ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Sewing Machinist: ANZSCO code 711611

Sewing Machinist is occupation 711611 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 3, in unit group 7116 Sewing Machinists.

ANZSCO code
711611
Skill level
3 New Zealand level (Australia: 4)
Unit group
7116 Sewing Machinists
Green List
No

Sewing Machinist: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 3. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

ANZSCO gives this occupation a different skill level in each country: 4 in Australia and 3 in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand uses the New Zealand level, so Australian lists and sites that show level 4 do not apply to a New Zealand visa.

Under the National Occupation List, code 711611 is "Sewing Machinist" 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.

What does a sewing machinist do?

Operates industrial sewing machines to sew and finish garments and soft furnishings such as curtains.

Tasks for unit group 7116 Sewing Machinists include:

  • Threading machines, inserting bobbins and positioning parts to be sewn
  • Starting, stopping and controlling speed of machines with pedals and knee levers to coordinate actions of presser feet, clothes guides, blades and other attachments, and guiding parts under needles, following edges, seams and markings
  • Changing needles and adjusting, securing and modifying attachments to machines
  • Finishing items by cutting excess material and threads
  • Operating thread trimming and other non-sewing machines
  • Inspecting stitching for defects and notifying repair mechanics of machine malfunctions
  • Performing basic maintenance such as lubrication of machines
  • May do laying up and bundling tasks
  • May ticket, label and finish work

Other job titles under ANZSCO 711611

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

  • Embroiderer
  • Alteration Hand
  • Blind Maker not Venetian
  • Clothing Machinist
  • Curtain Machinist
  • Curtain Making Sewing Machinist
  • Embroidery Machinist
  • Garment Worker
  • Hand Sewer
  • Outworker
  • Overlocker
  • Sample Machinist
  • Seamstress
  • Sewing Instructor
  • Sewing Machinist Supervisor
  • Soft Goods Machinist
  • Stuffed Toy Maker
  • Zip Machinist
  • Upholstery Sewer
  • Upholstery Machinist

What skill level 3 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 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 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 Listed by INZ as an eligible occupation. Trades and Technician guide
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 711611

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 711611. 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
711611 Sewing Machinist 3 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: Hand sewer , Sewing machinist .

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Sewing Machinist?

Sewing Machinist is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 711611, in unit group 7116 Sewing Machinists. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Sewing Machinist?

ANZSCO skill level 3, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Sewing Machinist on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 711611 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).