ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Chemical Engineer: ANZSCO code 233111

Chemical Engineer is occupation 233111 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 2331 Chemical and Materials Engineers.

ANZSCO code
233111
Skill level
1
Unit group
2331 Chemical and Materials Engineers
Green List
Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Chemical Engineer: 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. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 233111 is "Chemical Engineer" 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 a chemical engineer do?

Designs and prepares specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial-scale chemical plants, and supervises industrial processing and fabrication of products undergoing physical and chemical changes. Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks for unit group 2331 Chemical and Materials Engineers include:

  • Preparing designs for chemical process systems and planning control systems for processes such as those used to remove and separate components, effect chemical changes, test and evaluate fuels, transfer heat, and control the storing and handling of solids, liquids and gases
  • Monitoring the operation and maintenance of equipment to achieve maximum efficiency under safe operating conditions
  • Ensuring correct materials and equipment are used and that they conform to specifications
  • Diagnosing malfunctions in chemical plants and instituting remedial action
  • Studying product utilisation and pollution control problems
  • Reviewing plans for new products and submitting material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight and cost
  • Planning and implementing laboratory operations to develop new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfil production cost and performance standards
  • Conferring with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements and elastomers, during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications
  • Reviewing product failure data and implementing laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advising on ways to overcome any problems

Other job titles under ANZSCO 233111

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

  • Biochemical Engineer
  • Chemical Development Technologist
  • Energy Services Engineer
  • Process Development Chemical Technologist

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 Chemical Engineer: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence). Only the named role qualifies, with INZ's qualification, registration or experience requirements for it. Green List guide

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 233111

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 233111. 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
233111 Chemical Engineer 1 Not yet
233113 Bioprocess Engineer 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: Chemical engineer .

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 Chemical Engineer?

Chemical Engineer is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 233111, in unit group 2331 Chemical and Materials Engineers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Chemical Engineer?

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. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

Is Chemical Engineer on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Chemical Engineer (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 233111. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.

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).