What’s happening under the NOL reclassification
From 3 November 2025, INZ will begin to accept NOL occupation codes for many new occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme.
Around 87–91 new occupations have been added under NOL levels 1–3.
Some of these occupations were previously under “lower-skilled” ANZSCO classifications (e.g. level 4 or 5), but under NOL they now receive a higher skill-level classification (level 3 or above).
For workers already in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles: if you meet certain criteria (usually a relevant qualification or a number of years of directly relevant experience), you may be eligible to move into a NOL level-3 (or higher) occupation — which can mean a longer stay entitlement under AEWV and possibly family visa eligibility.
What you should consider/do if you are affected
If you believe your current job — or one you’re considering — might be among those reclassified, then:
Check the official NOL list (on INZ’s “NOL occupations used for an AEWV or SPWV” page) to confirm whether your occupation code is included.
Assess whether you meet the qualification or experience threshold required under the NOL role description. Many of the roles require a recognised qualification or several years of directly relevant experience.
If eligible, consider asking your employer to resubmit a job check under NOL rather than under the old ANZSCO classification. That may allow you (and them) to benefit from the “skilled role” settings under AEWV (longer stay, family visa eligibility, better prospects for future renewals).
Plan a longer term migration strategy around this reclassification. Being on a NOL level-3 or above AEWV increases the prospects for stability (longer stay) — which can give you more time to prepare for possible residence applications or other pathways.
Verify that your job description and pay match what’s required under the NOL occupation. INZ will expect job duties, responsibilities and remuneration to align with the NOL classification for the role to count.
What to watch out for — limitations and risks
Not all level-4 or 5 ANZSCO jobs have been reclassified. Only the occupations included in the newly recognised NOL list (those 87–91 roles) are eligible under the new rules.
Being eligible on paper (qualification/experience) does not guarantee INZ will approve — your employer’s job check, job description, pay rate and genuine need must also be satisfactory.
If your job is not in the NOL list, you must still use the old ANZSCO classification (for now).
The reclassification doesn’t automatically confer residency or permanent rights — it affects eligibility and potential stay under AEWV. Residence remains a separate decision.
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