For an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), your English requirement depends on your job’s skill level.
You need to check your job on the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) and the National Occupation List (NOL).
If your job is Skill Level 1-2, you don't need to show proof of English
If your job is Skill Level 3-5, you may need to provide an English test, such as IELTS.
Always make sure your job title and duties match the ANZSCO and NOL description, as this determines your skill level and whether you need to meet English requirements.
Note:
From 1 June 2026, the English requirement for the AEWV will also extend to Skill Level 3 roles in the ANZSCO and National Occupation List (NOL) , such as community workers, hospitality supervisors, and other service positions.
What English proof is accepted for AEWV?
If required, you can meet the English requirement through a recognised English test like IELTS.
You need a minimum overall IELTS score of 4.0 to qualify.
Immigration New Zealand accepts IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS One Skill Retake for AEWV applications.
What is the NOL?
The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s new job classification system, which is set to replace Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The NOL is meant to reflect the country's labour market and is updated annually by Statistics New Zealand.
NOL skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled.
From 1 June 2026, English language requirements will also apply to ANZCO and NOL Skill level 3 occupations.
Read more about the NOL for AEWV from the Immigration New Zealand website.
Check whether your role is in NOL or ANZSCO Level 3, 4, or 5
Before you apply, it’s important to confirm your job’s skill level.
This helps you:
Know if you need IELTS before applying.
Avoid delays or refusals.
Plan your next visa steps with confidence.
What is the difference between ANZSCO and the NOL?
ANZSCO is the older occupation classification system used by Australia and New Zealand to group jobs by skill level and job duties.
The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s newer occupation system for immigration pathways like the AEWV. Like ANZSCO, the NOL also groups occupations by skill levels from 1 to 5.
When applying for an AEWV, do I check the ANZSCO or the NOL?
For AEWV applications, you should first check whether your occupation is recognised under the National Occupation List (NOL). New Zealand is gradually moving from ANZSCO to the NOL for AEWV-related applications, so many occupations are now listed under the newer NOL system.
However, some occupations are still classified under ANZSCO during the transition period, which is why the expanded AEWV English requirement update still mentions both systems.
If your occupation is not recognised under the NOL lists for AEWV applications, you may need to check the ANZSCO instead.
Below, you'll find a list of NOL and ANZSCO occupations that need to meet English requirements when applying for an AEWV.
NOL skill level 3 occupations
NOL code | NOL occupation |
|---|---|
272126 | Consumer Advisor |
323115 | Launch Technician - Mechanical |
351311 | Other Chef |
351313 | Demi Chef de Partie |
423127 | Peer Support Worker |
452416 | Ski Patroller |
711316 | Timber Machinist |
712925 | Senior Timber Treatment Plant Operator |
721115 | Advanced Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator |
831123 | Ice Cream (Process Control) Machine Operator |
831215 | Meat Boner/Meat Cutter |
899924 | Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) |
311113 | Irrigation Technician |
311417 | Calibration Technician |
311418 | Drug and Alcohol Tester |
312917 | Wind Turbine Technician |
312918 | Geothermal Technician |
312921 | Non Destructive Testing Technician |
312922 | Irrigation Performance Assessor |
312924 | Cabinetry CAD Drawer |
312925 | Joinery Detailer |
312926 | Lifting Equipment Technician |
321112 | Electric Vehicle Mechanic or Technician |
321215 | Bicycle Technician |
323114 | Vehicle Integration Technician |
323216 | Agricultural Equipment Technician |
323217 | Heavy Equipment Technician |
323218 | CNC Programmer - Solid Timber Joinery |
323221 | Senior Fleet Tyre Technician |
331113 | Concreter (Commercial) |
