National Occupation List occupation
Urban Forester is occupation 362215 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 362212 Arborist.
Stats NZ describes the requirement for NOL skill level 2 as:
NZQCF 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.
An Urban Forester is a qualified Arborist who is responsible for the long-term care and management of trees. Duties include the application of a management plan including planting, pruning, protecting, and removal programs for public and private trees and associated vegetation; budget preparation; and interaction with the community (both public and private), politicians, and other agencies. Urban forester activities may also encompass forestry, ecology, hydrology, atmospheric science, energy, and stormwater control.
\u2022 Tree Reports
\u2022 Specialist assessment and advice on individual trees
\u2022 Provides strategic planning for urban forest development, protection and management
\u2022 Designs and manages green infrastructure development in urban and rural areas
\u2022 Works with allied professionals such as Urban and Regional Planners, Landscape Architects and Environmental Consultants
\u2022 Liaises for infrastructure design and development
\u2022 Liaising with Engineers
\u2022 GIS Mapping (LIDAR)
\u2022 Use of advanced instruments for diagnosing Tree Health and Structure (sonic tomography)
Immigration New Zealand accepts Urban Forester (362215) 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 | 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.
Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Arborist .
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.
Urban Forester is occupation 362215 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 362212 Arborist.
NOL skill level 2, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQCF 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 Urban Forester (362215) 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).
Prefer to talk? Call +64 22 112 1112