INZ will begin recognizing 87 new occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 under the NOL (National Occupation List) framework in immigration instructions for AEWV applications starting from November 3, 2025. But why are there two lists, and which one should job seekers follow? Let’s learn about the NOL Occupational Classification List and its differences from ANZSCO through the article below.
1) Brief Overview
ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) — a long-established joint occupational classification framework for both Australia and New Zealand, mainly used for labor statistics, workforce management, and policy.
NOL (National Occupation List) — a new, New Zealand-specific occupation classification system designed to reflect the current labor market in NZ. It is updated regularly and is gradually replacing ANZSCO in visa applications (rolled out from late 2024 and updated in 2025).
2) Purpose and Scope
ANZSCO
- Purpose: Statistical and classification framework used jointly by Australia and New Zealand for policy design and visa occupation lists (e.g., Skilled Occupation Lists).
- Scope: Comprehensive, covering most occupations across both economies.
NOL
- Purpose: Designed exclusively for New Zealand, focusing on domestic labor market demand, more flexible for policy adjustments, and used to assess AEWV and related visa applications.
- Scope: Concentrates on occupations relevant to the NZ labor market, categorized by skill levels (1–5).
3) Classification Structure & Skill Levels
Both ANZSCO and NOL classify occupations by skill levels (1 = highest, 5 = lowest). However, NOL is structured to:
- Better reflect actual jobs in shortage across NZ;
- Group occupations in a way that aligns with domestic hiring needs;
- Be updated annually, unlike ANZSCO, which changes infrequently and serves cross-country statistics.
4) Why New Zealand Is Moving to NOL
While ANZSCO remains a robust standard, it can lag behind rapid changes in technology, industry, and local labor demand. NOL was introduced to:
- More accurately represent New Zealand’s current labor market;
- Help INZ create visa occupation lists that better align with AEWV and other visa categories;
- Enable more frequent and flexible updates than ANZSCO.
5) Transition Timeline & Key Dates
NOL officially became the national standard in NZ in November 2024, with subsequent updates (e.g., July 1, 2025).
INZ is progressively migrating visa-related frameworks from ANZSCO to NOL. From November 3, 2025, INZ will recognize dozens of new NOL occupations for AEWV.
In some legacy cases, ANZSCO may still appear in older systems until the transition is fully completed.
6) Practical Impacts on Employment & AEWV
For foreign workers/applicants:
- NOL’s broader or revised skill-level definitions may open up more opportunities. Some jobs classified as skill levels 4–5 under ANZSCO could be upgraded under NOL, making AEWV access easier.
- Applicants should identify their occupation codes under NOL to confirm eligibility.
For NZ employers:
- Employers must now use NOL to determine occupation codes during job check/AEWV processes.
- Job descriptions should be updated to match NOL classifications to avoid application rejections.
7) Practical Checklist for Applicants
- Always check both frameworks — although INZ is transitioning to NOL for AEWV, ANZSCO may still appear in legacy systems. Confirm the latest updates directly from the INZ website before applying.
- Identify your occupation code under NOL (if already included).
- Align your job description and application documents with NOL standards — employers must use the correct codes.
- Upgrade your skills or experience where necessary — many roles require formal qualifications or 3+ years of related work experience.
NOL marks a major step for New Zealand towards a more accurate and flexible occupation framework, replacing ANZSCO across visa applications.
For both workers and employers, staying updated with NOL classifications and aligning job applications accordingly is key to leveraging future opportunities in New Zealand’s labor market.
Official updates on the new recognized occupation list will be released on November 3, 2025.
New Zealand job search service for Vietnamese people is the bridge to help you quickly access reputable and suitable career opportunities.
With a team of experts who understand the New Zealand labor market, we support from career consulting and document preparation to interview guidance.
All processes are transparent, saving time and costs for workers. This is not only a job solution but also opens up sustainable settlement opportunities for the future.
>>>>> Contact Koroo now for free consultation and start your career journey in New Zealand today! <<<<<