331215 | Joinery Site Joiner |
331217 | Joinery Installer |
333312 | Waterproofer |
361116 | Animal Trainer |
393214 | Milliner |
394112 | Cabinetry Installer |
394215 | Joinery Machinist |
394216 | Joinery Technician |
394217 | Joinery Practitioner - Generalist |
394218 | Joinery Finisher |
399518 | Performing Arts, Entertainment and Events Technician |
399921 | Fibre Composite Technician |
399922 | Electronic Security System and Alarm Technician |
399923 | Snowsport Equipment Technician |
411718 | Dementia Navigator |
423124 | Dementia Homeshare Coordinator |
423125 | Support Worker (Mental Health and Addiction) |
423126 | Health Coach |
431312 | Senior Gaming Worker |
431413 | Concierge |
431914 | Winery Senior Cellar Hand |
451313 | Crematorium Technician |
452114 | Personal Trainer |
452218 | Adventure Tourism Operator |
452326 | Tennis Coach - Performance |
452415 | Athlete |
711115 | Production Supervisor, Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing |
711315 | Production Supervisor, Paper, Pulp and Wood Processing |
711517 | Production Supervisor, Plastics and Rubber Production |
711717 | Production Supervisor, Textile and Footwear Production |
711915 | Hazardous Materials Removalist |
712214 | Horizontal Direction Drilling Worker |
712312 | CNC Operator - Solid Timber Joinery |
721113 | Agrichemical Spraying Operator |
721114 | Groundspread Nutrient Applicator |
731113 | Oversize Load Pilot Escort |
811212 | Power Wash Technician |
821413 | Solar Installer |
821715 | Rope Access Technician |
821716 | Load Lifting Rigger (Rope Fabrication) |
831122 | Production Supervisor, Food and Drink Processing |
831314 | Production Supervisor, Meat Processing |
831315 | Production Supervisor, Poultry Processing |
831316 | Production Supervisor, Seafood Processing |
832116 | Horticulture Post-Harvest Supervisor |
841112 | Aquaculture Farm Supervisor |
841218 | Field Crop Farm Supervisor |
841221 | Outdoor Crop Production Supervisor |
841222 | Fruit Production Supervisor |
841223 | Indoor Crop Production Supervisor |
841224 | Vineyard Supervisor |
841226 | Mixed Crop Farm Supervisor |
841314 | Forestry Supervisor |
841317 | Silviculture Operator |
841413 | Nursery Production Supervisor |
841521 | Mixed Livestock Farm Supervisor |
841526 | Beef Cattle Farm Supervisor |
841527 | Sheep Farm Supervisor |
841531 | Other Livestock Farm Supervisor |
841532 | Poultry Farm Supervisor |
841533 | Senior Piggery Stockperson |
841612 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Supervisor |
841918 | Irrigation Manager |
899416 | Senior Tyre Technician |
ANZSCO Level 3 Occupations
Technicians and trade workers
ANSZCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
311214 | Operating Theatre Technician |
311216 | Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist |
321111 | Automotive Electrician |
321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) |
321212 | Diesel Motor Mechanic |
321213 | Motorcycle Mechanic |
321214 | Small Engine Mechanic |
322111 | Blacksmith |
322112 | Electroplater |
322113 | Farrier |
322114 | Metal Casting Trades Worker |
322115 | Metal Polisher |
322211 | Sheetmetal Trades Worker |
322311 | Metal Fabricator |
322312 | Pressure Welder |
322313 | Welder (First Class) (Aus)/Welder (NZ) |
323111 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) |
323112 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) |
323113 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures) |
323211 | Fitter (General) |
323212 | Fitter and Turner |
323213 | Fitter-Welder |
323214 | Metal Machinist (First Class) |
323215 | Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic |
323299 | Metal Fitters and Machinists nec |
323311 | Engraver |
323312 | Gunsmith |
323313 | Locksmith |
323314 | Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer |
323315 | Saw Doctor |
323316 | Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer |
323411 | Engineering Patternmaker |
323412 | Toolmaker |
324111 | Panelbeater |
324211 | Vehicle Body Builder |
324212 | Vehicle Trimmer |
324311 | Vehicle Painter |
331111 | Bricklayer |
331112 | Stonemason |
331211 | Carpenter and Joiner |
331212 | Carpenter |
331213 | Joiner |
332111 | Floor Finisher |
332211 | Painting Trade Worker |
333111 | Glazier |
