ANZSCO 1.3 occupation
Excavator Operator is occupation 721214 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 4, in unit group 7212 Earthmoving Plant Operators.
ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 4. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:
NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing is required.
How Immigration New Zealand treats this occupation
For an Accredited Employer Work Visa, Immigration New Zealand can recognise this occupation at skill level 3 if the employer requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience or a level 4 NZQCF qualification, and listed those requirements in its job check application. This applies to the AEWV only.
Source: INZ, ANZSCO occupations recognised at a higher skill level.
Under the National Occupation List, code 721214 is "Excavator Operator" at NOL skill level 4: NZQCF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 2-3/NOL Skill Level 4).
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.
Operates heavy excavation plant to excavate, move and load earth, rock and rubble. Registration or licensing is required.
Tasks for unit group 7212 Earthmoving Plant Operators 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 3 years for skill level 4 and 5 roles. | AEWV guide |
| AEWV: evidence of English | Required for skill level 4 and 5 roles, with limited exemptions. | AEWV guide |
| Supporting a partner's visa | A higher wage threshold applies to skill level 4 and 5 roles, with exceptions for some care, transport and Green List roles. | Partner of a Worker |
| Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway | Not available: skill level 4 and 5 occupations are excluded. | 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 | Excavator Operator: Tier 2 (Work to Residence after 24 months). 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 721214. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 721214 | Excavator Operator | 4 | Not yet |
Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Heavy equipment operator .
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.
Excavator Operator is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 721214, in unit group 7212 Earthmoving Plant Operators. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.
ANZSCO skill level 4, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing is required.
Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Excavator Operator (Tier 2) under ANZSCO 721214. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.
Browse every skill level 4 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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