ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) is the official framework that classifies every job by skill level. In NZ immigration, your ANZSCO skill level determines:
- Whether your job qualifies as "skilled employment" for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
- Whether you need to meet the median wage or meet a skill level test for your AEWV
- Whether your occupation appears on the Green List
March 2026 — Transition to National Occupation List (NOL): INZ is replacing ANZSCO with a new National Occupation List (NOL) that better reflects the current NZ labour market. As of March 9, 2026, 47 new occupations have been added at skill levels 1–3. The skill level structure (1–5) remains the same — only the occupation classifications are being updated. During the transition, INZ references both ANZSCO codes and NOL codes. This page reflects current ANZSCO classifications; verify your specific occupation code with INZ or an adviser as the NOL rollout continues.
Understanding your ANZSCO level is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in planning NZ immigration.
Example: Picking the Right ANZSCO Code
Scenario: Mei is a chef applying for an AEWV. Her duties match ANZSCO 351311 (Chef, Skill Level 2). She checks the INZ list to confirm her code and wage threshold.
Tip: If your job duties fit more than one code, pick the one that best matches your actual work and is recognized by INZ. Don’t inflate your duties.
Common Pitfalls
- Using a code that doesn’t match your real job
- Not checking for recent updates to the occupation list
- Assuming all jobs on the Green List are automatically eligible
The Five ANZSCO Skill Levels
| Level | Typical Qualification | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Bachelor degree or higher | Doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects, scientists |
| Level 2 | Advanced diploma or extensive experience | Nurses, physiotherapists, accountants, IT professionals |
| Level 3 | Diploma, Certificate III/IV, or trade certificate | Electricians, plumbers, chefs, technicians, dental assistants |
| Level 4 | Certificate II or 1 year experience | Retail supervisors, dental assistants, truck drivers |
| Level 5 | Short on-the-job training | Shop assistants, cleaners, factory workers |
These are indicative — the actual level of each occupation is set by ANZSCO and can sometimes differ from what you'd expect. Always look up the specific ANZSCO code for your occupation.
Why ANZSCO Levels Matter for Each Visa
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — Levels 1, 2, 3 Required
For SMC residence, your employment must be in a Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 occupation. This is a hard requirement — Level 4 and 5 jobs do not count as "skilled employment" for SMC purposes, regardless of your salary.
If your job is ANZSCO Level 4 or 5, you cannot use that employment to score points for SMC skill thresholds. You would need to change to a qualifying occupation or pursue a different residence pathway.
Example:
- Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 2544, Level 2) → qualifies as skilled employment for SMC ✅
- Home Support Worker (ANZSCO 4231, Level 3) → qualifies as skilled employment for SMC ✅
- Retail Sales Assistant (ANZSCO 6210, Level 5) → does NOT qualify ❌
AEWV — Median Wage or Skill Level 1/2/3
For an AEWV, your role must pass a Job Check. A role qualifies if it meets either:
- Median wage (NZ$35.00/hour) — regardless of skill level, or
- Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 — regardless of whether it meets median wage (though most skill level 1–3 roles do meet median wage in practice)
Some Level 3 trade roles (e.g. chefs) commonly fall below median wage — these need extra scrutiny at Job Check stage. Sector agreements can create exceptions for specific industries (see Care and Support Worker Visa).
Green List — Specific ANZSCO Codes Only
The Green List lists specific ANZSCO codes — not skill levels. Your occupation must match one of those codes exactly. Green List occupations are predominantly Skill Levels 1 and 2, with some Level 3 trades.
How to Find Your ANZSCO Code and Skill Level
Step 1: Use the ANZSCO Search Tool
Go to the ANZSCO occupation search maintained by the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics — the same classification is used by NZ).
Step 2: Search by Job Title
Enter your job title. Note that the classification uses standardised occupation names that may differ from your actual job title. For example:
- "IT Project Manager" = "ICT Project Manager" (ANZSCO 135111, Level 1)
- "Chef de Partie" = "Chef" (ANZSCO 351311, Level 3)
- "Ward Nurse" = "Registered Nurse" (ANZSCO 254423, Level 2)
Step 3: Confirm the Skill Level
Each ANZSCO entry shows:
- The 6-digit ANZSCO code
- The skill level (1–5)
- The indicative qualifications
- The duties of the occupation
Step 4: Cross-Check with INZ
INZ uses ANZSCO to assess applications but also has discretion in edge cases. If your actual job duties don't match the ANZSCO description well, INZ may question the classification. A licensed immigration adviser can advise on how to position your role.
