New Zealand’s immigration landscape is about to undergo a significant transformation. Starting 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will officially begin recognizing 91 new occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL) for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme.
This change marks a pivotal step in modernizing how skilled workers are classified, evaluated, and approved for work in New Zealand — directly impacting thousands of new visa applicants and accredited employers across the country.
This policy shift is not just administrative. It has real-world implications for those hoping to build a career in New Zealand, from engineers and technicians to healthcare professionals, data analysts, and skilled tradespeople.
What Exactly Is Changing?
Until now, New Zealand’s immigration system relied on the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) — a framework that many argued was outdated and failed to reflect the realities of today’s evolving labour market.
From 3 November 2025, INZ will begin recognizing 91 new higher-skilled occupations (skill levels 1 to 3) under the National Occupation List (NOL). These roles will now qualify for AEWV consideration — meaning migrants in these professions will be eligible to work, renew their visas, and even bring their families to New Zealand.
This move represents the gradual replacement of ANZSCO with the more flexible and modern NOL system, which was officially adopted in November 2024 and last updated on 1 July 2025.
How It Impacts Employers?
For accredited employers, this update widens the pool of talent they can legally hire under the AEWV scheme. From November 2025 onwards, employers can submit new job check applications for these 91 newly recognized NOL roles.
However, they must continue to:
- Advertise the position locally and demonstrate that no suitable New Zealander is available;
- Hold valid accreditation; and
- Align job descriptions and pay rates precisely with the NOL classification.
Employers hiring under skill levels 1 to 3 can employ migrants for up to five years, provided wage thresholds are met. They can also support family visa applications, making it easier to attract long-term skilled talent.
In short, this reform provides employers with greater flexibility and recruitment stability, especially in industries where local skill shortages persist.
What It Means for New Work Visa Applicants?
For new AEWV applicants, this is a major opportunity. The recognition of 91 new occupations means that many previously unlisted skilled professions — particularly in technology, infrastructure, healthcare, and emerging trades — now qualify for work visas.
If you’re currently on a skill level 4 or 5 AEWV and your role overlaps with one of the new skill level 1–3 occupations, you could be eligible to upgrade your position and extend your stay. To qualify, you must show:
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience, or
- A recognized qualification in the same field.
Successful applicants could enjoy longer visa durations, easier renewals, and eligibility to bring family members under dependent visas — a benefit that many lower-skilled roles did not previously enjoy.
The Bigger Picture: Transition to NOL
The National Occupation List (NOL) is designed to be New Zealand’s new, future-proof classification system, replacing ANZSCO after decades of use. Unlike its predecessor, which often struggled to reflect emerging roles in technology, sustainability, and service industries, the NOL is reviewed and updated annually.
This ensures that modern occupations — like AI specialists, renewable energy technicians, and data science professionals — are accurately captured and classified, allowing immigration settings to evolve with real labour market needs.
Pros: Why This Update Is Good News?
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More Occupations Eligible for AEWV
Skilled workers from more industries — including newly emerging fields — can now apply for work visas and stay longer in New Zealand. -
Pathway to Family Migration
Workers in NOL-recognized roles (skill levels 1–3) can bring their families with them, a huge boost for long-term settlement and work-life balance. -
Greater Job Mobility
Existing AEWV holders in skill level 4 or 5 roles can transition into higher-level jobs and extend their stay — reducing the need to reapply from scratch. -
Employer Flexibility
Accredited employers gain access to a broader range of qualified international candidates, helping fill persistent skill shortages. -
Modernized Immigration System
The NOL replaces outdated occupational codes with a system that adapts annually — keeping New Zealand’s workforce aligned with global trends.
Cons: The Challenges Ahead
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Temporary Overlap with ANZSCO
Since both NOL and ANZSCO will operate in parallel for a while, there may be confusion and delays as employers and applicants adjust. -
Complex Job Check Process
Employers will need to carefully match job descriptions and salary bands to new NOL codes, which may require additional documentation or consultation. -
Uneven Awareness
Many migrants and smaller businesses might miss out initially simply because they are unaware that their occupations are now eligible. -
Higher Scrutiny in Applications
As roles become more specific under NOL, visa officers may scrutinize applications more closely to ensure qualifications and experience truly align with the designated occupation.
When It Takes Effect?
The change officially takes effect on 3 November 2025. From that day, both ANZSCO and NOL occupation codes will appear in the Immigration Online system for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) applications.
Employers and visa seekers are urged to familiarize themselves with the newly recognized 91 occupations before submitting applications.
Final Thoughts: A Step Into the Future of Work Migration
This update signals a progressive shift in how New Zealand approaches skilled migration. By recognising 91 new NOL occupations, the government is opening the door wider for global talent — while still maintaining the integrity of its local labour market.
For prospective migrants, this could mean new hope and new pathways to live and work in one of the world’s most dynamic, quality-of-life–driven economies. But with opportunity comes responsibility: applicants must ensure their qualifications, job descriptions, and employer accreditations are perfectly aligned to take advantage of this change.
In short:
Effective Date: 3 November 2025
Update: 91 new NOL occupations added for AEWV applications
Benefit: More skilled migrants can work and stay longer — with family eligibility
⚙️ System: Transition from ANZSCO to NOL underway.