If you've ever thought about relocating to New Zealand, now might be the perfect time

• New Zealand is adding 17 new jobs to its Immigration Green List.
• The roles can provide a fast track to residency for those with the right experience and skills.

If you've ever thought about moving to New Zealand, this might be your time.

The country is expanding its Immigration Green List, adding 17 new roles including panel beaters, welders, and IT administrators as it tries to address an ongoing skills shortage.

The list allows employers to use Green List visas to fill specialist roles if they're unable to recruit a local, while providing a fast-track route to residency for employees.

The new job additions, which also include aviation engineers, corrections officers, vehicle painters, and naval architects, open up the list to more industries, New Zealand immigration minister Andrew Little said in a statement.

"From next year the ICT, automotive and engineering sectors will have the option of Green List visas when they need to fill specialist skilled role when a New Zealand worker cannot be found," he said.

The number of jobs on the Green List has continued to grow as the country has faced a skills shortage that was worsened by the pandemic when its borders were closed to foreigners, Bloomberg reported.

But anyone looking to capitalize on the move should note that certain stipulations must be met.

"If your role is listed, and you have the qualifications, registration or experience required, you may be able to get residence immediately or after two years of working here," the government's website states.

The move comes as part of a package of new immigration policies as New Zealand seeks to revitalize its economy following the pandemic.

"Our immigration system is complex, and must continually evolve to underwrite the economic recovery, support businesses to fill gaps, and grow strong communities," Little said.