47 New Skill Level 1–3 Occupations Added to NOL for AEWV from 9 March 2026

47 New Skill Level 1–3 Occupations Added to NOL for AEWV from 9 March 2026

From 9 March 2026, Immigration New Zealand will recognise 47 additional Skill Level 1 to 3 occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL) for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications. This update coincides with the annual adjustment to the immigration median wage.

What is the National Occupation List (NOL)?

The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s new job classification framework, replacing the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

First announced in November 2024, the NOL is designed to:

• Better reflect the New Zealand labour market

• Provide clearer occupation definitions

• Be updated annually to match workforce demands

Currently, most visa assessments still use ANZSCO as the system transitions gradually to the NOL. Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that the full implementation will happen progressively to ensure a smooth transition for employers, migrants, and advisers.

What This Means for Employers

From 9 March 2026, employers can:

• Submit a Job Check for any of the 47 newly recognised NOL occupations (Skill Levels 1–3)

• Access newly reclassified chef roles, now split into clearer occupations based on skill and seniority

Important AEWV Requirements Still Apply:

Employers must:

• Advertise the role for at least 14 days

• Make genuine efforts to recruit a suitable New Zealander

• Meet all AEWV compliance obligations

This update provides more flexibility, especially in industries facing skill shortages.

Good News for Current AEWV Workers

This change may benefit some current AEWV holders who are:

• Working in related Skill Level 4 or 5 roles

• Qualified for a newly recognised Skill Level 1–3 NOL occupation

If their employer obtains an approved Job Check under a relevant Skill Level 1–3 role, the worker may:

• Apply for a new AEWV

• Potentially extend their maximum continuous stay

This is particularly relevant for certain hospitality and chef roles.

Reclassified Occupations: Now Skill Level 4

Three occupations have moved from Skill Level 3 to Skill Level 4:

• Pet groomer

• Nanny

• Kennel hand

What This Means

All new Job Check applications for these roles must now meet Skill Level 4 requirements, including:

• Meeting English language requirements

• Mandatory engagement with MSD (Ministry of Social Development)

• Shorter maximum continuous stay

• Potential impact on ability to support partners or dependent children

Who Is Not Affected?

If:

• A Job Check was submitted on or before 8 March 2026, and

• It was approved at the applicable skill level

Then:

• That Job Check remains valid

• Associated Job tokens and AEWV applications (including Job Change requests) will not be affected

However, all future Job Checks and AEWV applications for these three roles will be treated as Skill Level 4.

Key Takeaway

The addition of 47 new Skill Level 1–3 occupations under the NOL is a positive development for:

• Employers struggling to fill skilled roles

• Migrants seeking to extend their stay

• Industries such as hospitality and skilled trades

At the same time, reclassification of certain occupations to Skill Level 4 means stricter requirements and shorter stay periods for those roles moving forward.

If you are an employer or AEWV holder and want to understand how these changes affect you, it’s important to review your occupation classification and visa options carefully.