Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced significant revisions to how job roles are assessed under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. This change follows the inclusion of new occupations in the National Occupation List (NOL) as part of the July 2025 update.
Key Updates
The National Occupation List (NOL)—which officially replaced the ANZSCO system in November 2024—now serves as New Zealand’s primary job classification framework. Although INZ continues to reference ANZSCO for certain visa processes, the agency is gradually transitioning to the NOL structure.
Beginning 3 November 2025, applicants under the AEWV program in approximately 90 newly recognized higher-skilled roles (levels 1–3) will be able to apply using their NOL classifications.
Employers hiring for these positions will be required to complete the full AEWV application process once the update takes effect. INZ noted that more details will be released in the coming days.
Temporary Work Visa Pathway Before Transition
For employees reaching their Maximum Continuous Stay (MCS) before 30 November 2025, INZ has introduced a Temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) to help them maintain employment continuity.
This temporary visa—available from 8 September to 2 November 2025—applies to eligible workers who meet the following conditions:
- They are employed in, or transitioning to, one of the 30 new NOL-recognized roles.
- They possess at least three years of relevant experience or a recognized qualification.
- They currently hold a valid AEWV expiring on or before 30 November 2025.
Importantly, employers will not be required to advertise these positions when recruiting under the SPWV pathway. However, INZ clarified that this is not a general visa extension nor a substitute for the AEWV—it is specifically designed for a limited group of affected workers.
Eligible Occupations for Temporary SPWV Pathway
The following NOL skill level 1 and 3 roles qualify for the interim SPWV pathway:
Skill Level 1 Occupations
| NOL Occupation | NOL Code |
|---|---|
| Horticulture Post-Harvest Leading Hand | 832117 |
| Indoor Crop Production Leading Hand | 841228 |
| Outdoor Crop Leading Hand | 841231 |
Skill Level 3 Occupations
| NOL Occupation | NOL Code |
|---|---|
| Concierge | 431413 |
| CNC Operator – Solid Timber Joinery | 712312 |
| Concreter (Commercial) | 331113 |
| Electronic Security System and Alarm Technician | 399922 |
| Fibre Composite Technician | 399921 |
| Forestry Supervisor | 841314 |
| Hazardous Materials Removalist | 711915 |
| Horticulture Post-Harvest Supervisor | 832116 |
| Indoor Crop Production Supervisor | 841223 |
| Irrigation Manager | 841918 |
| Other Livestock Farm Supervisor | 841531 |
| Outdoor Crop Production Supervisor | 841221 |
| Poultry Farm Supervisor | 841532 |
| Power Wash Technician | 811212 |
| Production Supervisor, Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing | 711115 |
| Production Supervisor, Food and Drink Processing | 831122 |
| Production Supervisor – Meat Processing | 831314 |
| Production Supervisor, Paper, Pulp and Wood Processing | 711315 |
| Production Supervisor, Plastics and Rubber Production | 711517 |
| Production Supervisor, Seafood Processing | 831316 |
| Solar Installer | 821413 |
| Senior Piggery Stockperson | 841533 |
| Senior Fleet Tyre Technician | 323221 |
| Senior Tyre Technician | 899416 |
| Sheep Farm Supervisor | 841527 |
| Silviculture Operator | 841317 |
| Waterproofer | 333312 |
Impact on Workers and Employers
These adjustments represent New Zealand’s continued shift toward a more modern and flexible job classification system. For migrant workers, this expansion opens doors to new AEWV opportunities, particularly for those in supervisory and skilled trade roles that were once categorized at lower skill levels.
Conclusion
For employers, it underscores the importance of keeping up with INZ’s evolving frameworks, as the gradual transition from ANZSCO to NOL will have significant implications for recruitment processes, visa eligibility, and compliance over the coming months.
