National Occupation List occupation

Oyster Process Worker: NOL code 831321

Oyster Process Worker is occupation 831321 on the National Occupation List (NOL) V3.0, Stats NZ's New Zealand occupation classification, at NOL skill level 5. It has no ANZSCO 1.3 code of its own: Stats NZ maps it to ANZSCO 831313 Seafood Process Worker.

NOL code
831321
Skill level
5
INZ accepts for an AEWV
Not yet
Equivalent ANZSCO 1.3 code
831313 Seafood Process Worker (skill level 5)

Oyster Process Worker: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

Stats NZ describes the requirement for NOL skill level 5 as:

NZQCF Level 1 qualification, or compulsory secondary education (NZQCF Level 1/NOL Skill Level 5).

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 oyster process worker do?

Opens or shucks oyster to remove the top shell with a knife, ensuring minimal damage to meat, removing any defects, cleaning meat and shell, and checking for good quality. May operate packaging machinery.

Other job titles under NOL 831321

Job titles Stats NZ lists under this occupation:

  • Oyster Opener

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. Oyster Process Worker 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 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

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: Meat and seafood process worker .

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 Oyster Process Worker?

Oyster Process Worker is occupation 831321 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 831313 Seafood Process Worker.

What skill level is Oyster Process Worker?

NOL skill level 5, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQCF Level 1 qualification, or compulsory secondary education (NZQCF Level 1/NOL Skill Level 5).

Can I use NOL code 831321 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 Oyster Process Worker is not on it as at 31 October 2026. Use the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code instead.

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).