New Zealand opens new work visas for Indians under trade deal from 20 October

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force on 20 October 2026, bringing new work visa options for Indian professionals, longer post-study work rights for some Indian graduates and a planned working holiday scheme for young Indian nationals.

The deal adds two Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories, while also setting out commitments on in-study work rights for Indian students in New Zealand.

Key facts

• FTA in force from 20 October 2026; TEE visa pathways available from that date
• Up to 5,000 TEE visa holders in New Zealand at any one time
• TEE visas valid for three years, with no pathway to residence
• Indian PhD graduates: post-study work visas of up to four years from 16 November 2026
• Working holiday scheme planned for Indian citizens aged 18 to 30, capped at 1,000 places a year, stays of up to 12 months

What are the new work visa categories?

The agreement creates two TEE visa categories covering highly skilled occupations and a limited number of professions considered iconic to India. Under the new pathways, up to 5,000 visa holders can be in New Zealand at any one time.

Most of those places are set to go to skilled occupations already on New Zealand's Green List. TEE visas will be valid for three years and will not provide a pathway to residence, so holders will not gain a route to permanent residence through these visas alone.

Who can apply and what are the requirements?

The TEE pathways sit within New Zealand's existing immigration framework, and applicants must still meet the country's immigration requirements. These include a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer, the relevant qualification and English language requirements, and health, character and identity checks.

The agreement does not automatically grant work or residence rights to Indian citizens, and visa holders must continue to meet the relevant eligibility and visa conditions.

What changes for Indian students and graduates?

From 16 November 2026, Indian graduates who complete PhDs in New Zealand will be eligible for post-study work visas of up to four years, up from the current maximum of three years. The longer period applies specifically to Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs.

On in-study work rights, eligible students of all nationalities, including Indians, can currently work up to 25 hours a week while studying. If New Zealand changes that policy in future, the FTA commits the country to allowing Indian students to work at least 20 hours a week during their studies.

What is the working holiday scheme?

The agreement provides for a new working holiday scheme for Indian citizens aged 18 to 30. It will be introduced within two years of the FTA coming into force and will be capped at 1,000 places annually, with successful applicants allowed to spend up to 12 months in New Zealand under a temporary arrangement.

What this means for travellers

Indian professionals considering New Zealand can now look at the two TEE categories, but will need a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer before applying, and should note the three-year validity and the absence of a residence pathway. Indian PhD graduates planning their post-study timeline can work towards the four-year option available from 16 November 2026, while young travellers aged 18 to 30 should watch for the launch of the working holiday scheme.

The exact launch date of the working holiday scheme has not been announced; it is due to be introduced within two years of the FTA entering into force.