NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION NEWS

New Temporary Visa Deal Between New Zealand & China

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

New Zealand and China have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that will make it easier for New Zealand and Chinese nationals to enter each other's countries for a temporary stay.

In the agreement which came into effect on October 1, 2008, both countries will, within 10 working days, decide on the outcome of a visa application OR advise a date on which the application will be processed.

New Zealand Citizens will enjoy faster processing of visas to china for business purposes. China will also ensure that there is a greater transparency in visa processing, and that procedures are in place so that entry requirements do not become stricter in future.

China has also agreed to extend the maximum stay of New Zealand business visitors to six months, compared to the previous 90 days.

For Chinese business people visiting New Zealand, executives and managers who have been employed with their company for 12 months will be able to transfer to New Zealand for up to 3 years, with the option to extend their stay for another 3 years if required by their company.

New Zealand has also committed to allowing a number of Chinese workers to enter New Zealand for temporary employment, as long as they meet certain qualifications and work experience requirements. Occupations accepted are:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (maximum of 200)
• Chinese Chefs (Maximum of 200)
• Mandarin Teaching Aides (Maximum of 150)
• Wushu Martial Arts Coaches (Maximum of 150)
• Chinese Tour Guides (Maximum of 100)

Applications under this policy must be lodged at either the Beijing or Shanghai branch of Immigration New Zealand.

Other Schemes include a skilled worker visa program that would allow workers to remain in New Zealand for up to 3 years, and a working holiday visa program that must be applied for online. Each program will enable up to 1000 Chinese nationals at any time to live, work and travel in New Zealand.

If you are interested in Visas to New Zealand or would like more information on Skilled Migration, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you.