Qualifications for China skilled work occupations

To apply for a visa under the China Skilled Workers Instructions, you will need to have the necessary qualifications and practical experience to work in an occupation that is considered skilled work under the China Skilled Workers Instructions.

Qualifications for work

Qualifications

The specific qualifications, experience and/or registration you will need to be granted a visa under the China Skilled Workers Instructions will depend on your occupation.

The qualifications you need will be listed under your occupation type, along with the level your qualification must be assessed at, for it to be considered comparable to a New Zealand qualification.

If you need New Zealand registration to work in your occupation, we will consider your registration as proof your qualifications are comparable.

Assessing your overseas qualification

You may need to have the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) assess your overseas qualifications to see how they compare with others in the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.

The assessment is called an International Qualification Assessment. If you need one, the results must go into your visa application.

Check if you need to apply for an International Qualification Assessment

Getting overseas qualifications recognised by NZQA – NZQA

Auditor

You must have:

  • a degree majoring in accountancy that is equivalent to level 7 on the NZQF, and
  • membership with New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA).

Become a member | NZICA

Automotive electrician

You must have a qualification that is comparable to the National Certificate in Motor Industry at level 4 on the NZQF in:

  • automotive engineering
  • automotive electrical engineering, or
  • automotive electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Boatbuilder

You must have a qualification that is comparable to the National Certificate in Boatbuilding at level 4 on the NZQF.

Computer applications engineer

You must have:

  • a degree majoring in computer science, information science or information technology that is equivalent to level 7 on the NZQF, and
  • 3 years of relevant work experience.

Design engineers — electronics or product engineer

You must have:

  • a degree majoring in electronics, computer science or telecommunications that is equivalent to level 7 on the NZQF, and
  • 3 years of relevant work experience.

At least 12 months of your work experience must have been in the last 18 months.

Diesel mechanic

You must have a qualification that is comparable to our National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Heavy Engineering), which is at level 4 on the NZQF.

Early childhood teacher

You must have:

  • a qualification in Early Childhood Education for ages 0 to 5  at level 7 on the NZQF and that has been approved by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, and
  • New Zealand registration.

The Teaching Council of  Aotearoa New Zealand registers and certifies teachers working in New Zealand.

Overseas teachers | Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Electronics technician

You must have:

  • a qualification equivalent to our National Diploma in Engineering (Electronics) at level 6 on the NZQF, or
  • a relevant degree at level 7 on the NZQF — for example a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering.

You must also have 3 years of relevant work experience. At least 12 months of your work experience must have been in the last 18 months.

Electrician

You must have:

  • a full or limited certificate from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB), and
  • New Zealand registration.

The EWRB has information about how to register if you trained and worked in another country.

Registration with overseas qualifications or experience | EWRB

Film animator

You must have a degree that is equivalent to level 7 on the NZQF in one of the following:

  • fine arts
  • graphic design
  • computer science
  • software engineering, or
  • film.

You must have specialised in:

  • multimedia
  • computer graphics
  • digital design
  • computer programming, or
  • software development

Fitter and turner

You must have a qualification comparable to a National Certificate at level 5 on the NZQF in:

  • Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering, or
  • Engineering, Machining and Toolmaking.

Fitter or welder

You must have a qualification equivalent to a National Certificate at level 5 on the NZQF in:

  • Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering
  • Engineering — Fabrication with strands in Welding or Heavy Fabrication.

Medical diagnostic radiographer or medical radiation therapist

You must have:

  • a bachelors degree at level 7 in Health Science specialising in medical radiation therapy or medical imaging, and
  • New Zealand registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board.

Registration for overseas trained applicants | Medical Radiation Technologists Board

Motor mechanic

You must have a qualification comparable to the National Certificate at level 4 on the NZCF in Motor Industry (Automotive Engineering).

Plumber

You must have New Zealand Plumbing Registration with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).

Apply for registration | PGDB

Registered nurse

You must have:

  • a bachelors degree in nursing, or
  • the equivalent of a Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing.

You must also have New Zealand registration with Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Register as a nurse | Nursing Council of New Zealand Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa

Senior test analyst

You must have:

  • a relevant degree that is equivalent to level 7 on the NZQF — for example, a Bachelor of Technology in electronics, a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering, and
  • 3 years of relevant work experience.

At least 12 months of your work experience must have been in the last 18 months.

Structural engineer

You must have:

  • a Washington Accord accredited engineering degree, or
  • a relevant degree at level 7 on the NZQF, and:
    • be registered on the International Professional Engineers Register, or
    • the Asia Pacific Economic Co-Operation (APEC) Engineers Register.

University and higher education lecturer or tutor

You must have a:

  • Masters degree, or
  • Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD).

Veterinarian

You must have:

  • a Bachelor of Veterinary Science approved by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, and
  • New Zealand registration with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.

Registration for vets | Veterinary Council of New Zealand