ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Occupational Therapist: ANZSCO code 252411

Occupational Therapist is occupation 252411 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 2524 Occupational Therapists.

ANZSCO code: 252411
Skill level: 1
Unit group: 2524 Occupational Therapists
Green List: Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Occupational Therapist: 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:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. Registration or licensing is required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 252411 is "Occupational Therapist | Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau" 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 an occupational therapist do?

Assesses functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, and provides therapy to enable people to perform their daily activities and occupations. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks for unit group 2524 Occupational Therapists include:

Assessing clients' emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities using clinical observations and standardised tests
Assessing clients' functional potential in their home, leisure, work and school environments, and recommending environmental adaptations to maximise their performance
Planning and directing programs through the use of vocational, recreational, remedial, social and educational activities on an individual and group basis
Providing advice to family members, carers, employers and teachers about adapting clients' home, leisure, work and school environments
Providing adaptive equipment, such as wheel chairs and splints, to assist clients to overcome their functional limitations
Working with other Health Professionals in overall case management of clients
Working with other professionals in providing specialist advice to specific client groups such as those requiring driver rehabilitation, third-party compensation and medico-legal representation
Recording clients' progress and maintaining professional relationships in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and ethical guidelines

Other job titles under ANZSCO 252411

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

Corrections Programme Coordinator
Corrections Programme Facilitator
Education Resource Scheduler
Occupational Therapy Teacher
Vocational Therapist
Community Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist | Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau

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	Occupational Therapist: 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.

National Occupation List occupations for ANZSCO 252411

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 252411. 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
252411	Occupational Therapist \| Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau	1	Not yet

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Occupational Therapist?

Occupational Therapist is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 252411, in unit group 2524 Occupational Therapists. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Occupational Therapist?

ANZSCO skill level 1, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. Registration or licensing is required.

Is Occupational Therapist on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Occupational Therapist (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 252411. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.

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).