National Occupation List occupation
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot is occupation 231115 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 231199 Air Transport Professionals nec.
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.
Operates and flies unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS), drones or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) using remote control for purposes such as aerial photography, spatial surveying, search and rescue. Monitors UAV or drone performance and systems including navigation and camera systems. Ensures compliance with safety and legal regulations. May work in film and media, agriculture, construction or emergency services sectors.
Job titles Stats NZ lists under this occupation:
Immigration New Zealand accepts only the NOL occupations on its published list, and only for an AEWV or job check. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot 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.
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.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot is occupation 231115 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 231199 Air Transport Professionals nec.
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).
Not yet. Immigration New Zealand accepts only the NOL occupations on its published list for an AEWV or job check, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot 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).
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