New Zealand has expanded its National Occupation List (NOL) by adding 47 new occupations that foreign workers can use when applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), with the changes taking effect on March 9, 2026. The update, announced by New Zealand Immigration, covers roles at skill levels 1 to 3, reflecting the country's ongoing shift from the older ANZSCO classification to its own NOL framework.
Skill Level 1 Additions: 14 New Roles
The NOL, which groups similar jobs by tasks and responsibilities, now includes 14 new occupations at skill level 1—the most skilled tier. These roles span technology, healthcare, management, and specialized trades. The new additions are: Chief Remote Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer, Head Chef/Executive Chef, Organic Conservation Specialist, Building Information Modeller, Accessible Format Specialist, Physician Associate, Virtual Reality (VR) Specialist, Augmented Reality (AR) Specialist, Enterprise Architect, Joinery Manager, Joinery Project Manager, Chief of Staff, and Executive Assistant (CEO/Board Level).
These roles reflect modern demands in digital innovation, sustainability, and executive support, signaling New Zealand's focus on attracting high-level expertise in emerging fields.
Skill Levels 2 and 3: 33 More Occupations Added
At skill level 2, 21 occupations were added, including Wine Laboratory Technician, CAD Draftsperson, Biomedical Technician, Environmental Engineering Technician, Reinforcing/Structural Steel Detailer, Digital Imaging Technician, Environmental Technician, Energy Assessor, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Urban Forester, Nursery Production Leading Hand, Videographer, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Aged Care Coordinator, Embalmer, Skydiving Instructor (Solo), Tandem Skydiving Master/Instructor, Administrative Professional, Accounting Practice Manager, and Legal Practice Manager.
At skill level 3, 12 occupations were added: Consumer Advisor, Launch Technician (Mechanical), Other Chef, Demi Chef de Partie, Peer Support Worker, Ski Patroller, Timber Machinist, Senior Timber Treatment Plant Operator, Advanced Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator, Ice Cream (Process Control) Machine Operator, Meat Boner/Meat Cutter, and Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS). These roles cover hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, and public safety, offering a broad range of opportunities for foreign workers.
Application Requirements and Transition from ANZSCO
New Zealand Immigration said applicants whose jobs appear on the updated NOL list must use their NOL occupation code when filing for an AEWV or a job check. Workers in occupations not yet recognised under the NOL are required to continue using the ANZSCO list for visa applications. The authority noted that the NOL lists will continue to be updated as more occupations are formally recognised during the transition from the ANZSCO system.
The scale runs from level 1 (most skilled) down to level 5, and the NOL is gradually replacing the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) as the country updates its immigration framework.
Related Updates and Post-Study Work Visa
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that New Zealand had named one country whose citizens can work in the country without applying for a work visa. Additionally, Legit.ng previously reported that New Zealand had listed 24 occupations eligible for its post-study work visa. The guidance, published on the New Zealand Immigration official website, specifies that graduates holding non-degree qualifications at New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 7 or below are only permitted to work in roles directly related to their area of study. For both school and early childhood teaching roles, eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa goes beyond the qualification itself.
