New Zealand Introduces National Occupation List for Foreign Workers

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a major update for work visa applicants and employers. The new National Occupation List (NOL) officially replaces the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) as the reference system for job-related visa applications.

What is the National Occupation List (NOL)?

The NOL categorizes jobs with similar tasks and responsibilities into specific occupations. Each occupation is assigned a skill level from 1 to 5, with Level 1 representing the highest skill level and Level 5 the lowest. The new system aims to streamline visa processing and better align immigration policies with New Zealand’s labour market needs.

When Does the Change Take Effect?

Applicants and employers will need to use an NOL occupation code if their job is listed when applying for:

• A Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) on or before November 2, 2025
• An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) on or after November 3, 2025
• A Job Check for an AEWV on or after November 3, 2025

Some visa types, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, will continue using ANZSCO codes until the full transition is completed.

How to Find the Correct NOL Code

INZ recommends using the Aria tool, available on the Statistics New Zealand website. This tool helps applicants and employers confirm eligibility, skill levels, and qualification requirements for specific occupations.

Why the NOL Matters

The introduction of the NOL is part of New Zealand’s broader effort to modernize its immigration system. The change aims to:

• Simplify visa processing
• Make applications faster and more consistent
• Align immigration policy with New Zealand’s current labour market needs

The move also mirrors recent occupational classification reforms in Australia, reflecting a regional trend toward skills-based immigration policies.

Temporary SPWV Option for 2025

To ease the transition, INZ has introduced a temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) valid from September 8 to November 2, 2025. This short-term option is available for workers who:

• Currently hold an AEWV
• Are reaching the end of their maximum stay by November 30, 2025
• Work in one of approximately 30 new NOL-listed occupations

Eligible workers can extend their stay in New Zealand for up to two more years under this pathway.

The NOL represents a significant shift toward skills-based immigration in New Zealand, improving alignment between visa requirements and labour market demand. The regional move toward skills-focused frameworks, including similar changes in Australia, signals a more streamlined and modern approach to managing work visas in the Oceania region.