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New Zealand Introduces National Occupation List (NOL) for Work Visa Applicants

November 12, 2025 5:36 am

New Zealand Introduces National Occupation List (NOL) for Work Visa Applicants

Starting in November 2025, New Zealand will implement a new National Occupation List (NOL) for work visa applicants. This list will replace the previous Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The goal is to streamline visa processing and better match immigration with job market demands.

Key Changes for Work Visa Applicants

What is the National Occupation List (NOL)?

The NOL categorizes jobs based on similar tasks and responsibilities.
Each category reflects a skill level ranging from 1 to 5, where Level 1 indicates the highest skill.

Implementation Timeline

Applicants must use the NOL occupation code if their job is listed when applying for:

A Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) on or before November 2, 2025.
An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) on or after November 3, 2025.
A Job Check for an AEWV on or after November 3, 2025.
Current visa types, like the Skilled Migrant Category, will still use ANZSCO codes until the transition is complete.

The NOL Structure

The NOL organizes jobs by groups that share similar responsibilities and skill levels.
To identify the correct occupation code, applicants can use the Aria tool on the Statistics New Zealand website. This tool helps verify eligibility and skill requirements.

Significance of the NOL

This update represents New Zealand’s effort to modernize its immigration system. By simplifying visa processing, the NOL aligns more closely with the nation’s skills needs. It also reflects regional trends, as Australia updates its own occupational classifications. This shift emphasizes a skills-based approach to managing labor demand effectively.

Temporary Visa Option for Transition

To ease this transition, Immigration New Zealand has introduced a temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). This visa will be available from September 8 to November 2, 2025. This short-term option applies to workers who:

Currently holds an AEWV.
Will be reaching the end of their maximum stay by November 30, 2025.
Work in one of the approximately 30 new occupations listed on the NOL.
Eligible workers can extend their stay in New Zealand for up to two more years through this pathway.

Conclusion

This transition to the NOL is a significant step toward enhancing New Zealand’s immigration framework. The goal is to ensure that visa requirements align more closely with labor market demands. As both New Zealand and Australia refresh their occupational classifications, this highlights a regional commitment to a more skills-focused immigration approach.

The NOL will continue to evolve, adapting to the ever-changing job landscape. This makes New Zealand an even more attractive option for skilled workers seeking new opportunities.