To help you make sure you have everything you need to apply, please use our checklist and follow the steps to apply.

Complete the form

Print and complete the Work Visa Application for China Skilled Work Instructions (INZ 1158) PDF.

Also available is the Work Visa Guide (INZ 1016) PDF, which will help you to apply, and the Guide to Special China Temporary Class Visas (INZ 1157) PDF which explains the categories in detail.  If you cannot print the form and guide, they are available from our Beijing or Shanghai branch.

Submit the fee and evidence we require

With your application form you must submit:

• the correct fee 
• your passport or travel document (this must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand) 
• Two recent passport-size photographs attached to the form at the section indicated.

If you do not submit the required information with your application we cannot accept it for processing. This is the only evidence for which you need to provide original documents. For all other evidence, please supply photocopies only, as the documents will not be returned to you.

In addition you must provide copies of:

• the qualifications you hold relevant to the job you have been offered
• any evidence of work experience you have gained relevant to the job you have been offered.

There may be additional requirements you must meet. The branch in Beijing or Shanghai will be able to advise you of any special requirements.

Submit evidence of your offer of full-time employment

One of the main requirements for this category is an offer of full-time employment, which must be in an occupation listed in:

• the China Special Work Instructions or
• the China Skilled Workers Instructions.

Submit evidence of registration if necessary

Certain occupations require full or provisional registration in New Zealand. If your occupation is one of them, you must be registered or prove that you can meet the requirements for registration.

Submit evidence of registration if necessary

Certain occupations require full or provisional registration in New Zealand. If your occupation is one of them, you must be registered or prove that you can meet the requirements for registration.

Submit evidence that you meet our health requirements

The evidence that you need to supply depends on how long you intend to work in New Zealand.

Working for more than six months but less than a year

You must provide a completed X-ray Certificate for Temporary Entry  (INZ 1096) PDF.

Working for more than a year

You must provide a completed Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1007) PDF.

Pregnant women and children under the age of 11 years are not required to submit X-ray certificates unless a special report is required.

For full details on health requirements, see our guide Health Requirements (INZ 1121) PDF.

Submit evidence that you meet character requirements

If you are applying for a work visa for two years or more, you must provide a police certificate, less than six months old, from your country of citizenship and from any country in which you have lived for five or more years since reaching 17 years of age.

Lodge your application

Applications lodged under one of these categories must be submitted to either the Beijing or Shanghai branch of Immigration New Zealand. Find out which of those offices you should send your application to.

More about applying for a visa

For more information about getting your documents together, how long the application process might take, and what you can expect from us, see more about applying for a visa.