New Zealand’s workforce is about to experience a shift. Starting 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will start to recognize 87 new occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. This update shows the country’s move to a more precise and forward-looking system — the National Occupation List (NOL).
If you’re an employer looking to hire skilled migrants or a worker planning your career path in New Zealand, you need to know this news. The new list makes sure your skills and experience get the right value under the AEWV giving you more work options and even ways to become a resident.
At Ezy Immigration, we make these immigration changes easy to understand. We help both employers and workers through each step of the visa process — so you can follow the rules, feel sure about what you’re doing, and stay one step ahead.
What Is the National Occupation List (NOL)?
The National Occupation List (NOL) serves as New Zealand’s new job classification system taking the place of the older Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework. The government rolled out the NOL in November 2024, and made updates to it on 1 July 2025. This new system paints a more accurate picture of today’s job market, skills in demand, and changing industries.
Unlike ANZSCO, officials will update the NOL every year. This ensures it stays in step with new jobs, roles shaped by technology, and shifts in various sectors. For people moving to New Zealand, this means the system will recognize their skills and work history more . Businesses can now get clearer guidance on how to hire skilled workers that match current market needs.
INZ is rolling out the shift from ANZSCO to NOL in phases. The initial phase starting November 3, 2025, will bring recognition to 87 new jobs at skill levels 1 to 3. These include many high-skill positions across various industries.
What's New on November 3, 2025?
From this date, companies can submit job checks for any of the added NOL positions. This means if your job appears on the updated list, you might find it easier to confirm your eligibility for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
For AEWV holders in skill level 1 to 3 jobs, this change has an impact on:
- Time they can stay in New Zealand (up to 5 years)
- Ability to bring family on dependent visas
- Better job advancement into skilled positions
If you now work in a skill level 4 or 5 job, you might switch to one of the 87 new NOL jobs, if you have:
- At least 3 years of related work experience, or
- A qualifying degree
Meeting these standards can pave the way to a fresh AEWV request helping you stay longer and move towards settling down under the Skilled Migrant Category or Work to Residence routes.
Why the NOL Has an Impact on Employers and Workers
The NOL’s arrival brings clarity, consistency, and chances.
For employers, this means you can hire with more confidence knowing that job roles match real-world skills. You’ll need to:
- Get approved under the AEWV program
- Post the job first to make sure no qualified New Zealander is available
- Send in a job check showing that the job’s description, pay, and skill level match the NOL classification
For workers from other countries, this change makes sure your experience gets proper recognition under a new system — it’s not limited by old job titles or strict definitions anymore.
If the NOL now includes your job, you might get better visa stability, more recognition for your work background, and maybe a quicker path to residence.
At Ezy Immigration, our certified immigration advisers keep up with every policy change to assist you in taking full advantage of these chances. If you’re seeking your first AEWV, want to extend your current visa, or are looking into residency options, we’ll simplify the process and make it clear.
How to Get Ready for the NOL Update
Change requires preparation — and timing matters.
Employers need to check that their accreditation is up-to-date and look over all job descriptions to make sure they fit with the updated NOL structure. This means checking that the listed skills, pay, and qualifications match the newly recognized roles.
Migrant workers need to check if their job title is on the list of 87 recognized occupations. If it is, you might qualify to:
- Apply for a new AEWV
- Make your visa last longer
- Help your family get visas
If you’re not sure whether your job is on the new NOL list or if you can get the AEWV, ask Ezy Immigration for expert help.
We can assist you to:
- Find your job on the National Occupation List
- Get your AEWV application right
- See how this change affects your path to residence
→ Reach out to Ezy Immigration now to receive personalized advice and ensure your move is smooth, legal, and worry-free.
Final Thoughts
The inclusion of NOL jobs under the AEWV signals a major shift in New Zealand’s immigration policy to match global work trends. This change will lead to a more precise evaluation of skills, a fairer assessment of qualifications, and improved job prospects for both local and foreign workers.
Don’t delay until the new rules take effect — begin your preparations now. Ezy Immigration can guide you through the NOL changes with confidence and ensure you’re set when the 3 November 2025 update goes into effect.
👉 Set up a meeting with Ezy Immigration today and we’ll help you navigate your work future in New Zealand with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Occupation List (NOL) is the new job classification system in New Zealand that replaces ANZSCO. It gives a more accurate picture of today’s job market and helps Immigration New Zealand evaluate visa applications more.
Immigration New Zealand plans to start recognizing 87 new NOL occupations under the AEWV program from November 3, 2025.
The NOL decides how to group jobs by skill level and qualification. It influences eligibility, how long people can stay, and whether AEWV holders can bring their families.
Yes. Starting November 3, 2025, employers can submit job checks and workers can apply for AEWVs in any of the new NOL jobs.
Employers should check if their accreditation is up-to-date, look over job descriptions, and make sure pay rates and qualifications match the new NOL groupings.
Ezy Immigration has licensed advisers who can help employers and migrants to navigate AEWV applications. They make sure roles fit the new NOL standards and follow all the rules.
