If you’ve been dreaming of working in the land of stunning mountains, vibrant cities, and friendly Kiwis — it’s time to pay attention. A major shift in how your job is classified for New Zealand work visas is underway in 2025. This could either unlock your opportunity to move or create confusion if you don’t stay updated.
Let’s break it down — clearly, practically, and in plain English.
🌍 Why This Change Matters to You?
Until recently, New Zealand used the ANZSCO system, a shared classification with Australia, to assess job types and skill levels. But now, New Zealand is going solo with its own National Occupation List (NOL) — a move designed to better reflect the country’s unique job market needs.
This isn’t just a policy shuffle. It could directly affect:
- Your visa eligibility
- Your job’s skill level (which impacts visa duration and NZ Visa English requirements)
- Whether you can apply for permanent residency down the line.
🔄 What’s Actually Changing?
| Old System | New System |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO (Australia-New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) | NOL (National Occupation List) – uniquely designed for NZ jobs |
| Shared occupation classifications with Australia | Focused on NZ’s labour market, more frequently updated |
| Skill levels 1–5 | New classification may shift how jobs are evaluated (especially lower-level roles) |
🚨 May 2025 Status Update: Where Things Stand Now
Even though the NOL is officially launched, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is still using ANZSCO codes for visa processing. But — and this is important — INZ has started to treat some ANZSCO jobs as if they’ve been reclassified under the NOL.
🔍 Affected Occupations Already Upgraded to Skill Level 3
(under AEWV – Accredited Employer Work Visa) Jobs like:
- 👨🍳 Cook
- 🧸 Nanny
- 🐶 Pet Groomer
- 🧗♂️ Fitness Instructor
- 🧰 Scaffolder
- 🐄 Slaughterer
are now treated as Skill Level 3 — meaning:
✅ 3-year AEWV instead of shorter duration
✅ No mandatory English language test (in some cases)
✅ Potential residency pathway in future
✅ Lower experience requirement: just 2 years for many roles
Other roles like Aged/Disabled Carers and Mobile Plant Operators may also qualify if certain criteria are met.
🛠️ Action Plan for International Applicants in 2025
Here’s a step-by-step plan to make sure you’re ahead of the curve:
1. Identify Your Job Under BOTH Systems
- Use the ANZSCO search tool on INZ’s website.
- Compare it with the National Occupation List (NOL) on Stats NZ to see if your job has shifted.
2. Check for Skill Level Upgrades
Go to the INZ webpage titled “ANZSCO occupations recognised at a higher skill level”.
See if your job is now treated more favorably for visa purposes.
3. Read Your Visa’s Fine Print
Don’t assume. Visit your specific visa page:
Check whether ANZSCO or NOL applies today.
4. Follow INZ Announcements Religiously
Bookmark the INZ News & Notifications page for updates on when the NOL will officially replace ANZSCO in visa decisions — expected in late 2025.
5. Seek Expert Help If You’re Unsure
If your job seems borderline, or your qualifications don’t perfectly match — consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand.
🔮 Looking Ahead: The Big Picture
This move to the NOL is part of a broader strategy by New Zealand to:
- Simplify the visa process
- Better match migrant workers to local labour needs
- Ensure fair and sustainable immigration policies
Bottom Line: If you’re in a skilled trade, hospitality, care sector, or a job previously labelled “low-skilled,” 2025 could finally be your year to move to NZ — but only if you stay informed and apply smartly.
🌐 Resources & References
- INZ: ANZSCO to be replaced by NOL – Official Notice
- Check ANZSCO Skill Levels
- National Occupation List (Stats NZ)
✈️ Ready to work in New Zealand in 2025?
Your job might finally be recognized the way it deserves to be.
Start your journey today — before the window shifts again!
