Summary of Terms

• The occupation is included in part A of the List of Skilled Occupations held at Appendix 11 of the Operational Manual and the principal applicant can demonstrate that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and has either:
  • a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, the qualification level on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications (the Register) that corresponds to the indicative skill level described for that occupation in the ANZSCO; or
  • the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification; or
  • the relevant requirements specified in column three of the Long Term Skill Shortage List for their occupation (if their occupation is included in the Long Term Skill Shortage List.

• The occupation is included in part B of the List of Skilled Occupations held at Appendix 11 and the principal applicant can demonstrate that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the (ANZSCO) and has either:
  • a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, level four on the Register (see SM14.5) (a qualification at level four on the Register must be a National Certificate); or
  • the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification; or
  • the relevant requirements specified in column three of the Long Term Skill Shortage List for their occupation (if their occupation is included in the Long Term Skill Shortage List.

• The occupation is included in part C of the List of Skilled Occupations held at Appendix 11 and the principal applicant can demonstrate their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the (ANZSCO) and has either:
  • at least three years of relevant recognised work experience and a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, level four on the Register (see SM14.5) (a qualification at level four on the Register must be a National Certificate); or
  • at least three years of relevant recognised work experience and that current employment or the position in which the employment is offered, has an annual base salary of at least NZ$45,000.

• Where a principal applicant’s offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand does not meet the requirements set out above they may nevertheless qualify for points for skilled employment if:
  • their employment in the occupation will enhance the quality of New Zealand’s accomplishments and participation in that occupational area because the principal applicant has an international reputation and record of excellence in that field; and
  • the required expertise for the occupation has been gained through relevant recognised qualifications or work experience.

• the principal applicant can demonstrate their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the (ANZSCO) and has either:
  • a relevant qualification which is at, or above, the qualification level on the Register that corresponds to the indicative skill level described for that occupation in the ANZSCO; or
  • the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification.

See our Operational Manual for policy.   See SM7.10.1 and SM7.10.3 for the operational policy to assess skilled employment.  

For the List of Skilled Occupations see Appendix 1.  

For the list of Occupations Treated as Exceptions see Appendix 12.

Also see SM 7.20 for the requirements for employers wishing to employ non-New Zealand citizens or non-residents.

Also see the ANZSCO.