ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Private Investigator: ANZSCO code 442214

Private Investigator is occupation 442214 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 4422 Security Officers and Guards.

ANZSCO code: 442214
Skill level: 4
Unit group: 4422 Security Officers and Guards
Green List: No

Private Investigator: 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 442214 is "Private Investigator" 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 private investigator do?

Conducts investigations for clients and prepares evidence for court proceedings. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks for unit group 4422 Security Officers and Guards include:

Patrolling property and checking doors, windows and gates for unauthorised entry
Watching for irregularities such as fire hazards, malfunctions of machines and equipment, lights left on, leaking water pipes and unlocked security doors
Issuing security passes to authorised visitors and giving directions
Monitoring alarms and contacting supervisors, police and fire brigades by radio or phone if security is breached or fire is detected
Picking up and ensuring the safe delivery of cash, payrolls and valuables
Operating coin and currency counting machines, and carrying out cash counting and packaging functions
Maintaining order at venues where there are large gatherings of people
Conducting investigations for clients and preparing evidence for court proceedings
Detecting and investigating theft and other unlawful acts carried out in retail establishments
Advising clients on security requirements and designing security specifications

Other job titles under ANZSCO 442214

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

Private Inquiry Agent
Senior Commerce Investigator
WINZ Investigator (National Office)

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	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 442214

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 442214. 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
442214	Private Investigator	4	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 Private Investigator?

Private Investigator is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 442214, in unit group 4422 Security Officers and Guards. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Private Investigator?

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 Private Investigator on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 442214 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).