New Zealand Expands Work Visa List with 47 New Jobs

New Zealand Immigration has expanded its National Occupation List (NOL) by adding 47 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 includes occupations at skill levels 1 to 3, with skill level 1 being the most skilled and level 5 being the least.

The NOL is gradually replacing the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) as part of New Zealand's immigration framework update. Among the 14 occupations added at skill level 1 are Chief Remote Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head Chef/Executive Chef.

At skill level 2, 21 occupations were added, including Wine Laboratory Technician and Biomedical Technician. Applicants must use their NOL occupation code when filing for an AEWV or job check.

Those in occupations not recognized under the NOL must continue using the ANZSCO list for visa applications. The NOL will continue to be updated as more occupations are recognized.