New Zealand to expand Skilled Occupation List from 3rd Nov 2025. Check if you qualify!

Highlights: New Zealand Strengthens Skilled Migration with Expanded Occupation List

• From November 3, 2025, New Zealand will recognize 91 new skilled occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), opening doors for more global professionals.
• The update marks a major shift from ANZSCO to the new National Occupation List (NOL), aligning visa categories with current labour market needs.
• Employers can submit job checks for newly added skill level 1–3 roles, simplifying the hiring process for accredited organizations.
• Migrant workers can now stay for up to 5 years, with options to bring their families under the revised visa terms.
• The NOL will be updated annually, ensuring it keeps pace with New Zealand’s evolving workforce demands and economic priorities.

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91 New Occupations Recognised under New Zealand’s Updated Work Visa Rules

New Zealand is all set to modernise its work visa system by expanding its list of recognised skilled occupations. Starting November 3, 2025, the country will move from the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the more flexible and updated National Occupation List (NOL) — a change that brings 91 new skilled roles under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme.

The goal behind this transition is clear — to make it easier for employers to fill in-demand roles and help skilled professionals find long-term opportunities that reflect New Zealand’s evolving job market.

The National Occupation List (NOL), introduced in November 2024 and last updated in July 2025, will now serve as the country’s official job classification framework. It will be reviewed every year, ensuring that the system stays in sync with current labour trends and economic demands.

Under the new framework:

• Employers can now submit job checks for the newly recognised skill level 1 to 3 occupations, which include positions across industries like healthcare, construction, IT, and engineering.
• Workers in these roles can now enjoy longer visa durations, up to five years, and can bring their families along.
• Existing employees in skill level 4 or 5 roles can also shift into one of the new occupations if they have three years of relevant experience or a recognised qualification.

The new occupations will appear alongside existing ANZSCO codes in the Immigration Online system, making it easier for both employers and workers to apply under the revised categories.

According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), this update marks an important step in streamlining the country’s immigration system. It ensures that the visa process better reflects the real needs of employers and keeps New Zealand competitive in attracting global talent.

This shift to the NOL not only simplifies how jobs are classified but also creates a more transparent and future-ready immigration pathway — one that benefits both New Zealand employers and skilled professionals from India and around the world.

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What These Changes Mean for Indian Professionals

For skilled professionals in India aspiring to work overseas, New Zealand’s latest policy update brings exciting new possibilities. With 91 new occupations now recognized under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Indian workers across diverse sectors can look forward to stronger job prospects, longer stays, and easier family inclusion.

New Zealand’s expanding demand for talent in IT, healthcare, engineering, construction, and education makes it one of the most promising destinations for Indian professionals seeking both career growth and quality of life.

Here’s how this update opens new doors for Indian applicants:

• More job options across high-demand sectors: The addition of 91 new skilled roles under the National Occupation List (NOL) means that Indian professionals — including engineers, technicians, software developers, and healthcare workers — now have more opportunities to qualify for work visas.
• Longer stay and family benefits: Eligible workers can now stay in New Zealand for up to five years, giving them time to build stable careers. The revised rules also allow family members to join, making migration more appealing for those seeking long-term settlement.
• Pathway to permanent residency: Skilled work experience gained under the AEWV can help candidates become eligible for residency pathways, especially in roles listed as long-term skill shortages.
• Simplified process for qualified professionals: With the introduction of the NOL, job descriptions and skill levels are now more aligned with real-world industry standards, making it easier for applicants to qualify and for employers to process applications.
• Favourable prospects for Indian migrants: New Zealand continues to experience skill shortages in over 150,000 positions, especially in STEM and healthcare fields. Indian professionals with internationally recognised degrees and English proficiency are well-positioned to take advantage of these openings.

According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), these changes are part of a broader effort to ensure that the country’s visa framework remains transparent, fair, and responsive to the evolving global job market.

For Indian migrants, this means an easier route to secure high-paying jobs, gain international experience, and eventually apply for permanent residency — all while enjoying the safe, family-friendly, and culturally diverse environment that New Zealand offers.

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New Zealand to Launch Business Investor Work Visa on November 24. Apply Now!
 

New Zealand Strengthens Its Position as a Top Destination for Skilled Talent

New Zealand’s decision to recognise 91 new skilled occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) isn’t just a policy shift, it’s a sign of how the country is adapting to a rapidly changing global workforce.

By moving from the Australia–New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the National Occupation List (NOL), the government aims to make its immigration system more relevant, transparent, and responsive to real-world labour demands.

This update gives both employers and migrants greater flexibility and confidence in the hiring process.

• For skilled professionals, particularly from India, it means:
• More job opportunities in sectors facing ongoing shortages
• Simpler and faster visa processing under the updated NOL framework
• Longer stays and family inclusion, creating stability for migrant
• Stronger alignment between qualifications and recognised occupations

With the NOL being reviewed annually, New Zealand ensures its work-visa system keeps pace with global trends, an approach that helps the country remain a top destination for skilled talent seeking long-term career growth and a better lifestyle.
 

