ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Author: ANZSCO code 212211

Author is occupation 212211 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 2122 Authors, and Book and Script Editors.

ANZSCO code
212211
Skill level
1
Unit group
2122 Authors, and Book and Script Editors
Green List
No

Author: 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. Some occupations in this unit group require high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications or experience.

Under the National Occupation List, code 212211 is "Author" 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 author do?

Produces literary or other written work for publication or performance. This occupation requires high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications and experience.

Tasks for unit group 2122 Authors, and Book and Script Editors include:

  • Creating and developing ideas and themes for written works, such as novels, plays, musicals, screen productions, educational texts, information texts and multimedia products
  • Researching subject matter through original and secondary materials, interviews and other media
  • Planning, organising and writing material
  • Reviewing and evaluating manuscripts of novels, biographies, short stories, poems, educational texts and other books, and ensuring coherence of style and development of theme, plot and characterisation
  • Advising publishers about potential of works for publication and conditions of publication contract
  • Negotiating publication details such as royalties, publication dates and numbers of copies to be printed
  • Reviewing and assessing stories and other material for film, television, radio and stage productions
  • Directing the preparation of scripts to be read by announcers to introduce and connect parts of musicals, news, sports and special events programs

Other job titles under ANZSCO 212211

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

  • Novelist
  • Playwright
  • Poet
  • Screenwriter
  • Script Writer
  • Childrens Writer
  • Commercial Writer
  • Dramatist
  • Finance Writer
  • Writer

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 212211

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 212211. 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
212211 Author 1 Not yet
212215 Screen Writer 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: Creative writer .

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 Author?

Author is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 212211, in unit group 2122 Authors, and Book and Script Editors. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Author?

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. Some occupations in this unit group require high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications or experience.

Is Author on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 212211 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).