New Zealand Updates AEWV Job List for 2025: New Eligible Roles and Major Visa Changes

New Zealand’s immigration system is evolving to meet the needs of its workforce better. Recently, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced significant updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system. These changes introduce new roles under the National Occupation List (NOL) and create a temporary visa pathway for certain workers.

What’s Changing

The National Occupation List (NOL) officially replaced the ANZSCO system in November 2024, establishing New Zealand’s new job classification framework. While INZ still uses ANZSCO for some visa settings, it is transitioning to the NOL. Starting November 3, 2025, applicants for the AEWV in around 90 newly recognized higher-skilled roles (levels 1–3) can apply based on their NOL classification.

Employers must complete the full AEWV application process for these roles once the changes are implemented. INZ will provide further details shortly.

Temporary Work Visa Pathway Before the Change

In response to the upcoming changes, INZ has introduced a Temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) pathway. This pathway is available from September 8 to November 2, 2025. It offers a short-term option for workers reaching their Maximum Continuous Stay (MCS) before November 30, 2025. Eligible workers must meet the following criteria:

• Currently work in or transition to one of the 30 new NOL roles.
• Possess at least three years of relevant experience or a recognized qualification.
• Hold a valid AEWV that expires on or before November 30, 2025.

Employers hiring through the SPWV pathway will not need to advertise these roles. However, this option is not a visa extension or a substitute for AEWV; it applies only to a limited group of workers.

Eligible Occupations for Temporary SPWV Pathway

Here’s a detailed list of eligible occupations under the new NOL for skill levels 1 and 3. This guide will help you determine if your job aligns with your background, whether applying directly or through the temporary pathway.

Skill Level 1 Occupations

Skill Level 3 Occupations

What This Means for Workers and Employers

These updates reflect New Zealand’s ongoing move toward a more modern job classification system. For foreign workers, this shift could unlock new AEWV opportunities, especially for those in skilled trades and supervisory positions that previously fell under lower skill levels.

Final Thoughts

Employers should stay informed about INZ’s evolving framework. The shift from ANZSCO to NOL will significantly affect recruitment, visa eligibility, and compliance in the near future. Prepare now to take advantage of these changes and ensure smooth operations in your hiring processes.