National Occupation List occupation

Agronomist: NOL code 234116

Agronomist is occupation 234116 on the National Occupation List (NOL) V3.0, Stats NZ's New Zealand occupation classification, at NOL skill level 1. It has no ANZSCO 1.3 code of its own: Stats NZ maps it to ANZSCO 234112 Agricultural Scientist.

NOL code
234116
Skill level
1
INZ accepts for an AEWV
Not yet
Equivalent ANZSCO 1.3 code
234112 Agricultural Scientist (skill level 1)

Agronomist: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

Stats NZ describes the requirement for NOL skill level 1 as:

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 an agronomist do?

Conducts research into field crops and grasses, and analyses data to determine optimal plant growth conditions and production methods. Studies plant germination, growth, disease and pest resistance to improve the quality, yields and output of crops. Studies the effects of various agricultural practices on pant growth and development including environmental and sustainability impacts.

What this occupation means for New Zealand visas

Immigration New Zealand accepts only the NOL occupations on its published list, and only for an AEWV or job check. Agronomist is not on that list as at 31 October 2026, so every visa currently uses the equivalent ANZSCO occupation and its skill level. INZ's NOL list.

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

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.

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: Soil and plant scientist .

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 NOL code for Agronomist?

Agronomist is occupation 234116 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 234112 Agricultural Scientist.

What skill level is Agronomist?

NOL skill level 1, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. 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).

Can I use NOL code 234116 for a work visa?

Not yet. Immigration New Zealand accepts only the NOL occupations on its published list for an AEWV or job check, and Agronomist is not on it as at 31 October 2026. Use the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code instead.

Other NOL occupations with the same ANZSCO equivalent

Browse the National Occupation List or the ANZSCO code list.

Sources: 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).