New Zealand to Replace ANZSCO with National Occupation List (NOL) 

New Zealand is preparing to move away from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and adopt a new system tailored to its labour market. The National Occupation List (NOL) will replace ANZSCO, with the first version set to be released on 20 November 2024.

New Zealand is preparing to move away from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and adopt a new system tailored to its labour market. The National Occupation List (NOL) will replace ANZSCO, with the first version set to be released on 20 November 2024. 

Why the Change? 

The labour markets in New Zealand and Australia have evolved significantly, prompting a need for independent systems. A consultation process revealed strong support for this change, allowing both countries to implement classifications that better reflect their unique workforce needs. 

Transition Period 

  • Immigration New Zealand will continue using ANZSCO until the transition to NOL is complete. 
  • A confirmed switch-over date is expected to be announced in 2025. 

Understanding ANZSCO 

  • ANZSCO grades occupations by skill levels, from 1 (most skilled) to 5 (less skilled). 
  • This system is currently used to assess visa eligibility based on occupation skill levels. 

What’s Next? 

The introduction of the NOL marks a significant shift in how New Zealand defines and classifies occupations. For updates and detailed information, visit the [Stats NZ website] (https://www.stats.govt.nz/methods/about-the-national-occupation-list). 

VisaSector is here to help you understand how these changes may impact your visa application. Contact us for expert advice!