New Zealand work and study visa routes open to Indian nationals under trade deal

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026, bringing new visa commitments aimed at supporting New Zealand's economic and workforce needs. Two new work visa categories for eligible Indian nationals took effect immediately, with further changes for graduates and young travellers scheduled later.

Key facts

• Agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026
• Two new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories, effective immediately
• Up to 5,000 TEE visa holders in New Zealand at any one time
• Indian PhD graduates' post-study work visas extended to up to four years from 16 November 2026
• Working holiday scheme for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30, with up to 1,000 places a year, to be introduced within two years of entry into force

What work visas are available now?

Two new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories are open to eligible Indian nationals with effect from the agreement's entry into force. One covers highly skilled occupations; the other covers a limited number of professions considered iconic to India.

The categories allow up to 5,000 TEE visa holders to be in New Zealand at any one time, with most places allocated to occupations on New Zealand's Green List. Applicants must have a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer and meet the applicable qualification, English language, health, character and identity requirements.

What changes for Indian graduates?

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

The agreement also commits New Zealand to maintaining at least 20 hours of weekly in-study work rights for Indian students if policy settings change. Eligible students of all nationalities can currently work up to 25 hours per week while studying.

Is a working holiday scheme included?

Yes. New Zealand will introduce a working holiday scheme for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 within two years of the agreement entering into force. It will offer up to 1,000 places annually and allow stays of up to 12 months.

The source does not state a specific opening date or application procedure for the scheme.

How does this compare with the earlier announcement?

When the agreement was concluded on 7 January 2026, the framework described at that stage was for up to an average of 1,667 skilled, non-renewable three-year work visas per year for Indian nationals in priority occupations, including healthcare, education, information technology and engineering, aligned with New Zealand's Green List. The working holiday component was also flagged then, for up to 1,000 visas annually.

What this means for travellers

Indian nationals considering skilled work in New Zealand can now look at the two new TEE categories, checking whether their occupation falls on the Green List or within the limited professions considered iconic to India, and whether they have a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer.

Indian PhD graduates from New Zealand institutions should note the change taking effect on 16 November 2026. Young travellers aged 18 to 30 interested in the working holiday scheme will need to wait for its introduction within two years of the agreement's entry into force.

No date has been announced for the working holiday scheme's launch beyond that two-year window.