ANZSCO 1.3 occupation
Scaffolder is occupation 821712 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 8217 Structural Steel Construction Workers.
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.
How Immigration New Zealand treats this occupation
For an Accredited Employer Work Visa, Immigration New Zealand recognises this occupation at ANZSCO skill level 3, because it sits at a higher level under the National Occupation List. This applies to the AEWV only, not to the Skilled Migrant Category or any other visa.
Source: INZ, ANZSCO occupations recognised at a higher skill level.
Under the National Occupation List, code 821712 is "Scaffolder" at NOL skill level 3: NZQCF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 4/NOL Skill Level 3).
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.
Erects and dismantles scaffolding to provide work platforms on building and industrial sites, and for temporary structures such as staging and seating. Registration or licensing may be required.
Tasks for unit group 8217 Structural Steel Construction Workers include:
The AEWV rows use skill level 3, the level INZ recognises for that visa; the Skilled Migrant Category row uses ANZSCO level 4.
| 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 | Required for skill level 3 roles from 1 June 2026, with limited exemptions. | 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 | 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.
Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 821712. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 821712 | Scaffolder | 3 | Not yet |
Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Rigger .
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.
Scaffolder is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 821712, in unit group 8217 Structural Steel Construction Workers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.
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.
No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 821712 on Immigration New Zealand's Green List as at 31 October 2026.
Browse every skill level 4 occupation or the full ANZSCO code list.
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).
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