Under this policy, a maximum of 1000 skilled Chinese workers at any one time may be granted temporary employment for up to three years, in specified occupations where New Zealand has a skills shortage. Entry will be limited to no more than 100 workers in each occupation at any one time.
There are currently places available under this policy.
Requirements you must meet
In addition to meeting our good health and good character requirements you must show us evidence that you meet the qualification (and any other requirements) for one of the following occupations.
| Occupation |
Requirements
Qualifications must be comparable to the standard of the New Zealand qualification listed. |
| Auditor |
Degree level (Level 7) qualification majoring in accountancy and membership with New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) |
| Automotive electrician |
National Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 4) or National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Electrical Engineering) (Level 4) |
| Boatbuilder |
National Certificate in Boatbuilding (Level 4) |
| Computer Applications |
Engineer Degree level (Level 7) qualification majoring in computer science, information science or information technology and three years of relevant work experience |
| Design Engineer – Electronics / Product Engineer |
Degree level (Level 7) qualification majoring in electronics, computer science or telecommunications and three years of relevant work experience with at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in the past 18 months |
| Diesel Mechanic |
National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Heavy Engineering) (Level 4) |
| Early Childhood Teacher |
A qualification in Early Childhood Education (ages 0-5) at a minimum of Level 7 which is approved by the New Zealand Teachers Council, and NZ registration |
| Electronics Technician |
National Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) (Electronics), or relevant degree-level qualification (Level 7) (for example, BTech in Electronics, BSc or BE) and three years' work experience and at least 12 months' relevant work experience in the past 18 months |
| Electrician |
New Zealand Electrical Registration |
| Film Animator |
Degree level qualification (Level 7) in one of the following: Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Software Engineering or Film, specialising in multimedia, computer graphics, digital design, computer programming or software development |
| Fitter and Turner |
National Certificate in Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering (Level 5) or National Certificate in Engineering, Machining and Toolmaking (Level 5) |
| Fitter / Welder |
National Certificate in Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering (Level 5) or National Certificate in Engineering - Fabrication with strands in Welding or Heavy Fabrication (Level 5) |
| Medical Diagnostic Radiographer / Medical Radiation Therapist |
Bachelor in Health Science specialising in Medical Radiation Therapy or specialising in Medical Imaging and New Zealand registration |
| Motor Mechanic |
National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Engineering) (Level 4) |
| Plumber |
New Zealand Plumbing Registration |
| Registered Nurse |
Bachelor of Nursing or Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing, diploma or hospital based certificate and NZ registration |
| Senior Test Analyst |
Degree level (Level 7) tertiary qualification (e.g. BTech in Electronics, BSc or BE) and three years' work experience with at least 12 months relevant work experience in the past 18 months |
| Structural Engineer |
Degree level (Level 7) qualification and registered on the International Professional Engineers Register or Asia Pacific Economic Co-Operation (APEC) Engineers Register or a Washington Accord accredited engineering degree |
| University and Higher Education Lecturer and/or Tutor |
Masters Degree or PhD |
| Veterinarian |
Bachelor of Veterinary Science approved by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and registration with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand |
Requirements your employer must meet
Your New Zealand employer must provide an offer of employment for up to three years in your occupation.
The job offer must be for genuine, sustainable and full-time employment for the duration of the period for which employment is offered, as specified in the proposed employment agreement.
Your employer must have previously complied and will comply in future with all relevant New Zealand employment and immigration law and immigration policy provisions.
If you are approved
If you are approved, you may be granted a work permit for up to three years, depending on the length of your job offer.
If you are granted a work permit for less than three years, you may apply for a further visa or permit for the balance of the period, as long as you still meet all the requirements of this policy.
If you work the full three years in New Zealand and later wish to return here under this policy, you will need to remain outside of New Zealand for at least three years before you can apply again.
Apply
To be approved under this policy you must meet all the requirements. Find out how to apply. If you do not meet the requirements for this policy, you may be eligible under the Essential Skills work policy.