Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced important updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme, following the July 2025 update to the National Occupation List (NOL). These changes are designed to ensure that workers in newly recognised, higher-skilled roles can continue to qualify for AEWV pathways. This is especially important as INZ transitions from the older ANZSCO system to the NOL.
From ANZSCO to NOL: What’s Changing?
The National Occupation List (NOL) was introduced as a targeted New Zealand replacement for the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) in November 2024. While ANZSCO is still being used to set visa rules, INZ is actively integrating the NOL into its systems.
The July 2025 update introduced new skill level 1–3 occupations, which may allow some workers previously classified under lower-skilled roles (levels 4–5) to extend their stay in New Zealand from a maximum continuous stay (MCS) of 3 years to an MCS of 5 years.
Key Dates to Remember
- 8 September – 2 November 2025: Temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) pathway available for 30 new roles.
- 3 November 2025: Full AEWV eligibility for around 90 new NOL roles goes live.
Temporary SPWV Pathway: A Bridge for Eligible Workers
To support the transition, INZ has introduced a temporary SPWV pathway (SPWV) for a limited group of AEWV holders whose MCS ends on or before 30 November 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- be appointed to one of 30 new NOL roles.
- have at least 3 years of directly relevant experience or a recognised level 4 qualification.
- currently hold an AEWV and be reaching their MCS limit.
- have an employer who holds current accreditation.
No job advertising is required by employers.
Note: This is not a general extension or alternative to the AEWV. It is only available to a small group of affected visa holders.
Eligible Occupations for the Temporary SPWV
Skill Level 1 Roles
| Occupation | NOL Code |
|---|---|
| Horticulture Post-Harvest Leading Hand | 832117 |
| Indoor Crop Production Leading Hand | 841228 |
| Outdoor Crop Leading Hand | 841231 |
Skill Level 3 Roles (Selected Examples)
| Occupation | NOL Code |
|---|---|
| Concierge | 431413 |
| CNC Operator – Solid Timber Joinery | 712312 |
| Concreter (Commercial) | 331113 |
| Electronic Security System and Alarm Technician | 399922 |
| Fibre Composite Technician | 399921 |
| Forestry Supervisor | 841314 |
| Hazardous Materials Removalist | 711915 |
| Horticulture Post-Harvest Supervisor | 832116 |
| Indoor Crop Production Supervisor | 841223 |
| Irrigation Manager | 841918 |
| Other Livestock Farm Supervisor | 841531 |
| Outdoor Crop Production Supervisor | 841221 |
| Poultry Farm Supervisor | 841532 |
| Power Wash Technician | 811212 |
| Production Supervisor, Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing | 711115 |
| Production Supervisor, Food and Drink Processing | 831122 |
| Production Supervisor – Meat Processing | 831314 |
| Production Supervisor, Paper, Pulp and Wood Processing | 711315 |
| Production Supervisor, Plastics and Rubber Production | 711517 |
| Production Supervisor, Seafood Processing | 831316 |
| Solar Installer | 821413 |
| Senior Piggery Stockperson | 841533 |
| Senior Fleet Tyre Technician | 323221 |
| Senior Tyre Technician | 899416 |
| Sheep Farm Supervisor | 841527 |
| Silviculture Operator | 841317 |
| Waterproofer | 333312 |
Need Help Navigating the Changes?
Greenstone Immigration has 9 Licensed Immigration Advisers who can guide both employers and migrant workers through these evolving immigration pathways. Whether you’re unsure about eligibility, documentation, or next steps, they can help.
Book a free consultation with Greenstone Immigration today to ensure you’re making the most of these new opportunities.
Marie Hunt
Licensed Immigration Adviser