New NOL Roles Recognised Under Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

As leading immigration specialists, we ensure employers and skilled migrants understand the National Occupation List (NOL) changes impacting Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) eligibility from 3 November 2025. This comprehensive guide details 87 newly recognised skilled occupations, updated visa pathways, employer requirements, and benefits for workers and their families.

What is the National Occupation List (NOL)?

Launched in November 2024 and updated again on 1 July 2025, the NOL replaces the outdated ANZSCO system by aligning job classification with New Zealand’s modern labour market needs.It is updated annually to reflect real-time skills demand.

Major Update: 87 Newly Recognised NOL Roles for AEWV

From 3 November 2025, employers can submit job checks for 87 new Skill Level 1–3 occupations, unlocking expanded hiring options in:

• Construction & infrastructure

• Healthcare & aged care

• Engineering & technical roles

• ICT & digital services

• Transport & logistics

• Primary industries & trade roles

• Hospitality & tourism

• Business and administrative services

These roles will display alongside existing ANZSCO occupation codes in the upgraded Immigration Online system.

Migrants currently in Skill Levels 4 or 5 may upgrade their pathway by securing one of these newly recognised roles, if qualified.

Check whether your occupation is included - full list here.

Benefits for Skilled Migrant Workers

Professionals in the newly recognised occupations gain:

• Up to 5-year AEWV validity

• Higher pathways for residence eligibility

• Ability to support partner/children visas

• Potential transition from lower-skilled ANZSCO roles

Eligibility to Transition from Skill Level 4 or 5

To apply for one of the 87 new NOL occupations, AEWV holders must hold:

Minimum 3 years’ directly relevant experienceORA recognised qualification (aligned to role requirements)

What Employers Must Do

To hire a migrant under the new NOL roles, employers must:

1. Hold Active Accreditation

2. Advertise the Role First & genuinely consider New Zealanders

3. Submit a new job check that:

   • Aligns responsibilities with the correct NOL skill level

   • Meets wage thresholds

   • Demonstrates compliance with employment laws

Employers must clearly match:

• Job title

• Position responsibilities

• Skills and experience requirements

• Remuneration and work conditions

Any mismatch may result in job check refusal.

Check this out: How to Apply for Employer Accreditation NZ Under the AEWV Scheme

Why This Change Matters

The staged introduction of the NOL ensures:

• Greater clarity in defining skilled work

• More accurate recognition of modern job types

• Improved alignment between employers’ labour needs and immigration policy

This is a critical update for:

• Employers planning long-term workforce strategies

• Skilled migrants pursuing residence pathways

The full blog is now live - check it out here