🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Electrical Linesworker
Immigration to New Zealand

Electrical Linesworkers install, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical distribution and transmission lines. NZ's ageing grid infrastructure and renewable energy expansion create sustained demand.

ANZSCO Code
342411
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$60,000 – NZ$90,000
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.

Electrical Linesworkers construct, maintain, and repair overhead and underground high-voltage electrical distribution and transmission networks. They work for electricity network companies, contractors, and utilities across NZ, often in outdoor and remote environments. **What the work involves:** Overhead line construction and maintenance (HV/LV), underground cable installation and jointing, transformer and switchgear work, fault response and emergency restoration, working at heights on power poles and towers. **Where the demand is:** Lines companies (Orion, Vector, WEL Networks, PowerCo), electrical contracting firms, and network maintenance contractors. Demand is nationwide, with particular activity in rural network upgrades and renewable energy grid connections. **AEWV pathway:** Electrical Linesworker (ANZSCO 342411) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3 — qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement from an accredited employer.

NZ Salary Range for Electrical Linesworker

NZ$60,000 – NZ$90,000
Overhead linesworkers in remote areas and those with HV jointing qualifications earn toward the top. Overtime and call-out rates are common.

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 Electrical Linesworker

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Skill Level 3 — 5-year visa
  • 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 apprenticeship
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 certificate in electrical engineering (lines) or equivalent linesworking apprenticeship
  • High voltage switching authorisation and live-line qualifications preferred
  • EWRB registration required in NZ — overseas electricians may need to apply for recognition

Registration / Licensing: Electrical linesworkers in NZ must hold appropriate EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board) registration. Overseas qualifications are assessed for equivalence. Contact EWRB before applying.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Electrical Linesworker

1
Check EWRB overseas registration requirements and begin assessment process
2
Document HV qualifications, switching authorities, and types of networks worked on
3
Target NZ electricity lines companies and electrical contracting firms
4
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa, no English test

Is Electrical Linesworker on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can an Electrical Linesworker get an AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Electrical Linesworker (ANZSCO 342411) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV. However, you will need EWRB registration to work legally on NZ electrical networks.

Do I need NZ registration to work as a linesworker?

Yes — the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registers linesworkers. Overseas qualifications from Australia, UK, and other countries can be assessed for equivalence. Start this process before applying for jobs.

Is there demand for linesworkers in NZ?

Yes — NZ has a significant shortage of linesworkers. Ageing grid infrastructure, renewable energy grid connections, and network maintenance all require experienced people. Lines companies regularly recruit from overseas.

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