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FAQs

1. What are the new changes to New Zealand’s Skilled Occupation List in 2025?

Starting November 3, 2025, New Zealand will recognise 91 new skilled occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme. This change marks a transition to the National Occupation List (NOL), replacing the older ANZSCO classification. The update is designed to align job categories with current labour market trends and simplify the hiring process for accredited employers. It allows employers to submit job checks for newly recognised skill level 1–3 roles and provides more opportunities for skilled professionals seeking long-term work and settlement in New Zealand.

 

2. How many new occupations has New Zealand added under the AEWV programme?

Under the latest immigration update, 91 new skilled occupations have been added to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme. These roles span a wide range of industries, including healthcare, IT, construction, and engineering. Employers can begin submitting job checks for these new positions starting November 3, 2025. The expansion aims to fill skill shortages and strengthen New Zealand’s workforce. This development also benefits skilled workers from countries like India who can now apply for a wider range of jobs aligned with their qualifications and experience.

 

3. When will New Zealand’s updated Skilled Occupation List take effect?

The expanded Skilled Occupation List will take effect on November 3, 2025. From this date, accredited employers will be able to submit job checks for the 91 newly recognised skilled roles under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme. The update follows New Zealand’s move to the National Occupation List (NOL), which modernises job classification to better reflect the country’s labour market. Employers and migrant workers are encouraged to prepare in advance for the transition to ensure a smooth application process under the new visa framework.

 

4. What is the National Occupation List (NOL) in New Zealand?

The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s updated job classification framework that replaces the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Introduced in November 2024, it serves as the official system for assessing job eligibility under work visas such as the AEWV. The NOL categorises occupations by skill level, ensuring greater accuracy in matching jobs to current labour market needs. It is reviewed annually to stay aligned with New Zealand’s changing workforce demands and to make the immigration process faster and more transparent for both employers and applicants.

 

5. Which system does the NOL replace in New Zealand’s immigration framework?

The National Occupation List (NOL) replaces the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) system previously used for visa and job classification. While ANZSCO provided a shared framework, it was less flexible and slower to adapt to New Zealand’s evolving labour market. The introduction of the NOL gives the government more control to update job categories regularly, helping employers and migrant workers respond faster to skill shortages. This new system will now serve as the basis for job checks and visa eligibility under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

 

6. Who can apply for work visas under the new Skilled Occupation List?

Skilled professionals whose roles are listed in the 91 newly recognised occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can apply starting November 3, 2025. Eligible applicants must have a job offer from an accredited employer, meet the minimum wage threshold, and possess the necessary skills or qualifications for the role. Workers currently in skill level 4 or 5 jobs may also apply if they have at least three years of related experience or hold a recognised qualification relevant to one of the new NOL-listed occupations.

 

7. How long can migrant workers stay in New Zealand under the AEWV?

Migrant workers employed in eligible occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can stay in New Zealand for up to five years, provided they meet all visa and wage requirements. The visa also allows for family inclusion, enabling dependents to join the worker in New Zealand. This policy encourages long-term settlement and career development for skilled professionals. The extended stay duration aims to provide stability, reduce turnover, and help workers gain valuable experience that may later contribute to residency eligibility under New Zealand’s skilled migration pathways.

 

8. Can family members accompany workers under New Zealand’s new work visa rules?

Yes, eligible migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can bring their family members to New Zealand. Dependents may be included in the application if the worker meets the required wage and visa conditions. The policy allows families to stay together while the main applicant works in a skilled occupation. This inclusion supports New Zealand’s goal of attracting and retaining global talent by offering a more holistic and family-friendly migration experience. It also benefits workers seeking stability and a better work-life balance in the country.

 

9. How does the new occupation list benefit Indian professionals?

For Indian professionals, the expansion of New Zealand’s Skilled Occupation List means broader access to high-demand sectors such as IT, healthcare, construction, and engineering. With 91 new roles recognised under the AEWV, more Indian workers can qualify for longer-term employment and family inclusion. The revised National Occupation List (NOL) provides clearer criteria for eligibility, reducing confusion during the application process. Given the strong demand for skilled labour and competitive pay in New Zealand, Indian professionals now have enhanced opportunities to work, settle, and grow in a stable and prosperous economy.

 

10.Will the National Occupation List (NOL) be updated regularly?

Yes, the National Occupation List (NOL) will be reviewed annually to ensure that it reflects New Zealand’s current labour market needs. Regular updates help the government keep the immigration system relevant and responsive to changing skill shortages. This process ensures that both employers and workers can rely on accurate job data when applying for visas. The annual review also enables new occupations to be added as industries evolve, keeping New Zealand’s work visa framework dynamic, transparent, and aligned with its long-term economic and workforce strategies.