ANZSCO 1.3 occupation
Software Tester is occupation 261314 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 2613 Software and Applications Programmers.
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 and/or relevant vendor certification 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 261314 is "Software Tester" 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.
Specifies, develops and writes test plans and test scripts, produces test cases, carries out regression testing, and uses automated test software applications to test the behaviour, functionality and integrity of computer software, and documents the results of tests in defect reports and related documentation.
Tasks for unit group 2613 Software and Applications Programmers include:
| 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 | Software Tester: 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.
Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 261314. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 261314 | Software Tester | 1 | Not yet |
| 261324 | Penetration and Vulnerability Tester | 1 | Not yet |
Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Test analyst .
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.
Software Tester is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 261314, in unit group 2613 Software and Applications Programmers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.
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 and/or relevant vendor certification 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.
Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Software Tester (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 261314. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.
Browse every skill level 1 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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