New Zealand Immigration Update: 87 New Occupations Recognised Under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced an important update to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme. From 3 November 2025, INZ will begin recognising 87 new occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL) — a major step toward aligning immigration processes with the realities of New Zealand’s modern labour market.

About the National Occupation List (NOL)

The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s new job classification system, replacing the older Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework.

Introduced in November 2024 and updated again on 1 July 2025, the NOL provides a more accurate reflection of New Zealand’s workforce needs. Unlike ANZSCO, the NOL is reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to evolving labour market trends.

Because this is a significant change, Immigration New Zealand is implementing the NOL gradually across visa programmes — keeping employers, migrants, and advisers informed throughout the transition.

What Changes from 3 November 2025

From this date, 87 new occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 will be officially recognised under the AEWV programme.

Employers will be able to submit job checks for these newly listed roles, while eligible visa holders will benefit from increased flexibility and longer visa durations.

Key highlights include:

• AEWV holders in recognised skill level 1–3 roles may stay in New Zealand longer and can often bring their family members.

• Migrants currently working in directly relevant skill level 4 or 5 roles may be able to transition into one of the 87 new roles — provided they have at least 3 years of relevant work experience or a recognised qualification.

• The updated NOL occupations will appear alongside existing ANZSCO codes in Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced online system.

A full list of the 87 recognised occupations is available on Immigration New Zealand’s website.

What Employers Need to Know

If you are an accredited employer, it’s essential to ensure your job descriptions and remuneration clearly align with the skill level and responsibilities of the NOL or ANZSCO occupation you are recruiting for.

Before hiring a migrant worker for one of the newly recognised NOL roles, employers must:

• Advertise the position and make a genuine effort to hire a New Zealander first.

• Hold valid employer accreditation with INZ.

• Submit a new job check application for the role under the updated NOL classification.

All standard AEWV conditions for skill levels 1 to 3 still apply — including wage thresholds, maximum stay durations of up to five years, and eligibility for family visa support.

Need Expert Guidance?

Changes like these can affect both employers and migrants in significant ways. Our licensed adviser, Andrew Kerr, can help you understand what this update means for your specific circumstances — whether you’re an employer looking to hire skilled workers or a migrant exploring your visa options.

📩 Contact Andrew: andrew@networkmigration.com