ANZSCO 1.3 occupation
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor is occupation 272112 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 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.
Under the National Occupation List, code 272112 is "Addiction Practitioner" 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.
Provides support and treatment for people with drug and alcohol dependency problems, develops strategies which assist them to set goals and affect and maintain change, and provides community education. May work in a call centre.
Tasks for unit group 2721 Counsellors include:
Alternative titles and specialisations from ANZSCO, and job titles Stats NZ lists under the same code:
| 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 | Addiction Practitioner: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence); Alcohol & Drug Clinician: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence); Drug and Alcohol Counsellor: 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.
Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 272112. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 272112 | Addiction Practitioner | 1 | Not yet |
| 272126 | Consumer Advisor (health) | 3 | From 9 March 2026 |
Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Addictions counsellor , Mental health support worker .
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.
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 272112, in unit group 2721 Counsellors. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.
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.
Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Addiction Practitioner (Tier 1), Alcohol & Drug Clinician (Tier 1), Drug and Alcohol Counsellor (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 272112. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.
Browse every skill level 1 occupation or the full ANZSCO code list.
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).
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