🪵
🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Joiner
Immigration to New Zealand

Joiners manufacture and install doors, windows, stairs, and architectural timber elements. NZ's construction and renovation boom keeps joinery firms busy and short-staffed.

ANZSCO Code
394212
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$48,000 – NZ$70,000
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.

Joiners manufacture and install architectural timber products including windows, doors, stairs, balustrades, and custom joinery. They work in joinery factories producing standard products, or on-site fitting bespoke architectural elements in high-end residential and commercial builds. **What the work involves:** Reading drawings and producing cutting lists, machine operation (spindle moulders, tenoners, panel saws), bench joinery, timber finishing, on-site installation and fitting of doors, windows, stairs, and architectural timber. **Where the demand is:** Joinery factories, architectural woodwork companies, and building contractors. NZ's construction sector (housing, commercial fitout, hospitality refurbishments) underpins consistent demand. Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown (luxury residential) are key markets. **AEWV pathway:** Joiner (ANZSCO 394212) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3 — qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement from an accredited employer.

NZ Salary Range for Joiner

NZ$48,000 – NZ$70,000
Architectural and bespoke joiners command higher rates. Factory supervisors and estimators earn above the typical range.

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 Joiner

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 joinery or furniture making (apprenticeship equivalent)
  • Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience
  • Machine operation skills (panel saw, spindle moulder, CNC router)
  • Knowledge of timber species, joinery hardware, and finishing

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ licensing. New Zealand Master Joiners (NZMJ) membership is common among employers.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Joiner

1
Compile portfolio of joinery work — windows, doors, stairs, and custom architectural elements
2
Target NZ joinery factories, architectural woodwork companies, and premium builders
3
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
4
Employer submits Job Check for Joiner (ANZSCO 394212)
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa, no English test

Is Joiner on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Joiner get an AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Joiner (ANZSCO 394212) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement.

What joinery work is in demand in NZ?

Window and door manufacturing, stair manufacture and installation, kitchen joinery (high-end and production), and architectural timber fitout in luxury residential and commercial builds.

How is NZ joinery different from UK or European joinery?

NZ uses similar timber species to Australia (radiata pine, macrocarpa, rimu). Aluminium-framed windows dominate new builds, but timber joinery is standard in renovations and prestige properties. Most European joinery skills transfer directly.

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