New Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Programme
If you’ve followed us for a while, you may remember that back in November 2024 the National Occupation List (NOL) replaced ANZSCO under the AEWV programme.
Immigration New Zealand is still using ANZSCO at the moment to set the visa rules for AEWV applicants, but NOL will eventually become the framework that all occupations are assessed against.
The latest update is that some new higher-skilled roles have now been added to NOL – definitely worth a look if you’re planning your next steps.
These changes will take effect on 3 November 2025 and introduce 90 new higher-skilled roles at NOL skill levels 1 to 3.
This means AEWV applicants in these roles can apply based on their NOL skill level. For some workers currently in Level 4 or 5 roles, this could open up a pathway to apply for a further AEWV and extend their maximum continuous stay.
Temporary SPWV Pathway (8 September – 2 November 2025)
Ahead of the November changes, a Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) pathway is available for a limited group of AEWV holders whose maximum continuous stay ends on or before 30 November 2025.
To qualify for this pathway, applicants must:
Be moving into one of the 30 newly added NOL roles.
Hold at least 3 years of directly relevant experience (or a recognised qualification).
Hold a current AEWV that reaches maximum stay on or before 30 November 2025.
Employers are not required to advertise the role for SPWV applicants.
Eligible Occupations under the Temporary SPWV Pathway
NOL Skill Level 1 Occupations
Horticulture Post-Harvest Leading Hand – 832117
Indoor Crop Production Leading Hand – 841228
Outdoor Crop Leading Hand – 841231
NOL Skill Level 3 Occupations
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
What This Means
From 3 November 2025, applicants in any of the 90 newly added higher-skilled roles will be able to apply for an AEWV
Until then, only the 30 roles listed above are eligible for the temporary SPWV pathway, and only if the applicant meets strict criteria.
Over time, NOL will become the full framework under which all occupations are assessed, gradually replacing ANZSCO across the AEWV programme.
📌 For official details and the full update, visit Immigration New Zealand’s website:
INZ Announcement – Recognising new NOL occupations in AEWV