ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Kitchenhand: ANZSCO code 851311

Kitchenhand is occupation 851311 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 5, in unit group 8513 Kitchenhands.

ANZSCO code
851311
Skill level
5
Unit group
8513 Kitchenhands
Green List
No

Kitchenhand: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 5. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Level 1 qualification, or compulsory secondary education. For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification. In some instances no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 851311 is "Kitchenhand" at NOL skill level 5: NZQCF Level 1 qualification, or compulsory secondary education (NZQCF Level 1/NOL Skill Level 5).

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 kitchenhand do?

Assists kitchen and service staff in preparing and serving food, and cleans food preparation and service areas.

Tasks for unit group 8513 Kitchenhands include:

  • Cleaning kitchens, food preparation areas and sculleries
  • Cleaning cooking and general utensils used in kitchens and restaurants
  • Transferring, weighing and checking supplies and equipment
  • Assembling and preparing ingredients for cooking, and preparing salads, savouries and sandwiches
  • Packing food and beverage trays for serving
  • Cooking, toasting and heating simple food items

Other job titles under ANZSCO 851311

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

  • Kitchen Steward
  • Dishwasher
  • Pantry Attendant
  • Sandwich Hand
  • Dish Washer
  • Kitchen Assistant
  • Kitchen Dishwasher
  • Kitchen Hand
  • Kitchen Porter
  • Kitchen Staff
  • Salad Worker
  • Sandwich Artist
  • Sandwich Maker
  • Kitchen Worker

What skill level 5 means for New Zealand visas

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 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 851311

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 851311. 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
851311 Kitchenhand 5 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: Kitchenhand .

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 Kitchenhand?

Kitchenhand is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 851311, in unit group 8513 Kitchenhands. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Kitchenhand?

ANZSCO skill level 5, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 1 qualification, or compulsory secondary education. For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification. In some instances no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.

Is Kitchenhand on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 851311 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).