333211 | Fibrous Plasterer |
333212 | Solid Plasterer |
333311 | Roof Tiler |
333411 | Wall and Floor Tiler |
334111 | Plumber (General) |
334112 | Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber |
334113 | Drainer/Drainlayer |
334114 | Gasfitter |
334115 | Roof Plumber |
341111 | Electrician (General) |
341112 | Electrician (Special Class) |
341113 | Lift Mechanic |
342111 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic |
342211 | Electrical Line Mechanic/Electrical Linesworker |
342212 | Technical Cable Jointer |
342311 | Business Machine Mechanic |
342312 | Communications Operator |
342313 | Electronic Instrument Trades Worker |
342314 | Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General) |
342315 | Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) |
342411 | Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) |
342412 | Telecommunications Cable Joiner |
342413 | Telecommunications Linesworker/Telecommunications Line Mecha |
Clerical and Administrative Workers
ANSZCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
411311 | Diversional Therapist |
421111 | Child Care Worker |
421112 | Family Day Care Worker |
421114 | Out of School Hours Care Worker |
422116 | Teachers’ Aide |
423411 | Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant |
423413 | Refuge Worker |
441111 | Defence Force Member - Other Ranks |
441211 | Emergency Service Worker |
441212 | Fire Fighter |
451111 | Beauty Therapist |
451211 | Driving Instructor |
451399 | Funeral Workers nec |
451412 | Tour Guide |
451612 | Travel Consultant |
451711 | Flight Attendant |
451811 | Civil Celebrant |
451815 | First Aid Trainer |
452212 | Fishing Guide |
452213 | Hunting Guide |
452215 | Outdoor Adventure Instructor |
452216 | Trekking Guide |
452217 | Whitewater Rafting Guide |
452299 | Outdoor Adventure Guide nec |
452311 | Diving Instructor (Open Water) |
452313 | Horse Riding Coach or Instructor |
452314 | Snowsport Instructor |
452318 | Dog or Horse Racing Official |
452322 | Sport Umpire |
452323 | Other Sport Official |
452411 | Footballer |
452412 | Golfer |
452413 | Jockey |
452414 | Lifeguard |
452499 | Sportsperson nec |
Sales Workers
ANZSCO code | Occupation |
|---|---|
611111 | Auctioneer |
611112 | Stock and Station Agent |
612111 | Business Broker |
612112 | Property Manager |
612115 | Real Estate Representative |
639211 | Retail Buyer |
639212 | Wool Buyer |
Machinery Operators and Drivers
ANZSCO code | Occupation |
|---|---|
711211 | Industrial Spraymaker |
711311 | Paper Products Machine Operator |
711313 | Sawmilling Operator |
711611 | Sewing Machinist |
711711 | Footwear Production Machine Operator |
711712 | Hide and Skin Processing Machine Operator |
711713 | Knitting Machine Operator |
711714 | Textile Dyeing and Finishing Machine Operator |
711715 | Weaving Machine Operator |
711716 | Yarn Carding and Spinning Machine Operator |
711799 | Textile and Footwear Production Machine Operator nec |
712111 | Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator |
712916 | Paper and Pulp Mill Operator |
712921 | Waste Water or Water Plant Operator |
721112 | Logging Plant Operator |
721913 | Paving Plant Operator |
731311 | Train Driver |
Labourers
ANZSCO code | Occupation |
|---|---|
821711 | Construction Rigger |
ANZSCO Skill Level 4 occupations
Community and Personal Service Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
451799 | Travel Attendants nec |
451816 | Religious Assistant |
451899 | Personal Service Workers nec |
Clerical and Administrative Workers
General Clerical Roles
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
541112 | Call or Contact Centre Operator |
542111 | Receptionist (General) |
542112 | Admissions Clerk |
542113 | Hotel or Motel Receptionist |
542114 | Medical Receptionist |
542121 | Information Officer |
Accounting & Finance Clerks
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
551111 | Accounts Clerk |
551112 | Cost Clerk |
551311 | Payroll Clerk |
552311 | Bookmaker |
552312 | Insurance Consultant |
552313 | Money Market Clerk |
552314 | Statistical Clerk |
Logistics & Supply Clerks
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
591112 | Production Clerk |
591113 | Purchasing Officer |
591115 | Stock Clerk |
591116 | Warehouse Administrator |
