From October 14, 2024, changes to visa caps for the China Special Work Visa will align the visa with the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement upgrade. This means that 200 visas will be available to Chinese tourism specialists rather than Chinese tour guides. Separately from the FTA Upgrade, the qualification requirements for Chinese chefs are also broadened to allow them to hold a Certificate of Occupational Skill Level (COSL) Level 3 in traditional Chinese cuisine.
Background
The 2008 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement allowed up to 800 non-labour market tested work visas for Chinese nationals in five specific occupations: Chinese chefs, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Mandarin teacher’s aides, Wushu martial arts coaches, and Chinese tour guides. These work visas have a maximum duration of three years, after which individuals must remain outside New Zealand for three years before reapplying for a visa under this category.
The New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement was upgraded in 2018. As part of this upgrade, visa caps for these occupations were reallocated, taking effect from April 2022. This increased the number of visas available for Chinese Tour Guides from 100 to 200 and Mandarin Teachers’ Aides from 150 to 300, while decreasing allocations for lesser-used categories, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Wushu Martial Arts Coaches. The Chinese Tour Guides category was also broadened to ‘Chinese Tourism Specialist’ to make it easier for New Zealand businesses to hire staff through this visa category.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.