Immigration New Zealand has announced a major shift in how occupations are classified for work visa applications. Beginning November 2025, the National Occupation List (NOL) will officially replace the long-used ANZSCO system.
This update is designed to simplify visa processing, improve skill assessments, and ensure immigration settings reflect New Zealand’s real workforce needs.
What Is the National Occupation List (NOL)?
The National Occupation List (NOL) groups jobs based on similar duties and responsibilities.
Each occupation comes with a skill level between 1 and 5, where:
Level 1 = highest skill level
Level 5 = lowest skill level
This modernised structure allows INZ to better assess eligibility for work visas and determine whether applicants meet the skill requirements of their role.
When Does the Change Take Effect?
You’ll need to use an NOL occupation code when applying for:
Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) → on or before 2 November 2025
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) → on or after 3 November 2025
Job Check applications for an AEWV → on or after 3 November 2025
During the transition period, some visas — such as the Skilled Migrant Category — will continue using ANZSCO codes until the full migration to NOL is complete.
Finding the Right Occupation Code
To help employers and applicants identify the correct NOL code, INZ recommends using the Aria tool provided by Statistics New Zealand.
Aria helps you:
Search job titles
Confirm the matching occupation
Check skill levels
Review qualification and experience expectations
This tool will play a key role in ensuring applications are accurate and aligned with NOL requirements.
Why the NOL Matters
The introduction of the NOL supports New Zealand’s goal of modernising its immigration settings. Key benefits include:
Faster and simpler visa processing
More consistent skill assessments
A clearer link between immigration policy and labour market needs
Closer alignment with Australia’s updated occupational framework, supporting a regional move towards a unified, skills-focused immigration approach
Temporary Work Visa Option for 2025
To ease the transition, a temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) is available from 8 September to 2 November 2025.
This option applies to workers who:
Currently hold an AEWV,
Will reach their maximum stay by 30 November 2025, and
Work in one of around 30 newly recognised NOL occupations
Eligible applicants may extend their stay for up to two additional years, providing a smoother shift into the new system.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s move to adopt the National Occupation List represents a major step towards a more efficient and future-focused immigration framework. By aligning visa requirements with real-time labour demands — and moving in sync with regional updates in Australia — the country is strengthening its long-term approach to skills-based migration.
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