New Zealand has officially adopted the National Occupation List (NOL) as the standard for assessing occupation-based visa applications, effective from November 3, 2025. This significant transition from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) aims to enhance the alignment between labor market needs and immigration policies. The NOL is designed to standardize skill assessments and streamline the processing of visa applications, providing a clearer framework for both employers and visa applicants.
Under the new system, all Job Check and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) submissions made after November 3 must utilize NOL codes. Furthermore, applications submitted under the temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) from September to November 2025 will also adhere to NOL standards. Employers will need to enter NOL occupation codes when submitting job descriptions, and applicants must ensure their qualifications correspond to the skills outlined in the NOL classification.
The NOL categorizes occupations into five levels, with level one denoting the highest skill requirement. Each occupation includes clearly defined tasks, responsibilities, and qualification criteria, making it easier for employers and applicants to determine the necessary qualifications for various roles. To facilitate this transition, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has encouraged the use of the Aria tool on the Statistics New Zealand website for identifying the appropriate NOL codes and verifying eligibility.
To assist individuals nearing the end of their maximum stay, INZ has introduced a short-term SPWV pathway from September 8 to November 2, 2025, specifically for around 30 new NOL occupations. This provision allows eligible holders of the AEWV to extend their stay in New Zealand by up to two years.
Officials have emphasized that the introduction of the NOL is a pivotal upgrade to New Zealand’s immigration framework. The new classification system is expected to simplify processing and improve compatibility of visa policies with current labor market demands. Employers are advised to ensure their job descriptions and requirements are compliant with the NOL framework to prevent any processing delays. INZ plans to continue refining the list and will keep employers informed as additional occupations are incorporated into the NOL.
This modernization marks a progressive step in New Zealand’s approach to immigration, focusing on enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of skill assessments in alignment with labor market requirements.