ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Waiter: ANZSCO code 431511

Waiter is occupation 431511 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 4, in unit group 4315 Waiters.

ANZSCO code
431511
Skill level
4
Unit group
4315 Waiters
Green List
No

Waiter: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 4. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year 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 431511 is "Waiter" at NOL skill level 4: NZQCF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 2-3/NOL Skill Level 4).

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 waiter do?

Serves food and beverages in a hotel, restaurant, club or dining establishment.

Tasks for unit group 4315 Waiters include:

  • Setting and arranging tables
  • Greeting customers and presenting them with menus and beverage lists
  • Taking orders and relaying them to kitchen and bar staff
  • Serving food and beverages
  • Opening bottles and pouring beverages
  • Clearing tables and returning dishes and cutlery to kitchen
  • Removing empty bottles and used glasses from tables, and refilling and replacing glasses
  • Collecting payments for sales and operating point of sales machines and cash registers
  • May recommend wines to complement food

Other job titles under ANZSCO 431511

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

  • Food and Beverage Attendant
  • Drink Waiter
  • Formal Service Waiter
  • Silver Service Waiter
  • Sommelier
  • Wine Steward
  • Cafe Waiter
  • Cafe Waitress
  • Head Waiter
  • Head Waitress
  • Lounge Assistant
  • Maitre d
  • Maitre d Restaurant
  • Maitred
  • Restaurant Hostess
  • Restaurant Staff
  • Restaurant Worker
  • Steward
  • Tea Attendant
  • Tea Lady
  • Wait Person
  • Waitperson
  • Waitress
  • Wine Waiter
Show 4 more
  • Functions Assistant
  • Waiter Waitress
  • Waiting Staff
  • Wine Attendant

What skill level 4 means for New Zealand visas

Visa rule For this occupation More
Accredited Employer Work Visa: longest visa Up to 3 years for skill level 4 and 5 roles. AEWV guide
AEWV: evidence of English Required for skill level 4 and 5 roles, with limited exemptions. AEWV guide
Supporting a partner's visa A higher wage threshold applies to skill level 4 and 5 roles, with exceptions for some care, transport and Green List roles. Partner of a Worker
Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway Not available: skill level 4 and 5 occupations are excluded. 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 431511

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 431511. 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
431511 Waiter 4 Not yet
431512 Food and Beverage Supervisor 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: Waiter and waitress .

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Waiter?

Waiter is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 431511, in unit group 4315 Waiters. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Waiter?

ANZSCO skill level 4, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification. At least one year 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 Waiter on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 431511 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).