591117 | Order Clerk |
591211 | Despatching and Receiving Clerk |
591212 | Import-Export Clerk |
Specialist Clerical Roles
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
597311 | Debt Collector |
599411 | Human Resource Clerk |
599511 | Customs Officer |
599512 | Immigration Officer |
599513 | Motor Vehicle Licence Examiner |
599514 | Noxious Weeds and Pest Inspector |
599515 | Social Security Assessor |
599516 | Taxation Inspector |
599517 | Train Examiner |
599518 | Transport Operations Inspector |
599521 | Water Inspector |
599599 | Inspectors and Regulatory Officers nec |
Other Clerical Roles
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
599711 | Library Assistant |
599912 | Production Assistant (Film, TV, Radio or Stage) |
599913 | Proof Reader |
599914 | Radio Dispatcher |
599916 | Facilities Administrator |
599999 | Clerical and Administrative Workers nec |
Sales Workers
Sales Representatives
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
611311 | Sales Representative (Building and Plumbing Supplies) |
611312 | Sales Representative (Business Services) |
611313 | Sales Representative (Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories) |
611314 | Sales Representative (Personal and Household Goods) |
611399 | Sales Representatives nec |
Specialised Sales Roles
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
621311 | Motor Vehicle or Caravan Salesperson |
621312 | Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter / Automotive Parts Salesperson |
621411 | Pharmacy Sales Assistant |
621511 | Retail Supervisor |
Sales Support Roles
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
639511 | Visual Merchandiser |
639911 | Other Sales Support Worker |
Machinery Operators and Drivers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
711111 | Clay Products Machine Operator |
711112 | Concrete Products Machine Operator |
711113 | Glass Production Machine Operator |
711114 | Stone Processing Machine Operator |
711199 | Processing Operators |
711314 | Other Wood Processing Machine Operator |
711411 | Photographic Developer and Printer |
Cleaners and Laundry Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
811211 | Commercial Cleaner |
811611 | Carpet Cleaner |
Construction and Mining Labourers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
821311 | Fencer |
821411 | Building Insulation Installer |
821412 | Home Improvement Installer |
821511 | Paving and Surfacing Labourer |
821611 | Railway Track Worker |
821712 | Scaffolder |
821713 | Steel Fixer |
821714 | Structural Steel Erector |
821911 | Crane Chaser |
Factory Process Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
831111 | Baking Factory Worker |
831112 | Brewery Worker |
831113 | Confectionery Maker |
831116 | Grain Mill Worker |
831117 | Sugar Mill Worker |
831118 | Winery Cellar Hand |
831199 | Food and Drink Factory Workers nec |
831211 | Meat Boner and Slicer |
831212 | Slaughterer |
839211 | Plastics Factory Worker |
839212 | Rubber Factory Worker |
Product Quality Controllers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
839311 | Product Examiner |
839312 | Product Grader |
839313 | Product Tester |
Timber and Wood Process Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
839411 | Paper and Pulp Mill Worker |
839412 | Sawmill or Timber Yard Worker |
839413 | Wood and Wood Products Factory Worker |
Other Factory Process Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
839911 | Cement and Concrete Plant Worker |
839912 | Chemical Plant Worker |
839913 | Clay Processing Factory Worker |
839914 | Fabric and Textile Factory Worker |
839915 | Footwear Factory Worker |
839916 | Glass Processing Worker |
839917 | Hide and Skin Processing Worker |
839918 | Recycling Worker |
839999 | Factory Process Workers nec |
Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
841311 | Forestry Worker |
841312 | Logging Assistant |
841313 | Tree Faller |
Other Labourers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
899211 | Deck Hand |
899212 | Fishing Hand |
899411–899415 | Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories Fitters |
ANZSCO Skill Level 5 occupations
Community and Personal Service Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
431911 | Bar Useful or Busser |
