ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Prison Officer: ANZSCO code 442111

Prison Officer is occupation 442111 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 4, in unit group 4421 Prison Officers.

ANZSCO code: 442111
Skill level: 4
Unit group: 4421 Prison Officers
Green List: Yes, Tier 2 (named roles)

Prison Officer: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 4. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. 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 442111 is "Prison Officer" at NOL skill level 4: NZQCF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 2-3/NOL Skill Level 4).

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 prison officer do?

Supervises and controls the activities of inmates in a prison or other correctional institution.

Tasks for unit group 4421 Prison Officers include:

Observing the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes
Inspecting and maintaining the security of locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates
Supervising prisoners during work assignments, recreational periods, sporting activities and meals
Assisting with the implementation of education, rehabilitation and other programs organised for prisoners
Searching prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband items
Patrolling assigned areas and reporting breaches of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes and prisoner adjustment problems
Requisitioning prisoners' clothing, toiletries, reading material and other allowable items
Supervising prisoners in transit between courts, prisons and other facilities

Other job titles under ANZSCO 442111

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

Correctional Officer
Corrections Officer
Custodial Officer
Correction Facility Worker
Custodial Services Officer
Prison Guard
Correction Officer

What skill level 4 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	Corrections Officer: Tier 2 (Work to Residence after 24 months). 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 442111

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 442111. 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
442111	Prison Officer	4	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: Corrections officer , Corrections supervisor .

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.

Book a free 15-minute call Check your pay and work experience

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Prison Officer?

Prison Officer is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 442111, in unit group 4421 Prison Officers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Prison Officer?

ANZSCO skill level 4, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Prison Officer on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Corrections Officer (Tier 2) under ANZSCO 442111. 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).