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New Zealand Expands AEWV Skills List with 47 New Occupations Starting March 2026

February 26, 2026 5:13 am

New Zealand Expands AEWV Skills List with 47 New Occupations Starting March 2026

New Zealand will expand its Accredited Employer Work Visa occupations, creating new opportunities and updated requirements. Employers and migrants should prepare for these policy shifts and adjust recruitment plans accordingly.

New Zealand will add forty-seven occupations to the AEWV National Occupation List starting March 9, 2026. The National Occupation List replaces the ANZSCO system to better reflect local labour market needs. Immigration New Zealand first announced the NOL in November 2024 and continues a phased implementation.

From March 9, employers may submit Job Checks for the newly recognised roles at skill levels one to three. Skill level classifications now affect visa conditions, partner sponsorship eligibility, maximum stay length, and residence pathways. Several chef roles were redefined and separated into clearer categories by experience and seniority.

Some current AEWV workers might upgrade their status if their jobs closely match the new higher skill categories. Those workers must still secure an approved Job Check and satisfy qualification requirements to change visa categories.

Complete List of Additional Occupations

Head Chef
Sous Chef
Pastry Chef
Chef de Partie
Commis Chef
Restaurant Manager
Café Manager
Hotel Service Manager
Accommodation Manager
Event Manager
Conference Organiser
Construction Project Manager
Civil Engineering Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Electrical Engineering Technician
ICT Support Engineer
Software Tester
Web Developer
Multimedia Specialist
Network Administrator
Database Administrator
Systems Analyst
Marketing Specialist
Digital Marketing Specialist
Sales Representative
Procurement Manager
Supply and Distribution Manager
Logistics Coordinator
Health Services Manager
Aged Care Manager
Registered Nurse
Enrolled Nurse
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Early Childhood Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
Primary School Teacher
Automotive Electrician
Diesel Motor Mechanic
Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
Plumber
Carpenter
Electrician
Fitter and Turner
CNC Machinist
Agricultural Technician
Horticulture Supervisor

What employers must still do

Advertise the role for at least fourteen days before hiring a migrant worker.
Make genuine efforts to recruit a qualified New Zealander for the vacancy.
Demonstrate that no suitable local candidate exists before offering employment.
Three roles moved down to skill level four, altering new application requirements:
- Pet Groomer
- Nanny
- Kennel Hand
New Job Checks for those roles must now meet skill level four criteria, including English language requirements and MSD engagement.

Wage and partner support updates effective March 9, 2026

Immigration median wage increases to NZD 35.00 per hour.
Partner support for skill levels one to three rises to NZD 28.00 per hour.
Partner support for skill levels four and five rises to NZD 52.50 per hour.
Green List partner support increases to NZD 35.00 per hour.

Conclusion

These NOL changes open clearer AEWV pathways for many occupations while tightening some lower-skilled provisions. Review your occupation under the NOL, confirm new wage thresholds, and consult your employer promptly to protect visa prospects.