From 3 November 2025, INZ will recognise 91 new occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). These roles have been announced today and will be classified at Skill Levels 1 to 3 under the National Occupation List (NOL) – New Zealand’s new job classification system, replacing ANZSCO.
What this means for employers
- You’ll need to advertise the role and genuinely attempt to hire a New Zealander first.
- If no suitable local candidate is found, you can proceed with a job check under your accreditation.
- The job description and remuneration must accurately reflect the NOL role’s responsibilities and skill level.
- AEWV holders in these roles can stay in New Zealand longer and may be able to bring family.
For existing workers
Current AEWV holders in relevant Skill Level 4 or 5 roles may be able to move into one of these newly recognised roles if they have:
- At least three years of directly relevant work experience, or
- A recognised qualification.
If eligible, they may apply for another AEWV and extend their maximum stay to five years.
At this stage, these roles apply to AEWVs only and do not provide skilled residence pathways.
The Government has also announced a 12-month pathway for further visas for AEWV holders who:
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Are reaching their maximum continuous stay,
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Need up to 12 more months to meet the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) New Zealand work experience requirement, and
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Meet the relevant wage rate.
This update provides valuable time for workers on the residency pathway to complete their eligibility requirements without disruption to employment or needing to leave the country.
More details are expected from INZ in 2026 and we will outline this opportunity at our webinar next week.
Learn more in our upcoming webinar
Join us on Thursday, 30 October at 11AM as we break down these changes and what they mean for your business. You’ll gain expert insight, practical guidance, and a chance to ask questions directly.
