Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced an necessary replace to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme. From 3 November 2025, INZ will start recognising 87 new occupations below the Nationwide Occupation Record (NOL) — a significant step towards aligning immigration processes with the realities of New Zealand’s fashionable labour market.
In regards to the Nationwide Occupation Record (NOL)
The Nationwide Occupation Record (NOL) is New Zealand’s new job classification system, changing the older Australia and New Zealand Customary Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework.
Launched in November 2024 and up to date once more on 1 July 2025, the NOL offers a extra correct reflection of New Zealand’s workforce wants. Not like ANZSCO, the NOL is reviewed yearly to make sure it stays related to evolving labour market tendencies.
As a result of this can be a important change, Immigration New Zealand is implementing the NOL regularly throughout visa programmes — preserving employers, migrants, and advisers knowledgeable all through the transition.
What Modifications from 3 November 2025
From this date, 87 new occupations at ability ranges 1 to three will likely be formally recognised below the AEWV programme.
Employers will be capable of submit job checks for these newly listed roles, whereas eligible visa holders will profit from elevated flexibility and longer visa durations.
Key highlights embody:
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AEWV holders in recognised ability stage 1–3 roles might keep in New Zealand longer and might usually deliver their members of the family.
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Migrants presently working in straight related ability stage 4 or 5 roles might be able to transition into one of many 87 new roles — supplied they’ve at the very least 3 years of related work expertise or a recognised qualification.
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The up to date NOL occupations will seem alongside present ANZSCO codes in Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced on-line system.
A full checklist of the 87 recognised occupations is accessible on Immigration New Zealand’s web site.
What Employers Have to Know
If you’re an accredited employer, it’s important to make sure your job descriptions and remuneration clearly align with the ability stage and tasks of the NOL or ANZSCO occupation you might be recruiting for.
Earlier than hiring a migrant employee for one of many newly recognised NOL roles, employers should:
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Promote the place and make a real effort to rent a New Zealander first.
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Maintain legitimate employer accreditation with INZ.
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Submit a brand new job verify utility for the function below the up to date NOL classification.
All customary AEWV situations for ability ranges 1 to three nonetheless apply — together with wage thresholds, most keep durations of as much as 5 years, and eligibility for household visa assist.
Want Professional Steering?
Modifications like these can have an effect on each employers and migrants in important methods. Our licensed adviser, Andrew Kerr, may also help you perceive what this replace means to your particular circumstances — whether or not you’re an employer trying to rent expert employees or a migrant exploring your visa choices.
📩 Contact Andrew: andrew@networkmigration.com
