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Immigration New Zealand Switches to New National Occupation List (NOL)

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) confirms a significant change for both work visa applicants and employers. The new National Occupation List (NOL) officially replaces the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This will happen effective November 2025. NOL becomes the primary reference system for job-related visa applications.

This major update aims to simplify visa processing. It improves the accuracy of skill assessment. Furthermore, it aligns New Zealand’s immigration rules with the current needs of the job market.

Understanding the National Occupation List (NOL)

The New Zealand National Occupation List organizes jobs that share similar tasks and responsibilities into specific occupational categories. Importantly, a skill level ranging from 1 to 5 is assigned to each occupation. Level 1 indicates the highest skill proficiency. Level 5 represents the lowest.

When the Change Takes Effect

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

• 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.

However, until the full transition is complete, certain other visa categories, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, may continue to use ANZSCO codes temporarily.

How to Use the NOL

The NOL groups jobs based on shared tasks and responsibilities. It then assigns a skill level (1 to 5) to each position.

To find the correct occupation code, INZ recommends using the Aria tool. This tool is available on the Statistics New Zealand website. It helps both companies and visa applicants confirm job eligibility, required skill level, and qualification requirements.

Why the NOL is Important

Ultimately, this change forms a key part of New Zealand’s drive to modernize its immigration system. Therefore, the NOL aims for faster, simpler, and more consistent visa processing. This meets the country’s strategic skill needs.

Moreover, this shift aligns New Zealand’s immigration framework with recent regulatory reforms in Australia. This indicates a clear regional trend toward a modern, skills-based approach to managing labour demand.

Temporary Visa Option for 2025

Meanwhile, INZ introduces a temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) to ease the transition. This visa is valid from September 8 to November 2, 2025. This short-term option is designed specifically for workers who meet three conditions:

1. They currently hold an AEWV.
2. They reach the end of their maximum stay by November 30, 2025.
3. They work in one of the approximately 30 new occupations now listed on the NOL.

Consequently, eligible workers can extend their stay in New Zealand for up to two additional years through this temporary pathway.

Concluding Thoughts on Immigration Modernization

In conclusion, this strategic adoption of the NOL is integral to New Zealand’s broader objective of enhancing its entire immigration system. The goal is to better harmonize visa requirements with the country’s actual labour market demands. Furthermore, since Australia is also simultaneously updating its occupational classification, this dual action highlights a clear regional trend toward a more effective, skills-based approach to managing immigration across Australasia.