Immigration New Zealand now offers eight country‑specific work‑visa schemes for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, with each scheme linked to a set of approved occupations.

For Chinese citizens there are two routes: a Skilled Workers Visa for occupations on an approved skills list, and a Special Work Visa covering chefs, traditional‑medicine practitioners, Mandarin teaching aides, Wushu coaches and tour guides; successful applicants may stay up to three years.

Indian nationals can apply through an Iconic Work Visa or a Skilled Work Visa, both requiring a full‑time job offer in an occupation on the relevant list; the visa permits up to three years of work in the named role for the specified employer and location.

Japanese citizens are eligible for a Japanese Interpreters Work Visa, designed for qualified interpreters employed in New Zealand’s tourism sector.

The Philippines Special Work Visa targets registered nurses, farm managers and engineering professionals, while South Korean nationals can apply under a scheme for occupations listed on the Korean‑specific approved list.

Across all eight schemes, applicants must hold citizenship of the relevant country, secure a confirmed full‑time job offer in an eligible occupation, and satisfy the qualification, training or experience requirements for that role.

Visa holders must also comply with any employer‑specific conditions, including job location and permitted period of employment, as the pathways are not general work permits for all citizens of the eight countries.

Immigration New Zealand advises prospective applicants to verify the latest eligibility criteria directly with the department before accepting a job offer or submitting an application.