ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Signwriter: ANZSCO code 399611

Signwriter is occupation 399611 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 3996 Signwriters.

ANZSCO code: 399611
Skill level: 3
Unit group: 3996 Signwriters
Green List: No

Signwriter: 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. At least three years 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. Registration or licensing may be required.

Under the National Occupation List, code 399611 is "Signmaker" 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 signwriter do?

Designs, fabricates and paints signs for displays, buildings, hoardings, boats and structures. Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks for unit group 3996 Signwriters include:

Conferring with clients and responding to proposals, sketches and written instructions to determine composition of signs
Designing and creating signs and graphics using computer software and signmaking machines
Designing and creating signs by measuring and calculating letter size, preparing the surface, applying background paint using brushes, sprays and rollers, and creating the letters using brushes, stencils, enamel paint and decals
Designing and creating wall murals, screen prints, gold leaf work and custom vehicle art
Painting signs and lettering using lacquers, varnishes, paints and other materials
Painting signs on brick, metal, timber, glass, plastic and other surfaces
Making and erecting three dimensional signs
Preparing cost estimates for labour and materials
May erect and work on scaffolding
May install signs on-site

Other job titles under ANZSCO 399611

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

Sign Manufacturer
Sign Maker
Sign Painter
Sign Writer
Signmaker
Ticket Writer

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 399611

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 399611. 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
399611	Signmaker	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: Signmaker .

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 Signwriter?

Signwriter is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 399611, in unit group 3996 Signwriters. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Signwriter?

ANZSCO skill level 3, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 4 qualification. At least three years 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. Registration or licensing may be required.

Is Signwriter on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 399611 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).