If you’re planning to live and work in New Zealand, one of the first things you’ll need to understand is the New Zealand National Occupation List (NOL). In 2025, New Zealand introduced a revised NOL to better align its immigration settings with real labour market needs.
This update impacts who can migrate, what jobs are eligible, and how fast applications are processed.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the National Occupation List (NOL)?
The National Occupation List (NOL) is a government-approved list of jobs that are considered high priority for immigration.
It plays a key role in:
- Deciding which jobs are eligible for work and residence visas
- Guiding employers on who they can sponsor from overseas
- Informing immigration officers during visa assessments
Previously, New Zealand used various skills shortage lists, including the Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), the Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL), and the Construction & Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL). In 2023–2024, these were replaced with a unified NOL system.
Why the NOL Was Updated
The new NOL was designed to simplify and modernize New Zealand’s skilled migration system. It addresses:
- Skills mismatches between migrants and actual employer needs
- Gaps in regional workforce demand
- Changes in industry growth (e.g., healthcare, tech)
- COVID-era backlogs and labour shortages
By consolidating multiple lists into a single NOL, the government aims to make the system easier to understand and faster to process.
Key Changes in the 2025 NOL
Here are the most important updates you need to be aware of:
1. Priority Tiering
The NOL now divides occupations into three tiers:
- Tier 1: Green List – Straight to Residency
- For critical occupations (e.g., doctors, engineers, registered nurses)
- Immediate pathway to residency
- For critical occupations (e.g., doctors, engineers, registered nurses)
- Tier 2: Work to Residence
- Must work in the role in NZ for 2 years before applying for residence
- Must work in the role in NZ for 2 years before applying for residence
- Tier 3: Sector Agreements
- Industry-specific roles with capped visa durations and limited residency options (e.g., seasonal agricultural work, aged care support)
- Industry-specific roles with capped visa durations and limited residency options (e.g., seasonal agricultural work, aged care support)
2. Expanded Occupation Coverage
More roles were added to the Green List in 2025, including:
- Secondary school teachers (STEM subjects)
- Mental health professionals
- Early childhood educators
- IT specialists (cybersecurity, software development)
- Construction trades (electricians, plumbers, project managers)
3. Regional Labour Needs Highlighted
Certain roles are now region-specific, meaning:
- Some occupations are only eligible for visas in particular regions, where shortages are most severe.
- Migrants may be required to live and work outside of Auckland to qualify.
This helps encourage population and economic growth in regional towns and cities.
4. English Language & Wage Threshold Updates
- Stricter English language test requirements for certain tiers
- Higher wage thresholds for residency-track roles to align with local market standards
Migrants must now meet or exceed the median wage to be eligible for most skilled roles.
How This Affects Migrants in 2025
The NOL changes create both opportunities and limitations, depending on your background.
If Your Occupation Is on Tier 1 (Green List):
- Faster visa processing
- Direct pathway to permanent residence
- More likely to receive job offers from accredited employers
If Your Role Is on Tier 2:
- You must work in the role for 24 months before applying for residency
- You still gain work rights and employer sponsorship potential
- You may qualify for regional incentives
If You’re in a Tier 3 Occupation:
- You may be limited to short-term visas
- Residence is generally not available under these roles
- You can still use this pathway as a stepping stone into New Zealand’s workforce
Which Migrants Benefit the Most?
Migrants in the following fields are most positively impacted by the new NOL:
- Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, aged care professionals
- Education: Teachers, particularly in STEM and regional schools
- Construction: Project managers, engineers, surveyors
- Tech and IT: Developers, cloud engineers, cybersecurity specialists
- Engineering: Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers
If you have recognized qualifications, work experience, and English fluency, your chances of success in 2025 are high.
How Employers Are Involved
To hire migrants, employers must now be accredited under New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system. The NOL makes it easier for accredited employers to:
- Identify eligible job titles
- Prioritize applications
- Sponsor skilled workers more confidently
Employers hiring from the Green List can also offer residency-track roles, which is a major advantage when recruiting overseas talent.
Tips for Migrants Navigating the New NOL
- Check the NOL updates on the Immigration NZ website regularly
- Verify if your qualifications are recognized by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority)
- Get your English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic) ready
- Target accredited employers and roles listed under Tier 1 or Tier 2
- Consider regional job offers, which often have less competition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the National Occupation List in New Zealand?
The NOL is a government list of occupations eligible for skilled migration and work visas based on labour market demand.
- How does the new NOL affect skilled migrants?
It changes which jobs qualify for permanent residence, which visa tiers apply, and how quickly applications are processed.
- What is the Green List in the NOL system?
The Green List includes high-priority jobs that offer a direct pathway to residence for migrants with the required qualifications and experience.
- Can I migrate to New Zealand if my job is not on the NOL?
Possibly. Some occupations may still qualify under sector agreements or other work visa pathways, but residency options will be limited.
- Is it easier to migrate to regional New Zealand in 2025?
Yes. Regional employers are actively recruiting, and many roles are only eligible for visas in regional areas.