All 200 places for Chinese chefs were filled between October 2008 and September 2011.  Further places will be released in batches, to manage demand.

On 2 April 2012, 33 places will become available. On 8 October 2012, a further 33 places will become available.

Applications for Chinese chefs under the China Special Work Category should be lodged at the Shanghai Branch of INZ. It is expected that the places will fill quickly, so you may wish to contact the Shanghai Branch to see if places are available before you submit your application.

The INZ Beijing and Hong Kong branches, and Visa Applications Centres in China, will NOT accept applications under the China Special Work Category for chefs. All applications should be lodged directly to the Shanghai Branch, in person or by mail/courier, to arrive no earlier than 2 April 2012.

Other applications under the China Special Work Category (for Mandarin teacher's aides, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Wushu coaches and Chinese tour guides) should be submitted to the appropriate New Zealand Visa Application Centre in China.