91 new occupations added to the Accredited Employer Work Visa List

Immigration New Zealand recognises 91 levels 1–3 occupations from the National Occupation List (NOL) for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visas (SPWV) applications made on or after 3 November 2025.

If you are an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holder working on a skill level 4-5 role, you may be able to move to these newly recognised roles and extend your Maximum Continuous Stay (MCA) in New Zealand to up to 5 years. 

On the other hand, if you are applying for an AEWV for the first time, you now have to check if your role is in the National Occupation List (for applications made on or after 3 November 2025). 

Key things to remember:

• If your occupation is not included in any of the new roles from the National Occupation List (NOL), you still need to check the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) list.

• If you’re applying for a different visa (other than AEWV and SPWV), you still need to use the ANZSCO.

• These new roles are recognised for work visas only. They are not recognised for residence category applications (such as the Skilled Migrant Category, or applications for Green List pathways). 

If you’re wondering why there are new NOL roles recognised for AEWV and SPWV applications, here’s what’s happening.

In November 2024, New Zealand introduced the National Occupation List (NOL) as its new system for classifying jobs. It replaced the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). 

What makes the NOL different from ANZSCO?  

The NOL was designed to better reflect the current job market in New Zealand.

It also includes new and emerging roles that weren’t previously recognised under ANZSCO.

On 3 November 2025, 91 additional roles from the NOL are officially recognised for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications.

What’s the long-term goal of this transition?

The aim is for Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to fully use the NOL when assessing skill levels for work visa applications.

The transition is being done gradually and in stages to give both migrants and employers enough time to adjust.

Check the 91 new roles recognised for AEWV applications

Here’s what employers should do under the new updates for the AEWV recognised jobs list. 

Before hiring a migrant worker, you must first:

• Advertise the role.

• Make a genuine effort to hire a suitable New Zealander.

If no local candidate is available, you have to:

• Become accredited under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.

• Apply for a job check for one of the newly recognised National Occupation List (NOL) roles (skill levels 1–3).

• Ensure the job details match the recognised occupation, including the job description, responsibilities, and pay level.

This process helps confirm that the role you’re advertising meets Immigration New Zealand’s skill and pay standards, and that, as an employer, you are genuinely addressing skill shortages.

If you’re a skilled migrant working on any of the 91 newly recognised occupations, you can apply for an AEWV if you have:

• A valid job offer from an accredited employer who has already completed a job check. 

• A job offer that clearly aligns with the role’s responsibilities and skill level listed in the National Occupation List (NOL).

If you’re already working in skill level 4 or 5 roles under the AEWV, you may now have an opportunity to move into a higher-skilled role (skill level 1–3). To qualify, you must have:

• At least three years of directly relevant work experience, and

• A recognised qualification related to the new role.

Step 1: Check eligibility

Make sure your occupation is on the Accredited Employer Work Visa list and that you meet the skill and experience requirements.

For applications made on or after 3 November 2025, you’ll have to check whether your role is in the newly recognised roles under the National Occupation List. If not available, check the ANZSCO list. 

Check the 91 new roles recognised for AEWV applications

Step 2: Get a job offer

Secure a full-time job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. The role must have passed the Job Check process.

Step 3: Gather your documents

Prepare proof of identity, English test results, qualifications, work experience, and health and character documents.

Step 4: Submit your application

Apply for the AEWV online through Immigration New Zealand (INZ), attaching all required documents and paying the visa fee.

Step 5: Wait for a decision

INZ will assess your application and notify you of the outcome. If approved, you can begin working in New Zealand for the accredited employer listed on your visa.

You don’t need an English proficiency test if you are applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa for a job that is either:

• skill level 1 to 3 on ANZSCO

• included in the list of National Occupation List (NOL) occupations that are recognised for an AEWV or Specific Purpose or Work Visa (SPWV)

However, if you are applying for a role at ANZSCO level 4 or 5, you need to meet the following IELTS scores:

The New Zealand government accepts both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for visa purposes. The organisation where you plan to work or study sets the requirements. So, before you book your test, it is good to check which one is right for you.

Immigration New Zealand also accepts IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for visa application purposes, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa.

IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) of the IELTS test without having to re-sit a full test if you need to improve on just one skill.

IELTS is the only major test to offer One Skill Retake.

Find out more about IELTS One Skill Retake

Sources:

Working in New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand