge your employability and prospects is a bit like using the long-range weather forecast to plan a weekend away. Odds are it will be sunny, but pack an umbrella just in case.

Not On The Green List?

The other, very common, mistake that potential migrants make, is assuming that they have to be on the Green List to actually qualify and this was the case with previous versions such as the LTSSL. I cannot tell you many people I have consulted with over the years, who first question was “Can I still make the move, if my job isn’t on the list?”.

The problem of course is that when you create a list of occupations for a visa process, that becomes the focus for most migrants and they assume that if they aren’t on that list, then either they don’t qualify or there are no jobs in their chosen field. Neither of these things is true.

Missed Out?

The Green List is only one of several options available to skilled migrants who are able to secure work in NZ.

In fact, traditionally the shortage list options, such as the LTSSL were the smaller conduits for skilled migrants as compared to our bread and butter - the points based system. We currently have several skilled migrant pathways including the Green List (two options, based on the two tiers), the points based pathway, the transport sector option, which will only work for those already here and working and then the care workforce sector, which is for very specific roles. The Green List offers a pathway for those in a specific set of occupations, whereas the points based system offers an opportunity for everyone else in a skilled job - from secretaries to astronauts and everything in between.

The irony is that in many cases, the demand for some of the non-Green List roles is higher than for those on the list - largely because of the speed at which the labour market moves and also because not all occupations have the size and scale with which to lobby the Government for a position on whatever list might be circulating.

The simple fact is, if you are skilled, employable and can earn a solid income here, chances are you will qualify. That doesn’t mean everyone will of course, but you don’t necessarily have to be on a list to make this process work. Over twenty-two years I have been working with people to navigate this process and in that time, lists have come and gone, policies have changed dramatically but one thing has remained consistent - those will skills, who can bring them to New Zealand will generally have a way forward.

The Way Forward

If you are considering a move to New Zealand, under any of our skilled migrant categories, the most important thing you can do is to appreciate that the visa criteria forms one part of the process and your employability creates the other.

Just because you are on a list or you meet the requirements under any particular pathway doesn’t mean that jobs are in abundance and whilst there is work for those who put in the effort, the time that takes and level of demand for your skills will vary greatly. Spend some time investigating the job market, alongside the visa process, so you can appreciate whether you can solve both parts of the puzzle.

Also remember that securing a job offer is not a simple process, and in the current climate, it can take longer, require more persistence and generally more effort than when the labour market is a lot tighter. Unemployment here has ticked up to 5.1% which is still relatively low, and while there are still jobs available and employers looking for skills, the process to cut through the noise requires more effort.

Labour markets move relatively quickly and you need to be looking at those lists more often than any list INZ might advertise. Stay focused on the goal and use all the tools at your disposal.

Want to know more?…then get in touch with us today.

Until next week.