Two new visa categories, a new working holiday scheme and expanded post-study work visas unveiled
Up to 5,000 Indian nationals will be granted entry to New Zealand for up to three years through two new visa categories under the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The FTA, which took effect on 20 October, includes two new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories that will allow visa holders to travel in and out of New Zealand at any one time for up to three years.
The first TEE visa is the India Iconic Work Visa, which is available to up to 100 yoga instructors, 250 Indian chefs, 50 music teachers, and 200 AYUSH practitioners.
"The length of your stay will depend on the length of your job offer. The total time you can stay on one or more India Iconic Work Visas is three years. If you get a visa for less than three years, you can apply for another visa for the rest of the time," said Immigration New Zealand on its website.
The second TEE visa is the India Skilled Work Visa, which is available to up to 4,400 individuals at any one time. It is focused on some highly skilled roles, including software engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, registered nurses, and physiotherapists, among others.
Immigration NZ said visa applicants should meet all requirements, including having a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer and meeting relevant qualification, English-language, health, character and identity requirements.
Other commitments under the FTA
Meanwhile, New Zealand said it will extend post-study work visas to four years for Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs, starting 16 November.
"Eligible students of all nationalities, including Indian students, can currently work up to 25 hours each week while studying. Should policy settings change in the future, the FTA confirms a commitment of 20 hours in-study work each week for Indian students," Immigration NZ said.
A new working holiday scheme for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 will also be introduced, according to the agency.
The new scheme is expected to be introduced within two years of the FTA coming into force. It will be capped at 1,000 places annually and will allow successful applicants to spend up to 12 months in New Zealand.
The new commitments fall under the India-New Zealand FTA, which also removes tariffs on more than half of New Zealand's exports to India.
"We launched talks in March 2025 and, by working harder and faster, concluded them in just nine months. That's a record for India on a comprehensive trade agreement, and it's one of the highest quality deals they've signed. Today, just 19 months after we started, it's in force and working for exporters," said New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay in a statement.
