Recognising new higher-skilled occupations on the National Occupation List

New Zealand’s National Occupation List (NOL) is taking another significant step forward, with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) confirming it will recognise approximately 90 new skill level 1, 2 and 3 occupations from 3 November 2025 under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme. This change marks a move to ensure higher-skilled roles created in the NOL July 2025 update are fully reflected in the AEWV framework.

A bridge for current visa holders

To minimise disruption for workers and employers during the transition, INZ has created a time-limited Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) pathway for about 30 of the newly listed occupations. This pathway lets a small number of current AEWV holders extend their stay to five years if they are at the end of their current visa and moving into one of the newly recognised higher-skilled roles.

What employers should know

When using the SPWV pathway, employers need to follow these key points:

• No re-advertising required: Accredited employers do not need to re-advertise roles when using the SPWV pathway.
• Work must align with new role: The employee’s current work must genuinely match the requirements and responsibilities of the new higher-skilled occupation.
• Job offer needed: Employers must provide a job offer into the new role for the employee.
• Evidence of skills or qualification: The employee must have at least three years of directly relevant experience or hold a recognised qualification.

Timing of applications

Applications for the SPWV pathway opened on 8 September 2025 and will close on 2 November 2025. Only visa holders who meet all eligibility criteria will be able to apply, including having their AEWV expire on or before 30 November 2025. This is not a general extension or an alternative to the AEWV but a targeted mechanism to maintain workforce continuity for affected roles.

New opportunities under the NOL

Tables 1 and 2 released by INZ detail the eligible new roles at skill levels 1, 2 and 3. These include leadership and supervisory roles across agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing, and technical services, reflecting the evolving skill needs of New Zealand’s workforce. By formally recognising these occupations, INZ is helping employers fill critical skill gaps while offering workers a clear pathway to remain in the country and progress their careers.

Preparing for November 2025

Employers planning to recruit under the new occupations will need to follow the full AEWV process once the system goes live on 3 November 2025. INZ has signalled that further details on processing requirements will be available in early October, allowing businesses time to prepare workforce plans and recruitment strategies ahead of the changeover.

Get in touch

Absolute Immigration NZ can help you understand how these new NOL roles affect your workforce, visa and immigration strategy, as well as guide you through the SPWV process. Contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to ensure your business stays compliant and competitive.