ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Apparel Cutter: ANZSCO code 393211

Apparel Cutter is occupation 393211 in ANZSCO 1.3, the classification Immigration New Zealand uses for most work visas and every Skilled Migrant Category application. It sits at ANZSCO skill level 3, in unit group 3932 Clothing Trades Workers.

ANZSCO code
393211
Skill level
3
Unit group
3932 Clothing Trades Workers
Green List
No

Apparel Cutter: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 3. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Level 4 qualification. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Under the National Occupation List, code 393211 is "Apparel Cutter" at NOL skill level 3: NZQCF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 4/NOL Skill Level 3).

A skill level describes the occupation, not you. Immigration New Zealand matches a job to the single closest occupation, and the skill level comes from that occupation; more experience does not move an occupation to a higher level.

What does an apparel cutter do?

Lays out, marks and cuts fabric to form parts of garments.

Tasks for unit group 3932 Clothing Trades Workers include:

  • Conferring with customers to determine material, styles and designs of garments
  • Interpreting designs, sketches and samples to determine pattern specifications
  • Cutting out master patterns
  • Laying up and cutting fabric
  • Pinning, basting and draping garment parts
  • Sewing garments
  • Fitting basted garments on customers and marking areas requiring alteration
  • Sewing buttonholes, and sewing on buttons, hooks, eyes and press fasteners to finish garments
  • Pressing and finishing work

Other job titles under ANZSCO 393211

Alternative titles and specialisations from ANZSCO, and job titles Stats NZ lists under the same code:

  • Clothing Cutter
  • Fabric Cutter
  • Garment Cutter

What skill level 3 means for New Zealand visas

Visa rule For this occupation More
Accredited Employer Work Visa: longest visa Up to 5 years for skill level 1 to 3 roles. AEWV guide
AEWV: evidence of English Required for skill level 3 roles from 1 June 2026, with limited exemptions. AEWV guide
Supporting a partner's visa The skill level 1 to 3 wage threshold applies. Partner of a Worker
Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway Open to skill level 1 to 3 occupations, with work experience and pay requirements. Skilled Work Experience pathway
SMC red and amber lists Not on either list. INZ's lists
SMC Trades and Technician pathway Listed by INZ as an eligible occupation. Trades and Technician guide
Green List No Green List role is listed under this code. INZ's Green List

Rules as published by Immigration New Zealand. Lists synced 31 October 2026. Each visa has further requirements beyond skill level, including pay and work experience.

National Occupation List occupations for ANZSCO 393211

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 393211. Immigration New Zealand accepts a NOL code only for an AEWV or job check, and only for occupations on its published list; for any other visa, use the ANZSCO code.

NOL code NOL occupation NOL skill level INZ accepts for an AEWV
393211 Apparel Cutter 3 Not yet

More about this job in New Zealand

Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Hand cutter , Leather worker .

Not sure this is your occupation?

Picking the right occupation decides the skill level, and with it the visa rules above. Talk it through with us: we will listen to your situation and match you with the right IAA-licensed adviser. You can also check your pay and work experience against the residence wage rules with our calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Apparel Cutter?

Apparel Cutter is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 393211, in unit group 3932 Clothing Trades Workers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Apparel Cutter?

ANZSCO skill level 3, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 4 qualification. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Apparel Cutter on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 393211 on Immigration New Zealand's Green List as at 31 October 2026.

Sources: ANZSCO version 1.3, Australian Bureau of Statistics, CC BY 4.0, synced 31 October 2026; National Occupation List V3.0.0, Stats NZ, CC BY 4.0, synced 1 November 2026; Immigration New Zealand occupation lists, synced 31 October 2026. This page reproduces published classifications and Immigration New Zealand's lists. It is general information, not immigration advice. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).