ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Sheep Farmer: ANZSCO code 121322

Sheep Farmer is occupation 121322 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 1213 Livestock Farmers.

ANZSCO code: 121322
Skill level: 1
Unit group: 1213 Livestock Farmers
Green List: No

Sheep Farmer: 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:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. 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 121322 is "Sheep Farmer" 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 a sheep farmer do?

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to breed and raise sheep for wool, meat and breeding stock.

Tasks for unit group 1213 Livestock Farmers include:

Breeding and raising livestock for the production of honey, meat, milk, skins, eggs and wool
Monitoring and maintaining the health and condition of livestock
Providing pastures and fodder to maintain appropriate nutritional levels
Moving livestock to optimise feeding opportunities
Organising and conducting farming operations such as catching, drenching and milking livestock, sterilising machines, and collecting, grading and packaging produce
Directing and overseeing general farming activities such as maintaining pens, sheds and cages, fertilising, controlling pests and weeds, and growing fodder
Maintaining fences, equipment and water supply systems
Organising the sale, purchase and transportation of livestock and produce
Maintaining and evaluating records of farming activities, monitoring market activity and planning production accordingly
Managing business capital including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
May select, train and supervise staff and contractors

Other job titles under ANZSCO 121322

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

Sheep Farm Manager
Stud Sheep Farmer
Wool Grower
Sheep Farming
Sheep Station Owner
Sheep Stud Farmer

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	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 121322

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 121322. 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
121322	Sheep Farmer	1	Not yet
121332	Sheep Farm Manager	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 Sheep Farmer?

Sheep Farmer is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 121322, in unit group 1213 Livestock Farmers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Sheep Farmer?

ANZSCO skill level 1, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Sheep Farmer on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 121322 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).