It will be easier for overseas workers in seven building-related jobs to work in New Zealand under changes to the immediate skill shortage list.

Employers will no longer need to prove they can't find a Kiwis to do any one of those jobs, which include carpenters, joiners, plumbers and tilers, before looking for recruits from overseas.

The changes will come in from February and will help the government meet its KiwiBuild target of 100,000 new homes in 10 years, Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said on Friday.

"The government will always ensure that where a genuine skill gap exists our immigration system will support employers to get the people they need," he said.

Most on the list will be able to work anywhere in New Zealand.

Other changes to the list include the addition of midwives, accountants and three motor-industry positions, including panel beaters.

Accountants will be restricted to areas around Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury while roof tilers and plumbers will be restricted to Auckland, the Waikato, Canterbury and Otago/Southland.

Dentists, poultry farmers and dental, medical laboratory and pharmacy technicians have been removed from the list.