ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Counsellors nec: ANZSCO code 272199

Counsellors nec is occupation 272199 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 2721 Counsellors.

ANZSCO code
272199
Skill level
1
Unit group
2721 Counsellors
Green List
Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Counsellors nec: 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.

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 this occupation involve?

This occupation group covers Counsellors not elsewhere classified. Occupations in this group may work in a call centre.

Tasks for unit group 2721 Counsellors include:

  • Working with clients on career, study and employment options by obtaining and examining information relevant to their abilities and needs
  • Providing information and resources to assist clients with job-seeking skills
  • Assessing client needs in relation to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse
  • Conducting counselling interviews with individuals, couples and family groups
  • Assisting the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour to develop more effective interpersonal and marital relationships
  • Presenting alternative approaches and discussing potential for attitude and behaviour change
  • Consulting with clients to develop rehabilitation plans taking account of vocational and social needs
  • Contributing information, understanding and advice on the learning and behaviour of students, especially those with special needs, and assisting parents and teachers in dealing with these needs
  • May work in a call centre

Occupations in this group include:

  • Gambling Counsellor
  • Grief Counsellor
  • Life Coach
  • Sexual Assault Counsellor / Sexual Abuse Counsellor
  • Trauma Counsellor

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 Counsellors nec: 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 272199

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 272199. 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
272116 Life Coach 2 Not yet
272117 Guidance Counsellor 1 Not yet
272118 Mental Health Clinician 1 Not yet
272122 Trauma Counsellor 1 Not yet
272123 Court Victim Advisor 1 Not yet
272124 Whānau Navigator 1 Not yet
272125 Health Improvement Practitioner 1 Not yet

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 Counsellors nec?

Counsellors nec is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 272199, in unit group 2721 Counsellors. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Counsellors nec?

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.

Is Counsellors nec on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Counsellors nec (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 272199. 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).