431912 | Doorperson or Luggage Porter |
431999 | Hospitality Workers nec |
442211 | Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor |
442212 | Armoured Car Escort |
Sales Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
621111 | Sales Assistant (General) |
621211 | ICT Sales Assistant |
621611 | Service Station Attendant |
621711 | Cash Van Salesperson |
621712 | Door-to-door Salesperson |
621713 | Street Vendor |
621911 | Materials Recycler |
621912 | Rental Salesperson |
621999 | Sales Assistants and Salespersons nec |
631111 | Checkout Operator |
631112 | Office Cashier |
639111 | Model |
639112 | Sales Demonstrator |
639311 | Telemarketer |
639411 | Ticket Seller |
639412 | Transport Conductor |
Clerical and Office Support Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
561111 | Betting Agency Counter Clerk |
561112 | Bookmaker's Clerk |
561113 | Telephone Betting Clerk |
561199 | Betting Clerks nec |
561211 | Courier |
561212 | Postal Delivery Officer |
561311 | Filing or Registry Clerk |
561411 | Mail Clerk |
561412 | Postal Sorting Officer |
561511 | Survey Interviewer |
561611 | Switchboard Operator |
561911 | Classified Advertising Clerk |
561912 | Meter Reader |
561913 | Parking Inspector |
561999 | Clerical and Office Support Workers nec |
Machinery Operators and Drivers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
711111 | Clay Products Machine Operator |
711112 | Concrete Products Machine Operator |
711113 | Glass Production Machine Operator |
711114 | Stone Processing Machine Operator |
711199 | Clay, Concrete, Glass, and Stone Processing Operators |
Cleaners and Laundry Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
811111 | Car Detailer |
811311 | Domestic Cleaner |
811411 | Commercial Housekeeper |
811412 | Domestic Housekeeper |
811511 | Laundry Worker (General) |
811512 | Drycleaner |
811513 | Ironer or Presser |
811612 | Window Cleaner |
811699 | Cleaners nec |
Construction and Mining Labourers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
821111 | Builder's Labourer |
821112 | Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer |
821113 | Earthmoving Labourer |
821114 | Plumber's Assistant |
821211 | Concreter |
821912 | Driller's Assistant |
821914 | Mining Support Worker |
821915 | Surveyor's Assistant |
Factory Process Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
831114 | Dairy Products Maker |
831115 | Fruit and Vegetable Factory Worker |
831311 | Meat Process Worker |
831312 | Poultry Process Worker |
831313 | Seafood Process Worker |
832111 | Chocolate Packer |
832112 | Container Filler |
832113 | Fruit and Vegetable Packer |
832114 | Meat Packer |
832115 | Seafood Packer |
832199 | Packers nec |
832211 | Product Assembler |
839111 | Metal Engineering Process Worker |
Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
841111 | Aquaculture Worker |
841211–841217 | Crop Farm Workers (various specialisations) |
841299 | Crop Farm Workers nec |
841411 | Garden Labourer |
841412 | Horticultural Nursery Assistant |
841511–841517 | Livestock Farm Workers |
841599 | Livestock Farm Workers nec |
841611 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Worker |
841911 | Hunter-Trapper |
Food Preparation Assistants
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
851111 | Fast Food Cook |
851211 | Pastrycook's Assistant |
851299 | Food Trades Assistants nec |
851311 | Kitchenhand |
Other Labourers
ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
899311 | Handyperson |
891111 | Freight Handler |
891112 | Truck Driver’s Offsider |
891113 | Waterside Worker |
891211 | Shelf Filler |
899111 | Caretaker |
Plan your New Zealand residence pathway with confidence
If residence is part of your long-term plan, it helps to understand both your English requirement and your wider pathway early.
We can help you book IELTS, explain the score you may need for your visa, and compare study options if your qualification is still part of your next step.
If you also want advice based on your own visa situation, you can speak with IDP migration experts.
Immigration and the law
Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the New Zealand Immigration website for changes that may apply to you. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent.