India–New Zealand FTA: Work, Study and Working Holiday Visas

Information checked: 14 November 2026. The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement took effect on 20 October 2026. Its immigration measures have different start dates. The two India-specific work visas are open; the announced PhD change starts later, while the working-holiday commitment needs separate implementation.

Which changes can you use now?

Skilled work: the job must fit the approved list

The India Skilled Work Visa permits up to 4,400 holders at any one time. Its approved groups cover specified ICT, engineering, construction project management, school teaching, registered nursing and physiotherapy jobs. Allocations are shared within the listed sectors; they are not a separate quota for every job title.

You need Indian citizenship, a current offer from an AEWV-accredited employer for at least 30 hours each week, and the occupation's qualification, experience or registration requirements. English, health, character and genuine intentions also apply. The first application must be made from outside New Zealand.

Use our India Skilled Work Visa guide for the detailed occupation table and AEWV comparison. A related-sounding title or overseas professional registration alone does not establish eligibility.

Iconic work: four defined profession groups

The India Iconic Work Visa covers yoga instructors, Indian chefs, music teachers and AYUSH practitioners. Its concurrent cap is 600: 100 yoga instructors, 250 Indian chefs, 50 music teachers and 200 AYUSH practitioners.

Qualification and experience tests differ. For example, Indian chefs need the specified recognised Indian-cuisine qualification and relevant post-qualification experience. Music teachers and AYUSH practitioners have their own evidence requirements. All applicants still need a qualifying full-time accredited-employer offer and the applicable English, health and character evidence.

Family and long-term plans need a separate assessment

Both India-specific work categories restrict work to the named job, employer and location. The maximum is three years across the two categories, rather than three years on each. After using the maximum, at least three years outside New Zealand are required before another visa in either category.

Neither category supports partner or dependent-child visas based on the relationship to the worker. They do not themselves provide a residence pathway. If family relocation or residence is essential, assess those goals before selecting the temporary route. Our New Zealand residence overview concerns separate categories with separate requirements.

Do not pay an employer or its agent for a job offer. INZ states that offering or promising such a payment can lead to refusal. A visa-place cap is not a list of vacancies or a promise of recruitment.

Study: distinguish the future PhD measure from current conditions

INZ announced up to four years of post-study work for Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs from 16 November 2026. That date is still in the future at this article's review date. It is not a four-year entitlement for every Indian graduate.

The general Post-Study Work Visa remains subject to an eligible New Zealand qualification, study and application-timing requirements. Its current overview describes up to three years. Do not treat a future announcement as an amended grant for an existing holder.

Eligible student visas may permit up to 25 hours of work weekly. The conditions actually granted matter: a holder whose visa still specifies 20 hours must obtain the appropriate variation before working additional hours. The FTA's 20-hour commitment if policy changes is not a direction to reduce a current 25-hour permission.

Working holiday: a commitment is not an open application

The announced scheme concerns Indian nationals aged 18–30, up to 1,000 places annually and stays of up to 12 months, with introduction within two years of the FTA taking effect. No opening date is established by the announcement used here. Do not pay for a claimed place or make travel commitments on an assumed launch.

Official information used

• FTA announcement and implementation dates
• India Skilled Work Visa
• India Iconic Work Visa
• Post-Study Work Visa
• Student visa work conditions

Explore your New Zealand options

Prepare your job offer, qualifications, registration position, English evidence and family priorities for review. Peerless Immigration Services can help organise the assessment and coordinate with a licensed New Zealand adviser where required. No job, visa or residence outcome is guaranteed.

Call +91-8595010514 or email info@peerlessimmigration.com.

Frequently asked questions

What opened on 20 October 2026?

The India Skilled Work Visa and India Iconic Work Visa became available for applicants meeting their respective requirements.

Are there 5,000 new places every year?

No. The combined work-visa limit concerns holders at any one time. It is not an annual invitation allocation or a promise of jobs.

Can I apply without an employer offer?

Not under either India-specific work category. Both require a qualifying offer from an accredited employer.

Can my family obtain dependent visas through these categories?

No. Neither India-specific category supports relationship-based partner or dependent-child visas.

Does every Indian graduate receive four years of post-study work?

No. The announced change concerns Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs, from 16 November 2026, subject to the applicable requirements.

Is an India working-holiday opening date confirmed here?

No. The FTA announcement commits to a future scheme; it does not provide an application opening date.