New Zealand National Occupation List for Work Visas

Immigration New Zealand has implemented a significant update to its work visa system by adopting the National Occupation List (NOL), effective from November 3, 2025. The move replaces the older ANZSCO (Australian & New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) framework and is aimed at better aligning work visa approvals with New Zealand’s evolving labor market needs.

Under the NOL system, occupations are categorized into five skill levels, with level 1 representing the highest skill roles. Employers seeking to hire foreign workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) must now ensure that job postings reference the appropriate NOL occupation code, with clearly defined tasks, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.

The change also affects the “Job Check” process and the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) pathway, which provided temporary extensions for certain newly recognized occupations during the transition period from September 8 to November 2, 2025.

Immigration authorities advise prospective applicants to verify that their job offers meet NOL requirements, including matching qualifications and experience, to avoid delays or refusals. The update is expected to modernize the visa framework and enhance transparency in New Zealand’s skilled labor migration system.