🔌
🔵 Green List Tier 2 — Work to Residence

Electrician
Immigration to New Zealand

Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, systems and equipment in residential and commercial buildings.

ANZSCO Code
341111
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$60,000 – NZ$100,000
Visa Pathway
Work to Residence

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About This Occupation in New Zealand

🔵 AEWV Eligible — Skill Level 3

This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.

Electricians are in severe shortage across New Zealand, driven by the construction boom, renewables rollout, and increasing demand for home automation and EV infrastructure. Green List Tier 2 means licensed electricians can work in NZ on an Accredited Employer Work Visa and apply for residence after two years. NZ electrical licensing requires a specific competency assessment for overseas tradespeople.

NZ Salary Range for Electrician

NZ$60,000 – NZ$100,000
Registered Electricians with supervisory roles earn NZ$85k–NZ$115k. Self-employed contractors earn significantly more.

Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.

Visa Pathways for Electrician

AEWV

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • EWRB registration (or pathway)
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Meets 1.5x median wage threshold for Green List Tier 2

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–24 months 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ electrical work
  • EWRB registration
ANZSCO Skill Level 3 Skill Level 3 — Trade qualification or AQF Certificate IV
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 3 is eligible for the 5-year AEWV maximum)
English evidence: Not required for Skill Level 1–3 occupations
Partner work visa: Available if earning ≥ NZ$28.00/hr (from March 2026)
Dependent children: Eligible if family income ≥ NZ$55,844/year

Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026

Required Qualifications

  • Trade qualification in electrical work (4-year apprenticeship or equivalent)
  • Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience

Registration / Licensing: Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) NZ. Overseas electricians must sit NZ competency assessments. Practicing License required for independent work.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Electrician

1
Apply for EWRB NZ skills assessment to determine your licensing pathway
2
You may need to complete a "bridging programme" or sit NZ competency exams
3
Once registered, secure job offer with NZ electrical contractor
4
Work 2 years on AEWV
5
Apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence

Is Electrician on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Is Electrician on the NZ Green List?

Yes. Electrician (ANZSCO 341111) is Green List Tier 2 — Work to Residence. You must meet a higher pay threshold (1.5× median wage) compared to Tier 1 occupations.

Can I use my overseas electrical licence in NZ?

No. NZ has its own electrical licensing system. Overseas electricians must apply to the EWRB and may need to complete NZ competency assessments.

How long is the EWRB assessment process?

Typically 3–12 months depending on your qualification and experience. Some countries have faster pathways via recognition agreements.

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