ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Sound Technician: ANZSCO code 399516

Sound Technician is occupation 399516 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 3995 Performing Arts Technicians.

ANZSCO code: 399516
Skill level: 3
Unit group: 3995 Performing Arts Technicians
Green List: No

Sound Technician: 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.

Under the National Occupation List, code 399516 is "Audio Engineer" at NOL skill level 2: NZQCF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 5-6/NOL Skill Level 2).

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 sound technician do?

Operates audio equipment to record, enhance, mix and amplify sound in support of television, radio, film or video productions, or stage performances.

Tasks for unit group 3995 Performing Arts Technicians include:

Operating microwave equipment to transmit video information to transmitter sites and receiving video signals from remote locations
Maintaining and repairing radio and television transmitters and associated equipment
Selecting and attaching equipment to cameras, positioning cameras, and following the action of scenes being photographed while adjusting controls
Positioning equipment, such as spotlights, floodlights and cables, and operating lights during filming, broadcasting and stage performances
Applying and retouching make up during shooting and performance, including special effects make up such as scars and wounds
Designing and making musical instruments and instrument parts using specially selected materials and techniques similar to those used in cabinetmaking, metal pipe making, silversmithing and wood carving, and tuning and repairing musical instruments
Setting up and adjusting equipment such as microphones, and operating sound mixing consoles and associated equipment to regulate volume and sound quality
Selecting and setting up television recording, editing and mixing equipment, and adjusting and monitoring their operation

Other job titles under ANZSCO 399516

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

Audio Operator
Dubbing Machine Operator
Foley Artist
Re-recording Mixer
Sound Editor
Sound Effects Person
Sound Mixer
Sound Recordist
Video and Sound Recorder
Sound Operator
Sound Specialist
Senior Audio Artist
Senior Audio Designer
Audio Engineer

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 399516

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 399516. 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
399516	Audio Engineer	2	Not yet
399522	Foley Artist	2	From 3 November 2025

Not sure this is your occupation?

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Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Sound Technician?

Sound Technician is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 399516, in unit group 3995 Performing Arts Technicians. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Sound Technician?

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.

Is Sound Technician on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 399516 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).