ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Aquaculture Farmer: ANZSCO code 121111

Aquaculture Farmer is occupation 121111 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 1, in unit group 1211 Aquaculture Farmers.

ANZSCO code
121111
Skill level
1
Unit group
1211 Aquaculture Farmers
Green List
No

Aquaculture Farmer: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 1. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. 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 121111 is "Aquaculture Farmer" at NOL skill level 1: Bachelor degree or higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 7-10/NOL Skill Level 1).

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 aquaculture farmer do?

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise fish and other aquatic stock.

Tasks for unit group 1211 Aquaculture Farmers include:

  • Planning and coordinating the operation of hatcheries to produce fish fry, seed oysters, crayfish, marron and prawns taking into account environmental and market factors
  • Monitoring the environment to maintain optimal growing conditions
  • Identifying and controlling environmental toxins and diseases
  • Monitoring stock growth rates to determine when to harvest
  • Transporting fish, crayfish, marron, prawns and sticks of seed oysters to new tanks, ponds, cages and floating net pens
  • Directing and overseeing the harvesting, grading and packaging of fish, oysters and other aquatic stock
  • Organising the sale, purchase and transportation of fish stock
  • Maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production accordingly
  • Managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
  • May select, train and supervise staff and contractors

Other job titles under ANZSCO 121111

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

  • Fish Farmer
  • Hatchery Manager (Fish)
  • Mussel Farmer
  • Oyster Farmer
  • Seafood Farmer
  • Fish Breeder
  • Marine Farmer
  • Salmon Farmer
  • Shellfish Farmer

What skill level 1 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 Not required for skill level 1 and 2 roles. 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 Not on INZ's list of eligible occupations. INZ's list
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 121111

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 121111. 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
121111 Aquaculture Farmer 1 Not yet
121112 Aquaculture Farm Manager 1 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: Aquaculture farmer and manager .

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 Aquaculture Farmer?

Aquaculture Farmer is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 121111, in unit group 1211 Aquaculture Farmers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Aquaculture Farmer?

ANZSCO skill level 1, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Aquaculture Farmer on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 121111 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).