Immigration New Zealand has announced plans to introduce a new National Occupation List (NOL) in November 2025, marking a major shift in how work visa applications are evaluated and approved.
The new framework will replace the long-standing Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) system, which has served as the reference point for job categorization and skill assessment in visa processing for several years.
According to immigration officials, the transition is designed to simplify application procedures, provide clearer skill benchmarks, and ensure that the country’s migration policy is more closely aligned with current labour market needs.
Under the new structure, occupations will be grouped by shared functions and responsibilities, with each category assigned a skill level ranging from one to five:
- Level One: Highly skilled roles, typically requiring advanced qualifications or extensive professional experience.
- Level Five: Positions requiring minimal formal education or shorter training periods.
Authorities say the NOL will offer greater clarity for employers, reduce processing delays, and make it easier to match overseas talent with sectors experiencing labour shortages.
The shift comes amid ongoing reforms to New Zealand’s immigration framework, as the government seeks to balance workforce demand, economic resilience, and domestic employment priorities.
Further guidance for employers and visa applicants is expected to be released ahead of the November 2025 rollout.
