National Occupation List occupation
Joinery Machinist is occupation 394215 on the National Occupation List (NOL) V3.0, Stats NZ's New Zealand occupation classification, at NOL skill level 3. It has no ANZSCO 1.3 code of its own: Stats NZ maps it to ANZSCO 394213 Wood Machinist and 711314 Other Wood Processing Machine Operator.
Stats NZ describes the requirement for NOL skill level 3 as:
NZQCF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 4/NOL Skill Level 3).
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.
The Joinery Machinist role is to precisely machine timber joinery components according to detailed specifications while ensuring adherence to product quality standards. This position involves operating specialized machinery, such as multi-head planers and spindle moulders, to manufacture critical timber profiles used in creating solid joinery items like stairs, windows, doors, and furniture. The Joinery Machinist plays a vital role in maintaining productivity and safety in the workshop, while also following established working practices and procedures to uphold the integrity of the manufacturing process.
Immigration New Zealand accepts Joinery Machinist (394215) for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or job check from 3 November 2025, at NOL skill level 3. For any other visa, including the Skilled Migrant Category, INZ requires the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code instead, so the rows below use the ANZSCO level for those visas. 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 | 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 |
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 links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Woodworking machine operator .
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.
Joinery Machinist is occupation 394215 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 394213 Wood Machinist or 711314 Other Wood Processing Machine Operator.
NOL skill level 3, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQCF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 4/NOL Skill Level 3).
Yes, for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or job check: Immigration New Zealand accepts Joinery Machinist (394215) from 3 November 2025. For any other visa, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, INZ requires the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code instead.
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).
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