Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced significant updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme, aligning it with the National Occupation List (NOL). These changes, effective from 3 November 2025, impact both employers and migrant workers seeking skilled opportunities in New Zealand.
The Shift from ANZSCO to NOL
The National Occupation List (NOL) became New Zealand’s official job classification system in November 2024, replacing the outdated ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).
A further NOL update in July 2025 introduced new skill level 1–3 occupations, enabling more workers to qualify for AEWV pathways.
While ANZSCO remains in partial use for AEWV visa rules, INZ is actively transitioning to a full NOL-based framework, streamlining how skilled roles are recognised.
Impact on AEWV Applicants
Under the updated framework:
- Around 90 new higher-skilled roles (NOL skill levels 1–3) are now recognised.
- Workers in previously lower-tier roles (skill levels 4–5) may extend their maximum continuous stay (MCS) by moving into newly recognised skill level 1–3 roles.
- From 3 November 2025, all AEWV applications for these roles must go through the standard AEWV process with accredited employers.
This transition ensures that New Zealand continues to attract talent in industries experiencing labour shortages.
Temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) Pathway
To bridge the transition, INZ has created a temporary SPWV pathway available from 8 September to 2 November 2025. This is designed for a small group of AEWV holders whose MCS ends on or before 30 November 2025 and who are moving into one of the newly recognised NOL roles.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must hold a current AEWV.
- Must be in, or appointed to, one of the 30 new NOL roles.
- Must have at least 3 years of directly relevant work experience or a recognised qualification.
Employers sponsoring SPWV applicants do not need to advertise the role, making this a streamlined solution for affected workers.
Important: This is not a general extension to AEWV. It is strictly limited to eligible workers in designated NOL roles.
For the full list of eligible NOL occupations under the SPWV pathway, please visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.
What Employers Need to Know
- Employers hiring for the new NOL roles must undergo the full AEWV accreditation and job check process from 3 November 2025.
- Roles covered under the temporary SPWV pathway do not require advertising, easing recruitment pressure for affected businesses.
- Strategic workforce planning is essential, as integrating NOL will redefine skill recognition for migrant workers.
Key Takeaways
- NOL replaces ANZSCO: Streamlining New Zealand’s occupation classification.
- 90 new higher-skilled roles now recognised for AEWV eligibility.
- Temporary SPWV pathway available from 8 September–2 November 2025 for eligible workers.
- Employers must prepare for the full transition to NOL by November 2025.
Wrapping up
The adoption of the National Occupation List (NOL) marks a pivotal step in modernising New Zealand’s immigration framework. By recognising new higher-skilled occupations within the AEWV programme, INZ ensures that both employers and skilled workers benefit from greater clarity, flexibility, and opportunities.
This transition offers businesses a wider pool of skilled talent, while giving workers on the AEWV pathway the chance to extend their stay and contribute to New Zealand’s growing industries.
How Immigration Chambers Can Help
At Immigration Chambers, we provide tailored guidance to both employers and migrant workers navigating the transition to the National Occupation List. Our team assists with:
- Assessing eligibility for AEWV under new NOL roles.
- Supporting applications for the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) during the temporary transition period.
- Helping employers complete the AEWV accreditation and job check process.
- Advising workers on strategies to extend their maximum continuous stay.
- Offering end-to-end representation to ensure smooth, timely, and successful visa outcomes.
With expert team of experienced immigration lawyer in Auckland and dedicated support, Immigration Chambers simplifies complex immigration changes, giving you confidence throughout the process.