87 New Occupations Recognised Under the AEWV: What New Zealand Employers and Migrants Need to Know

November 6, 2025

Understanding how Immigration New Zealand’s latest update opens new opportunities for employers and migrant workers.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a major update to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.

From 3 November 2025, INZ will officially begin recognising 87 new occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL) at Skill Levels 1–3.

This is part of INZ’s gradual transition away from the old Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) system — a move designed to better reflect New Zealand’s modern labour market.

What Is the National Occupation List (NOL)?

The NOL replaces the outdated ANZSCO classification and provides a more accurate reflection of the skills and roles currently in demand in New Zealand.

It’s designed to be updated annually, ensuring policy decisions keep pace with changing labour market realities.

Although ANZSCO codes can still be used for now, INZ is moving toward a full transition to the NOL — beginning with these 87 occupations from November 2025.

What This Means for Employers

If you’re an accredited employer under the AEWV scheme, this change is directly relevant to you.

From 3 November 2025:

• You can recruit overseas workers in one of the newly recognised NOL occupations.
• Job Check applications must use the correct NOL code that best matches the job description and pay rate.
• The usual AEWV rules still apply — including proof of genuine attempts to recruit New Zealanders, market rate compliance, and accreditation validity.

Tip: Review your current Job Check templates and job descriptions now. Make sure they reflect the NOL occupation wording and responsibilities accurately to avoid delays or rejections.

What This Means for Migrant Workers

If you are planning to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, or already hold one, this announcement may expand your options significantly.

You may qualify for an AEWV under one of the new NOL occupations if you have:

• At least 3 years of directly relevant work experience, or
• A recognised qualification aligned with your nominated role.

Migrants in Skill Level 4 or 5 roles may also be able to transition into one of these newly recognised occupations — if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Potential benefits:

• Extended stay periods
• Family visa eligibility
• Stronger residence pathway alignment

Why This Matters

This policy shift signals the Government’s ongoing effort to align immigration with labour market needs.

The introduction of the NOL gives more recognition to evolving job roles — especially in emerging industries and mid-skill sectors — ensuring that immigration settings remain practical and fair.

For employers, it’s a chance to fill critical skill gaps more efficiently.For migrants, it opens doors to better long-term visa and residence prospects.

Action Checklist

For Employers

1. Confirm your accreditation is valid or due for renewal.
2. Update job descriptions and advertisements to reflect NOL occupation titles.
3. Align remuneration with NOL-defined skill levels 1–3.
4. Reassess your recruitment pipeline and identify new roles that now qualify.

For Migrants

1. Check if your role appears on the list of 87 newly recognised NOL occupations.
2. Prepare documentation showing experience or qualifications relevant to the occupation.
3. Seek advice from a Licensed Immigration Adviser before lodging an application.

The Bigger Picture

The rollout of NOL-based recognition within AEWV marks a transitional phase in New Zealand’s work visa landscape.

It will continue to evolve — with more occupations likely to be added in subsequent updates as INZ completes the shift from ANZSCO.

Employers and migrants who adapt early will enjoy smoother processing, fewer compliance issues, and greater certainty in workforce planning.

Need Personalised Guidance?

If you’re an employer planning to hire under the AEWV or a migrant worker exploring your visa options, our team at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd can help you navigate these changes confidently.

Our Licensed Immigration Advisers are experienced in managing AEWV applications and employer accreditation compliance — ensuring you remain fully aligned with Immigration NZ requirements.