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🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Bricklayer
Immigration to New Zealand

Lay bricks, blocks, and masonry units to construct walls, floors, fireplaces, and structural features across NZ building sites.

ANZSCO Code
331111
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$55,000 – NZ$88,000
Visa Pathway
AEWV Eligible

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About This Occupation in New Zealand

🔵 AEWV Eligible — Skill Level 3

This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.

Bricklayers and Blocklayers are in solid demand across New Zealand's residential and commercial construction sector. ANZSCO 331111 is a Skill Level 3 occupation qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa. New Zealand's construction boom, driven by housing shortages particularly in Auckland and Wellington, creates sustained demand for masonry tradespeople. European and South African-trained bricklayers are particularly valued for high-standard block work.

NZ Salary Range for Bricklayer

NZ$55,000 – NZ$88,000
Experienced bricklayers and those working on commercial projects earn toward the top. Self-employed contractors earn significantly more.

Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.

Visa Pathways for Bricklayer

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Skill Level 3 — 5-year visa, no English test
  • Meets NZ median wage

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ work experience
  • SMC points threshold met
ANZSCO Skill Level 3 Skill Level 3 — Trade qualification or AQF Certificate IV
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 3 is eligible for the 5-year AEWV maximum)
English evidence: Not required for Skill Level 1–3 occupations
Partner work visa: Available if earning ≥ NZ$28.00/hr (from March 2026)
Dependent children: Eligible if family income ≥ NZ$55,844/year

Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026

Required Qualifications

  • Trade qualification in bricklaying/blocklaying (apprenticeship or equivalent)
  • Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience
  • Experience with NZ-standard block work, cavity construction, and reinforced masonry (preferred)

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ licensing. BRANZ technical knowledge is valued. Site Safe health & safety card expected on construction sites.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Bricklayer

1
Gather trade qualification documents and work references from bricklaying employers
2
Target construction companies, masonry subcontractors, and tiling/block laying specialists
3
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
4
Employer submits Job Check for Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331111)
5
Apply for 5-year AEWV and enter NZ

Is Bricklayer on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Bricklayer get AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331111) is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa, no English test, and partner/dependent eligibility.

Is bricklaying in demand in NZ?

Yes. NZ faces a chronic housing shortage, particularly in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, and Tauranga. Commercial construction and infrastructure also drives masonry demand through to 2030.

Do I need a NZ trade licence as a bricklayer?

No mandatory NZ licensing for bricklayers. You'll need a Site Safe card for most construction sites. A BRANZ-recognised trade qualification demonstrates competency to employers.

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