India–New Zealand free trade agreement brings new visa commitments
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has entered into force, introducing new temporary work visa pathways and commitments affecting Indian students, graduates and working-holiday applicants.
Key points
- ✓Two Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories are available from 20 October 2026 for highly skilled occupations and selected professions associated with India.
- ✓The TEE pathways allow up to 5,000 visa holders in New Zealand at one time, with most places allocated to occupations on New Zealand's Green List.
- ✓TEE applicants must meet relevant requirements, including a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer, and the visas are valid for 3 years with no pathway to residence.
- ✓From 16 November 2026, eligible Indian graduates with a New Zealand PhD can qualify for a post-study work visa of up to 4 years, increased from 3 years.
- ✓A working-holiday scheme for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 is due within 2 years, with up to 1,000 places each year and stays of up to 12 months.
- ✓The FTA commits to 20 hours of in-study work a week for Indian students if policy settings change; eligible students currently can work up to 25 hours a week.
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force on 20 October 2026. Immigration New Zealand says the agreement includes new visa commitments intended to support New Zealand's economic and workforce needs.
Two Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories are available from 20 October 2026. They cover highly skilled occupations and a small number of professions considered iconic to India. The pathways allow up to 5,000 TEE visa holders in New Zealand at any one time, with most places allocated to skilled occupations already identified on New Zealand's Green List.
TEE applicants must meet relevant immigration requirements. These include holding a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer, meeting applicable qualification and English language requirements, and satisfying health, character and identity requirements. The visas are valid for 3 years and do not provide a pathway to residence.
From 16 November 2026, eligible Indian graduates who have completed a PhD in New Zealand will be able to qualify for a post-study work visa of up to 4 years, rather than 3 years.
Eligible students of all nationalities, including Indian students, can currently work up to 25 hours each week while studying. If policy settings change in the future, the FTA commits to 20 hours of in-study work each week for Indian students.
A new working-holiday scheme for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 is due to be introduced within 2 years of the FTA entering into force. It will be capped at 1,000 places annually and allow successful applicants to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
These pathways operate within New Zealand's immigration framework, and applicants must continue to meet the relevant requirements. Details and application guidance are available from Immigration New Zealand. Check INZ's current information before making plans, as visa criteria and settings can change.
Information on this page is for general guidance only. Always refer to Immigration New Zealand for authoritative requirements.
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