New Zealand Opens New Work Visa Routes for Indians Under Trade Deal

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force on 20 October 2026, opening new temporary work and study-to-work routes for Indian citizens in New Zealand. The deal covers two new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories, expanded post-study work rights for some Indian graduates and a new working holiday scheme.

Key facts

• FTA in force from 20 October 2026
• Two new TEE visa categories open to Indian applicants from that date
• Up to 5,000 TEE visa holders allowed in New Zealand at any one time
• TEE visas valid for 3 years, with no pathway to residence
• From 16 November 2026, Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs can get post-study work visas of up to four years
• Working holiday scheme for Indians aged 18–30 to launch within two years, capped at 1,000 places a year

What work visa pathways are being added?

From 20 October 2026, two TEE visa categories are available to Indian applicants. One covers highly skilled occupations, and the other covers a small number of professions described as iconic to India: yoga instructor, Indian chef, music teacher and AYUSH practitioner.

The agreement allows up to 5,000 TEE visa holders to be in New Zealand at any one time. Most places go to skilled occupations already identified on New Zealand's Green List. TEE visas are valid for 3 years and do not provide a pathway to residence.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must meet all relevant immigration requirements. These include holding a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer, meeting the relevant qualification and English language requirements, and meeting health, character and identity requirements.

The agreement states that the new pathways will operate within New Zealand's existing immigration framework, and visa holders must continue to meet the relevant requirements. No visa fees are stated.

What changes for students and graduates?

From 16 November 2026, Indian graduates holding New Zealand PhDs become eligible for post-study work visas of up to four years, instead of three years.

Eligible students of all nationalities, including Indian students, can currently work up to 25 hours a week while studying. If policy settings change in future, the FTA commits to 20 hours of in-study work a week for Indian students.

What is the new working holiday scheme?

A working holiday scheme for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 will be introduced within two years of the FTA entering into force. It will be capped at 1,000 places annually, and successful applicants will be able to spend up to 12 months in New Zealand. No exact launch date has been announced.

What this means for travellers

Indian citizens interested in the new TEE routes can check whether their occupation falls under the highly skilled category or the four listed iconic professions, and confirm they have a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer before applying. Indian PhD graduates planning post-study work should note the four-year maximum applies from 16 November 2026. Anyone considering the working holiday scheme will need to wait for further details on its opening date.

Further updates on the agreement's visa commitments are expected as details are confirmed, including the timing of the working holiday scheme.