New Zealand Adopts National Occupation List For Work Visa Applications

Immigration New Zealand is introducing a major update to the way work visa applications are assessed, with a new National Occupation List (NOL) set to take effect in November 2025.

This new list will replace the long-standing Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), which has served as the reference framework for visa processing for many years. Officials say the update is designed to make visa applications more straightforward, improve skill assessments, and better align immigration rules with the country’s current labor market needs.

Understanding the NOL

The National Occupation List groups jobs with similar duties into categories and assigns each a skill level from one to five. Level one includes highly skilled roles, while level five covers positions requiring lower formal qualifications or experience.

The aim is to provide clearer guidance for both employers and applicants by defining occupations and the skills required more precisely, making the visa process more transparent.

Transition Timeline

The shift to the NOL will be gradual. Those applying for a Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) must use the NOL for applications submitted on or before November 2, 2025.

Starting November, applicants for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or those completing a job check for an AEWV will need to use the NOL codes if their role is listed. Some visa categories, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, will continue to rely on ANZSCO codes until the full transition is complete.

Temporary Measures

To support the transition, Immigration New Zealand has introduced a temporary SPWV valid from September 8 to November 2, 2025. This short-term visa option is available to workers who:

Currently hold an AEWV

Will reach the end of their maximum stay by November 30, 2025

Work in one of approximately 30 new occupations listed on the NOL

Eligible workers may extend their stay in New Zealand for up to two additional years under this scheme.

Implications for Workers and Employers

The NOL is part of a wider effort to modernize New Zealand’s immigration system, ensuring that skilled workers are matched with roles that support economic growth. It also brings New Zealand’s policies closer to recent Australian reforms, reflecting a regional move toward skills-based immigration.

Employers will need to review and update job titles, skill levels, and recruitment practices. For applicants, eligibility, visa length, and potential paths to permanent residency could change depending on the occupation and skill level assigned.

Applicants are encouraged to use the Aria tool from Statistics New Zealand to verify occupation codes, skill levels, and qualification requirements before submitting their applications.