ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Social Worker: ANZSCO code 272511

Social Worker is occupation 272511 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 2725 Social Workers.

ANZSCO code: 272511
Skill level: 1
Unit group: 2725 Social Workers
Green List: Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Social Worker: 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. 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 272511 is "Social Worker" 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 social worker do?

Assesses the social needs of individuals, families and groups, assists and empowers people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and furthers human wellbeing and human rights, social justice and social development. Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks for unit group 2725 Social Workers include:

Acting as a facilitator between clients in need and community services
Assessing resources for health, welfare, recreation, housing, employment and other community services
Providing leadership and assistance for the implementation of pilot projects in community development and self-help, and planning and implementing research projects to address client needs, organisation goals and social policy
Cooperating with community organisations, social agencies and voluntary groups to improve services and develop new services
Conducting individual and family case interviews to identify the nature and extent of clients' problems
Assisting clients to understand and resolve problems by providing information, acting as a mediator and referring them to community and self-help agencies
Analysing, developing, promoting and implementing social policies through the use of practice experience, research, analytic frameworks, and negotiation skills to respond to social need through a fair, equitable and effective allocation of social resources
Monitoring the progress of clients by maintaining contact
Compiling case records and reports

Other job titles under ANZSCO 272511

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

Whanau Support Worker (Family Support Worker)
Assessment Facilitator
Care and Protection Social Worker
Chief Social Worker
Community Social Worker
Health Social Worker
IHC Services Coordinator
Kaimahi a Iwi
Medical Psychiatric Social Worker
Outreach Worker
Prison Programme Coordinator
Rehabilitation Field Officer
Rehabilitation Worker
Reintegration Officer
Residential Social Worker
Residential and Caregiver Service Worker
School Social Worker
Strengthening Families Worker
Voluntary Worker
CSW
Rehabilitation Adviser
Resident Social Worker
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Worker

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	Social Worker: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence). Only the named role qualifies, with INZ's qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.	Green List guide

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 272511

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 272511. 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
272511	Social Worker	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 Social Worker?

Social Worker is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 272511, in unit group 2725 Social Workers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Social Worker?

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. 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 Social Worker on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Social Worker (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 272511. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.

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).