National Occupation List occupation
Sous Chef is occupation 351315 on the National Occupation List (NOL) V3.0, Stats NZ's New Zealand occupation classification, at NOL skill level 2. It has no ANZSCO 1.3 code of its own: Stats NZ maps it to ANZSCO 351311 Chef.
Stats NZ describes the requirement for NOL skill level 2 as:
NZQCF Level 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.
Usually working alongside or reporting to the Head Chef, they are responsible for a variety of tasks, including managing kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, assisting the Head Chef or Executive Chef in planning menus, and ensuring food safety and quality.
Job titles Stats NZ lists under this occupation:
Immigration New Zealand accepts Sous Chef (351315) for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or job check from 9 March 2026, at NOL skill level 2. 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 | 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 | Its ANZSCO equivalent is on the SMC amber list. Available with additional requirements: amber list occupations can use this pathway, but not the Trades and Technician pathway. | Amber list guide |
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: Chef .
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.
Sous Chef is occupation 351315 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 351311 Chef.
NOL skill level 2, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQCF Level Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 5-6/NOL Skill Level 2)
Yes, for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or job check: Immigration New Zealand accepts Sous Chef (351315) from 9 March 2026. 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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