National Occupation List occupations used for an AEWV or SPWV

The National Occupation List (NOL) groups jobs together into 'occupations' that have similar tasks and responsibilities. NOL skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled. 

The NOL will replace the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). As we transition to the NOL, we will update these lists as we recognise more NOL occupations. 

Use the NOL occupation code if your job is on one of these lists and you are applying for:

• a Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) on or before 2 November — check the section 'NOL occupations that can be used for a SPWV' for information about when you can use a NOL occupation
• an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) on or after 3 November 2025, or
• a job check for an AEWV on or after 3 November 2025. 

NOL occupations that can be used for an AEWV from 3 November

How to find your NOL occupation and skill level

Use the Aria tool on the Statistics New Zealand website to find the requirements for a NOL occupation. To use a NOL occupation you must meet the requirements for the occupation. 

Some NOL occupations are not recognised for an AEWV. If your NOL occupation is not listed in table 1, 2 or 3 on this page, you cannot apply for a job check or AEWV using it. You must use the relevant ANZSCO code instead.

You can search the Aria tool using the occupation or code on this page.

Find your job's skill level

Applying for a job check

If you are applying for a job check, make sure the NOL code you use is accurate by checking the:

• tasks involved
• responsibilities of the occupation, and
• qualifications or work experience required.

We will not give you more time to advertise a role or engage with Work and Income if you apply for a job check for an NOL level 1, 2 or 3 role, but we assess it as being level 4 or 5. We do not currently recognise any NOL skill level 4 or 5 jobs — if we assess it as a lower level you need to apply again using an ANZSCO code.

NOL occupations that can be used for a SPWV

30 NOL roles can be used for Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) applications submitted between 8 September and 2 November 2025. 
You could only use these roles if you have an AEWV and are due to reach your maximum continuous stay on or before 30 November 2025.

Your maximum continuous stay is how long you can spend in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs.

For more information:

Recognising new National Occupation List (NOL) occupations in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)