Big news for employers and workers: from 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand has recognised 87 new occupations for Accredited Employer Work Visa applications.
The full list of new occupations can be found here.
These occupations will be recognised under the new National Occupation List (NOL), which will, over time in stages, replace the existing Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework. NOL skill levels will range from 1 – 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled.
The new occupations will range from skill levels 1 – 3. All other requirements for these skill levels still apply; eligible workers can stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years, must meet the wage thresholds, and may be able to support family visas.
Skill level 4 and 5 roles are not currently recognised by NOL. This means that applicants in skill level 4 or 5 roles will still have to use ANZSCO codes.
NOL will also apply to the Specific Purpose Work Visa; however, only 30 roles are recognised. NOL can only be used for applications submitted between 8 September and 2 November 2025. These roles can only be used if applicants have an Accredited Employer Work Visa and a due to reach their continuous maximum stay on or before 30 November 2025.
NOL roles are not currently recognised for skilled residence pathways; however, this may change in the future.
Contact Richard Small and our friendly team for further details.