Updating the NOL occupation list for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is updating how it assesses 87 new occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)programme, effective from 3 November 2025, to ensure recognition of high-skilled occupations on the National Occupation List (NOL).

INZ will begin recognising 87 occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 under the NOL in immigration instructions for AEWV applications from 3 November 2025.

An overview of the NOL

Detailed article on the The National Occupation List (NOL).

The NOL is New Zealand’s new job classification system, replacing the Australian and 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 the current labour market and will be updated annually.

The immigration system is currently based on ANZSCO. Because the transition to the NOL is a major change, INZ is introducing it in phases and will notify employers, migrants, and advisers as it is gradually implemented into the system.

Changes from 3 November 2025

From this date, employers can submit job checks for any of the newly recognised roles.

AEWV holders in skill level 1 to 3 roles may stay longer in New Zealand and can bring their families. Some current AEWV holders working in roles directly related to skill level 4 or 5 may be able to transition to one of these 87 new roles.

They must have either:

• At least 3 years of directly relevant work experience
• A recognised qualification.

If they meet these criteria, they can apply for a further AEWV to extend their stay in New Zealand.

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

Occupations on the National Occupation List for AEWV or SPWV

NOL Skill Level 1 Occupations

NOL Skill Level 2 Occupations

NOL Skill Level 3 Occupations

What employers need to know

Employers must advertise the role first and make a genuine attempt to appoint a suitable New Zealander. When this is not possible, the employer must be accredited and submit a job check application to recruit a migrant worker for 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. The job description and salary must clearly align with the responsibilities and skill level of the role they have chosen.

All standard AEWV settings for skill levels 1 to 3 still apply: eligible migrant workers can stay for up to 5 years, must meet the salary threshold, and can support family visas.

Check your current accreditation and ensure the job description clearly aligns with the requirements of the relevant NOL or ANZSCO occupation you have chosen.