ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Osteopath: ANZSCO code 252112

Osteopath is occupation 252112 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 2521 Chiropractors and Osteopaths.

ANZSCO code: 252112
Skill level: 1
Unit group: 2521 Chiropractors and Osteopaths
Green List: Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Osteopath: 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 252112 is "Osteopath" 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 osteopath do?

Diagnoses and treats tissue strains, stresses and dysfunctions which impede normal neural, vascular and biochemical mechanisms, and provides advice on preventing these disorders. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks for unit group 2521 Chiropractors and Osteopaths include:

Administering a variety of neurological, musculoskeletal and functional tests to identify and assess physical problems and ailments of patients
Planning and discussing effective management of patients' dysfunction
Designing, reviewing, monitoring, assessing and evaluating treatment programs
Assisting and improving the function of all body systems such as musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and genitourinary systems
Recording detailed patient medical histories, treatments delivered and the patients' responses and progress to treatments
Referring patients to specialists and liaising with other Health Professionals in relation to patients' problems, needs and progress
Educating patients, their partners, family and friends in therapeutic procedures, such as home exercises and lifestyle changes, to enhance patients' health and wellbeing

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	Osteopath: 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 252112

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 252112. 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
252112	Osteopath	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 Osteopath?

Osteopath is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 252112, in unit group 2521 Chiropractors and Osteopaths. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Osteopath?

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 Osteopath on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Osteopath (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 252112. 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).