ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Life Scientist (General): ANZSCO code 234511

Life Scientist (General) is occupation 234511 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 2345 Life Scientists.

ANZSCO code: 234511
Skill level: 1
Unit group: 2345 Life Scientists
Green List: No

Life Scientist (General): 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 234511 is "Life Scientist (General)" 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 life scientist (general) do?

Studies the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live.

Tasks for unit group 2345 Life Scientists include:

Designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff
Studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination
Investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms
Examining micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes
Investigating the effects of environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and disease, on plant growth
Planning and undertaking experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants
Studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications
Investigating the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories

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 234511

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 234511. 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
234511	Life Scientist (General)	1	Not yet

Not sure this is your occupation?

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Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Life Scientist (General)?

Life Scientist (General) is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 234511, in unit group 2345 Life Scientists. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Life Scientist (General)?

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 Life Scientist (General) on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 234511 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).