From 3 November 2025, INZ will recognise 91 new occupations from the National Occupation List (NOL) for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications. These roles will be at skill levels 1 to 3. 

About the NOL

The NOL is New Zealand’s new job classification system, replacing the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework. 

It became the official standard in November 2024 and was updated again on 1 July 2025. Unlike ANZSCO, the NOL reflects today’s labour market and will be updated annually.

The immigration system is currently based on ANZSCO. Because transitioning to the NOL is a significant change, INZ is introducing it in stages and will keep employers, migrants, and advisers informed as it is gradually implemented into our systems.

Changes from 3 November 2025

From this date, employers can submit a job check for any of these newly recognised roles.

An AEWV holder in a skill level 1 to 3 role can stay in New Zealand longer and may be able to bring family. Some AEWV holders currently working in directly relevant skill level 4 or 5 roles may be able to move into one of these 87 new roles.

They will need to have either:

• at least 3 years' directly relevant work experience, or
• a recognised qualification.

If they meet these criteria, they may be able to apply for a further AEWV to extend how long they can stay in New Zealand.

These occupations will appear alongside existing ANZSCO codes in the enhanced Immigration Online system.

Check the list of 87 occupations recognised from 3 November 2025 for an AEWV:

National Occupation List occupations used for an AEWV or SPWV

What employers need to know

An employer must first advertise the role and genuinely try to appoint a suitable New Zealander. Where no New Zealand candidates are available, an employer must be accredited and apply for a job check to hire a migrant worker in one of these roles.

Employers need to submit a new job check application when recruiting a migrant worker for one of the new NOL occupations. Their job description and remuneration must clearly match the responsibilities and skill level of the role they choose.

All standard AEWV settings for skill levels 1 to 3 still apply — eligible migrant workers can stay up to 5 years, must meet wage thresholds and may be able to support family visas.

Skilled Migrant Category - Residence

At this stage, these occupations are being recognised for the AEWV only. They are not recognised for skilled residence pathways. 

As part of changes to the Skilled Migrant Category, the Government has agreed to introduce a 12-month pathway for further visas for AEWV holders who: 

• are reaching their maximum continuous stay 
• need up to 12 more months to meet the Skilled Migrant Category’s New Zealand work experience requirement, and 
• meet the relevant wage rate. 

INZ will provide more information on this next year.