ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Geophysicist: ANZSCO code 234412

Geophysicist is occupation 234412 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 2344 Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists.

ANZSCO code
234412
Skill level
1
Unit group
2344 Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists
Green List
No

Geophysicist: 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.

Under the National Occupation List, code 234412 is "Geophysicist" 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 geophysicist do?

Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locates minerals, petroleum or ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity.

Tasks for unit group 2344 Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists include:

  • Conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers
  • Preparing and supervising the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers
  • Conducting studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and the minerals contained in it
  • Studying and dating fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications
  • Studying the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds
  • Carrying out exploration to determine the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
  • Conducting surveys of variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
  • Investigating the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust
  • Studying the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust
  • Performing laboratory and field studies, and aerial, ground and drill hole surveys

Other job titles under ANZSCO 234412

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

  • Oceanographer
  • Seismologist
  • Geophysical Scientist
  • Marine Scientist

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 234412

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 234412. 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
234412 Geophysicist 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: Physicist .

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 Geophysicist?

Geophysicist is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 234412, in unit group 2344 Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Geophysicist?

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 Geophysicist on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 234412 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).