The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force on 20 October 2026, introducing new employment pathways for Indian professionals, expanded post-study work opportunities for eligible Indian PhD graduates and a future working-holiday scheme.
1. Two Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) Visa Categories
The agreement introduces two visa pathways for eligible Indian citizens: the India Skilled Work Visa and the India Iconic Work Visa.
Combined limit: Up to 5,000 TEE visa holders in New Zealand at any one time.
Visa duration: Up to three years.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet the relevant occupation, job-offer, qualification, English-language, health and character requirements.
Residence pathway: These visas do not provide a direct pathway to residence.
Most places are allocated to skilled occupations already identified on New Zealand’s Green List. Applicants must meet the specific requirements for their chosen category.
2. Extended Post-Study Work for Indian PhD Graduates
From 16 November 2026, eligible Indian graduates who complete a PhD in New Zealand will be able to qualify for post-study work visas of up to four years, compared with the previous three-year arrangement described in the announcement.
3. Student Work Rights Clarification
The FTA includes a commitment to preserve 20 hours of in-study work per week for eligible Indian students if New Zealand changes its future student-work policy settings.
Currently, eligible international students of all nationalities can work up to 25 hours per week during study, subject to their visa conditions. The agreement does not immediately reduce the existing 25-hour allowance.
4. Future Working-Holiday Scheme for Indian Citizens
New Zealand has committed to introducing a working-holiday arrangement for eligible Indian citizens within two years of the FTA entering into force.
Eligible age: 18–30 years.
Annual limit: Up to 1,000 places.
Potential stay: Up to 12 months.
Launch timeframe: Within two years of 20 October 2026.
This scheme is planned for the future and should not be treated as an immediately available visa until applications officially open.
Who Should Pay Attention?
Indian professionals seeking eligible temporary employment, Indian PhD graduates in New Zealand, international students and young adults interested in a future working-holiday opportunity should review the relevant eligibility requirements and implementation dates.
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