Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced major updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme, introducing new occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL) and launching a temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) pathway available until November 2025. These changes aim to support both employers and skilled foreign workers during the country’s transition to the new job classification system.
What’s Changing
The National Occupation List (NOL) officially replaced the ANZSCO system in November 2024, becoming New Zealand’s new standard for defining job roles. While INZ continues to reference ANZSCO in some visa settings, the NOL is gradually becoming the core framework for immigration and employment purposes.
Starting 3 November 2025, AEWV applicants in about 90 newly recognised skilled roles (at NOL skill levels 1–3) will be able to apply based on their NOL occupation classification.
Employers offering these roles will need to complete the standard AEWV application process under the new framework. More detailed guidance from INZ is expected soon.
Temporary SPWV Pathway Before the Change
To support workers reaching their Maximum Continuous Stay (MCS) before 30 November 2025, INZ has introduced a Temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV).
This short-term visa option, available from 8 September to 2 November 2025, allows certain AEWV holders to remain employed while the new NOL-based system takes effect.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be currently working in — or moving to — one of the 30 newly recognised NOL roles
- Have at least 3 years of relevant experience or a recognised qualification
- Hold a valid AEWV expiring on or before 30 November 2025
Importantly, employers are not required to advertise these roles when hiring through the SPWV pathway.
However, this visa is not a general extension of the AEWV. It applies only to a limited group of affected workers transitioning to the new system.
Eligible Occupations for the Temporary SPWV Pathway
The following occupations under NOL Skill Levels 1 and 3 are eligible for the interim SPWV pathway. Workers can use this list to check if their role qualifies for the temporary visa or the upcoming AEWV changes.
Skill Level 1 Occupations
| NOL Occupation | NOL Code |
| Horticulture Post-Harvest Leading Hand | 832117 |
| Indoor Crop Production Leading Hand | 841228 |
| Outdoor Crop Leading Hand | 841231 |
Skill Level 3 Occupations
| NOL Occupation | NOL Code |
| Concierge | 431413 |
| CNC Operator – Solid Timber Joinery | 712312 |
| Concreter (Commercial) | 331113 |
| Electronic Security System and Alarm Technician | 399922 |
| Fibre Composite Technician | 399921 |
| Forestry Supervisor | 841314 |
| Hazardous Materials Removalist | 711915 |
| Horticulture Post-Harvest Supervisor | 832116 |
| Indoor Crop Production Supervisor | 841223 |
| Irrigation Manager | 841918 |
| Other Livestock Farm Supervisor | 841531 |
| Outdoor Crop Production Supervisor | 841221 |
| Poultry Farm Supervisor | 841532 |
| Power Wash Technician | 811212 |
| Production Supervisor – Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing | 711115 |
| Production Supervisor – Food and Drink Processing | 831122 |
| Production Supervisor – Meat Processing | 831314 |
| Production Supervisor – Paper, Pulp and Wood Processing | 711315 |
| Production Supervisor – Plastics and Rubber Production | 711517 |
| Production Supervisor – Seafood Processing | 831316 |
| Solar Installer | 821413 |
| Senior Piggery Stockperson | 841533 |
| Senior Fleet Tyre Technician | 323221 |
| Senior Tyre Technician | 899416 |
| Sheep Farm Supervisor | 841527 |
| Silviculture Operator | 841317 |
| Waterproofer | 333312 |
What This Means for Workers and Employers
These updates represent New Zealand’s shift toward a modern, skills-based immigration framework.
For skilled workers, the expansion offers new AEWV opportunities in trade, technical, and supervisory roles that were previously classified at lower skill levels.
For employers, it’s a timely reminder to stay informed about INZ’s evolving job classification standards. The transition from ANZSCO to NOL will directly impact recruitment, visa eligibility, and compliance processes in the coming months.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the NOL and temporary SPWV pathway marks a major step in modernising New Zealand’s immigration system.
By understanding these changes early, employers and migrant workers can better prepare for the new visa framework and make the most of the expanded AEWV opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
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