Full Document Checklist for Green List PR Pathways

When applying for New Zealand PR through the Green List pathways, having the right documents ready is the biggest time‑saver. 

Immigration New Zealand checks your job offer, qualifications, wage, work history, English ability, and your health and character requirements. 

Getting these documents organised before you start the application helps avoid delays and makes the PR process much smoother. 

This checklist covers everything the principal applicant, partner, and eligible dependents may need based on Skilled Residence visa requirements.

These are the most important documents Immigration New Zealand checks first for any Green List PR application. Your PR process will not move forward unless your job-related proofs are correct, complete, and match the Green List role you are applying under.

1. Full-time job offer letter

You must provide a full-time job offer (30+ hours per week) from an accredited employer.

Your offer must clearly show:

• Job title that matches the Green List occupation

• Full-time hours

• Duration (ongoing, permanent, or fixed term)

• Salary or hourly rate

• Employer accreditation details

2. Proof your job is on the Green List

You must show that your role matches the exact Green List occupation, including title and duties.

This is usually confirmed through:

• Job description

• Employment agreement

• Green List role code (if applicable)

3. Evidence of wage requirement

Your wage must meet the minimum pay rate required for your occupation on the Green List. This applies to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 pathways.

Accepted documents include:

• Employment agreement showing salary

• Pay slips (if already employed)

• Official salary confirmation from employer

If you are applying under Tier 2, your pay must be maintained during the full 24-month period.

4. Proof of work experience (Tier 2 only)

If your role is Tier 2, you must show 24 months of full-time work in New Zealand in the same occupation.

Acceptable evidence:

• Pay slips

• IRD income statements

• Employment confirmations

• Work visa records

All work must be done on a visa that allows full-time employment.

To qualify for PR under the Green List pathways, you must prove that you meet the qualification and registration requirements listed for your occupation.

1. Proof of required qualifications

You must show that your qualification matches the requirement listed for your Green List role.

Accepted documents include:

• Degree certificates

• Academic transcripts

• Course completion letters

If your qualification was earned overseas, it must be comparable to the required New Zealand level. Some applicants may need an NZQA assessment.

2. New Zealand professional registration (if required)

Many Green List roles require professional registration, especially in:

• Healthcare

• Engineering

• Teaching

• Licensed trades

You must provide:

• Registration certificate

• Confirmation letter

• Proof of provisional or full registration

Your registration must be current, match your job, and be issued by the correct authority.

3. Special case: jobs that require both qualification and registration

Some roles require both qualification and registration.

Examples include:

• Nurses

• Physiotherapists

• Doctors

• Teachers

You must provide all required documents, not just one.

English, health and character documents

These documents confirm your English ability, health status, and character history.

1. English language documents

Applicants aged 16 or older must show proof of English.

Documents you need:

• IELTS Test Report Form (Academic or General)

• Overall score of 6.5

• Test taken within the last 2 years

If exempt, you may provide:

• Passport from an approved English-speaking country

• Proof of 5+ years of study or work in those countries

• Degree-level study completed in those countries

2. Health documents

Immigration New Zealand checks that you meet health requirements.

Documents you may need:

• Medical examination certificate (when requested)

• Chest X-ray certificate (if applicable)

These are completed by approved panel physicians.

3. Character documents

All applicants aged 17 or older must meet character requirements.

You will need:

• Police certificates from relevant countries

• Recently issued documents (usually within 6 to 12 months)

Identity, passport and supporting documents

These documents confirm your identity and family relationships.

1. Valid passport

Every applicant must provide a valid passport.

This is used to verify:

• Identity

• Nationality

• Travel history

2. Passport-sized photos

You must upload recent photos that meet official specifications.

Required for:

• Principal applicant

• Partner

• Dependent children

3. Birth certificates or identity documents

These confirm:

• Legal name

• Date of birth

• Parentage (for children)

4. Marriage or partnership evidence (if applicable)

If including a partner, you must provide:

• Marriage or civil union certificate

• Proof of living together (bills, tenancy, bank accounts)

5. Documents for dependent children

For each child, you may need:

• Birth certificates

• Custody documents (if applicable)

• Adoption papers (if applicable)

Immigration New Zealand may request additional documents depending on your situation.

1. Additional employment evidence

This may include:

• Extra payslips

• Timesheets

• Detailed job descriptions

• Employer confirmation letters

2. Additional qualification or training proof

You may be asked for:

• Extra transcripts

• Course details

• NZQA assessment

3. Extra relationship evidence

This may include:

• Joint bank accounts

• Shared bills or tenancy agreements

• Photos and communication records

4. Additional character information

You may need to provide:

• Court documents

• Character references

• Written explanations

5. Employer verification documents

Immigration New Zealand may contact your employer for:

• Business verification

• Proof that the role is genuine

• Clarification of duties or hours

1. What is the most important document for Green List PR?

Your full-time job offer from an accredited employer is the most important document.

2. Do I need to prove my job is on the Green List?

Yes. Your role must match the exact occupation, duties, and pay requirements.

3. What documents prove my qualifications?

You must provide certificates, transcripts, and supporting evidence. Some applicants may need an NZQA assessment.

4. Do I need professional registration documents?

Yes, if your job requires it. You must provide valid registration proof.

5. What English documents must I upload?

Most applicants provide an IELTS result with an overall score of 6.5, valid within 2 years.

6. What health and character documents do I need?

You may need medical exams, X-rays, and police certificates.

7. Do partners and children need documents?

Yes. Each family member must provide identity documents. Children aged 16+ may need English proof.

8. What if Immigration New Zealand asks for extra documents?

This is normal. You may be asked for additional proof to clarify your application.

9. What documents prove 24 months of work (Tier 2)?

You must provide:

• Payslips

• IRD records

• Employment agreements

• Visa history

10. What happens if a document is missing?

Missing or unclear documents can delay or lead to rejection of your application.