Major Immigration Shift: New Zealand Recognises 91 New Occupations Under AEWV from November 3
Wellington, New Zealand – October 23, 2025 – Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is set to implement a significant update to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme, officially recognising 91 new occupations under the new National Occupation List (NOL) classification system starting November 3, 2025.
This move marks a crucial step in New Zealand’s staged transition from the outdated ANZSCO (Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) framework to the NOL, which is designed to better reflect the realities of the modern local labour market.
What the Changes Mean
From November 3, employers will be able to submit a Job Check application for any of the 91 newly recognised roles, which span NOL Skill Levels 1 to 3.
For Migrants: AEWV holders working in these recognised Skill Level 1 to 3 roles gain significant benefits:
- Longer Stay: Eligible workers can stay in New Zealand for up to five years.
- Family Support: They may be able to support visas for their family members.
- Path to Extension: Individuals currently working in relevant lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO Skill Level 4 or 5) may be able to transition into one of these new NOL roles if they possess at least three years of directly relevant work experience or a recognised qualification.
Among the new roles being recognised are highly specific and in-demand occupations such as Electric Vehicle Mechanic or Technician, Wind Turbine Technician, Irrigation Technician, Cabinetry CAD Drawer, and a range of supervisor roles across the horticulture, farming, and processing sectors.
New System, New Requirements for Employers
The update requires employers to be diligent in their application process:
- New Job Check Required: Employers wishing to recruit for one of the new NOL occupations must submit a new Job Check application on or after November 3.
- Accuracy is Key: Job descriptions and remuneration must clearly match the responsibilities and skill level outlined in the chosen NOL code.
- Labour Market Test: All standard AEWV rules still apply, meaning employers must first genuinely attempt to find a suitable New Zealander for the role.
INZ has cautioned that if an employer submits a job check for a role they believe is Skill Level 1 to 3 but is assessed by INZ as a lower level (Skill Level 4 or 5), the application will not be approved under the NOL framework, as these lower-skilled NOL categories are not yet recognised. In such cases, the employer would need to re-apply using the relevant ANZSCO code.
The immigration system is currently running a blended approach, with the new NOL codes appearing alongside existing ANZSCO codes in the enhanced Immigration Online system. Migrants applying for other visas, such as the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, must continue to use the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code for the time being.
The full list of the 91 new NOL occupations recognised for the AEWV can be viewed on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Lions Roar News will continue to monitor the staged rollout of the National Occupation List and its impact on New Zealand’s immigration policy.