ANZSCO Levels by Occupation Category
Management and Professional (Mostly Levels 1–2)
| Occupation | Code | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 261313 | 1 |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | 1 |
| Registered Nurse | 254423 | 2 |
| Accountant | 221111 | 1 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | 1 |
| Physiotherapist | 252511 | 2 |
| Architect | 232111 | 1 |
| ICT Business Analyst | 261111 | 1 |
Trades and Technical (Mostly Level 3)
| Occupation | Code | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 341111 | 3 |
| Plumber | 334111 | 3 |
| Chef | 351311 | 3 |
| Automotive Electrician | 321111 | 3 |
| Joiner | 331212 | 3 |
| Refrigeration Mechanic | 342111 | 3 |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | 321212 | 3 |
Community and Personal Service (Level 3–4)
| Occupation | Code | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 423111 | 3 |
| Child Care Worker | 421111 | 4 |
| Personal Care Assistant | 423312 | 3 |
| Home Care Worker | 423111 | 3 |
| Security Guard | 442217 | 4 |
Sales and Administration (Level 4–5)
| Occupation | Code | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Supervisor | 621511 | 4 |
| Customer Service Representative | 639211 | 5 |
| Administrative Assistant | 511111 | 4 |
| Storeperson | 741111 | 5 |
What If Your ANZSCO Level Isn't Immediately Clear?
Job Title Doesn't Match
If your actual role has a different title from the official ANZSCO name, INZ will look at your actual duties to classify the role. Provide a detailed job description that shows how your duties align with the ANZSCO occupation you're claiming.
Your Role Has Elements of Multiple Levels
Some roles involve duties spanning multiple ANZSCO skill levels. INZ generally classifies based on the predominant duties. A "Supervisor" role that involves both Level 4 supervision and Level 5 direct work might be classified at Level 4 overall.
Your Qualifications Exceed the ANZSCO Level
Having a degree doesn't automatically elevate a Level 4 or 5 job to a higher skill level. The classification is based on the job requirements, not what the worker holds. A qualified engineer working as a store assistant is still in a Level 5 role for immigration purposes.
Disputed Classifications
INZ has final say on skill level assessment. If they disagree with your claim, you may receive a Request for Further Information (RFI) or a decline. See what to do with an RFI and consider adviser input before responding.
Strategic Implications for Planning Your NZ Immigration
If your current role is ANZSCO Level 4 or 5:
- You can still get an AEWV if the role meets median wage (NZ$35.00/hr)
- You cannot use that employment toward SMC points
- Consider whether a career change or upskilling to a Level 3 occupation is realistic — it dramatically broadens your options
If your role is ANZSCO Level 3:
- You qualify for SMC skilled employment if you earn enough points overall
- Check whether your specific occupation appears on the Green List — some Level 3 trades do
- If your pay is below median wage, check whether a sector agreement applies
If your role is ANZSCO Level 1 or 2:
- You have access to all major residence pathways
- Check the Green List for whether you qualify for a faster Straight to Residence pathway
- For SMC, focus on accumulating points through qualifications and experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my ANZSCO classification by rewriting my job description?
INZ assesses the actual duties of the role, not just the title or description. Inflating a description to claim a higher skill level is considered misrepresentation and can lead to application decline and a good character finding against you.
My overseas qualification should mean I'm Level 1 — does that help?
Your qualifications are assessed alongside the role. If you hold a degree but work in a Level 4 job, the job is still Level 4. However, your qualifications can earn you points in SMC independently of your job's skill level.
Does the ANZSCO version matter?
INZ uses ANZSCO Version 1.3 (released 2013 with updates). Some occupations have been added or reclassified in updates. If your occupation is in a field that's changed significantly (e.g., digital roles), verify the current classification rather than relying on older guides.
Where can I get an official confirmation of my ANZSCO code?
INZ can assess your occupation as part of a visa application. Outside of that, there's no official body that issues ANZSCO classification letters. An immigration adviser can give a professional opinion that carries weight with INZ.
Not sure what your ANZSCO level means for your specific visa pathway? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can assess your occupation classification and recommend the best route to residence.