ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Orthoptist: ANZSCO code 251412

Orthoptist is occupation 251412 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 2514 Optometrists and Orthoptists.

ANZSCO code: 251412
Skill level: 1
Unit group: 2514 Optometrists and Orthoptists
Green List: Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Orthoptist: 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 may be required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 251412 is "Orthoptist" 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 orthoptist do?

Diagnoses and manages eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies. Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks for unit group 2514 Optometrists and Orthoptists include:

Examining patients' eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
Assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment
Detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, referring patients to, and receiving referrals from other health providers, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease
Diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
Prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort
Prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes
Managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
Advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
Conducting preventative screening programs
Conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired

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	Orthoptist: 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 251412

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 251412. 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
251412	Orthoptist	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 Orthoptist?

Orthoptist is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 251412, in unit group 2514 Optometrists and Orthoptists. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Orthoptist?

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 may be required.

Is Orthoptist on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Orthoptist (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 251412. 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).