INZ Recognizes New NOL Occupations for AEWV Pathways from November 2025

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is introducing updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program following the July 2025 update to the National Occupation List (NOL). These changes ensure that workers in newly recognized higher-skilled roles can continue to access AEWV pathways while INZ transitions its systems from ANZSCO to NOL.

From ANZSCO to NOL

The National Occupation List (NOL) became New Zealand’s official job classification system in November 2024, replacing the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). A further update was made on 1 July 2025.

While ANZSCO is still being used to set visa rules, INZ is progressively moving towards fully integrating the NOL framework into its systems.

What Is Changing?

From 3 November 2025, INZ will update its systems to allow AEWV applicants in around 90 new higher-skilled roles (NOL skill levels 1–3) to apply based on their NOL skill level.

Employers will still need to undertake the full AEWV process for these roles. More details will be released in early October 2025.

Temporary Pathway: Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV)

To bridge the gap until the November rollout, INZ has introduced a temporary Specific

Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) pathway.

• Available from 8 September to 2 November 2025

• Applies only to a small group of current AEWV visa holders whose maximum continuous stay ends on or before 30 November 2025

• Candidates must be appointed to one of the 30 new NOL roles and have:

  • At least 3 years of directly relevant work experience, or

  • A recognized qualification in the role

• Applicants must already hold an AEWV that is reaching its maximum continuous stay

• No advertising requirement for accredited employers sponsoring SPWV applicants

Important: This is a limited pathway, not a general extension or alternative to the AEWV program.

Eligible NOL Roles for the Interim Pathway

The SPWV applies to 30 newly recognized roles, including:

Skill Level 1

• Horticulture Post-Harvest Leading Hand (832117)

• Indoor Crop Production Leading Hand (841228)

• Outdoor Crop Leading Hand (841231)

Skill Level 3

• Concierge (431413)

• CNC Operator – Solid Timber Joinery (712312)

• Electronic Security System and Alarm Technician (399922)

• Forestry Supervisor (841314)

• Poultry Farm Supervisor (841532)

• Senior Tyre Technician (899416)

• Waterproofer (333312)…and many more across agriculture, trades, food processing, and construction.

What This Means for Employers and Workers

• From November 2025, more roles will be formally recognized under AEWV pathways through NOL, giving employers access to skilled migrants in newly classified occupations.

• The SPWV interim option provides relief for affected visa holders and accredited employers during the transition period.

• Employers should stay up to date and prepare to lodge applications under the new framework once it goes live.

Key Takeaway

The recognition of new NOL occupations marks an important step in aligning visa policy with New Zealand’s updated job classification system. For both employers and migrant workers, these changes provide greater clarity, more opportunities, and a smoother transition from ANZSCO to NOL.