5000 Work Visas for Indians Under the India New Zealand FTA: Eligibility, Sectors, and How to Apply

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed on April 27, 2026 includes a dedicated people mobility framework that creates 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visas and 1,000 Work-and-Holiday visas annually for Indian nationals. This is the first time New Zealand has offered a country-specific visa quota of this scale through an FTA. The provisions go beyond simple numerical quotas: they include spousal work rights, student work guarantees, and enhanced post-study work visa terms for Indian students. For Indian professionals seeking international work experience, the FTA creates a structured and predictable pathway to the New Zealand labour market.

Temporary Employment Entry Visas: 5,000 Per Year

The TEE visa allows Indian professionals to work in New Zealand for up to three years. The annual quota of 5,000 visas is dedicated exclusively to Indian nationals, separate from New Zealand's general skilled migration programme. The eligible sectors span a wide range of professional categories including information technology, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, Indian chefs, and music teachers. The inclusion of AYUSH practitioners and yoga instructors is notable as it reflects the growing global demand for Indian traditional medicine and wellness services, and provides a formal migration pathway for professionals in these fields. The TEE visa requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and the specific eligibility criteria, including minimum qualification and experience requirements, will be detailed in the implementing regulations.

Work-and-Holiday Visas: 1,000 Per Year

In addition to the professional visa quota, the FTA creates 1,000 Work-and-Holiday visas annually for young Indians. This is a multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months, designed for individuals typically between the ages of 18 and 30 who want to travel and work in New Zealand. Work-and-Holiday visas are popular in countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada as a gateway for young professionals to gain international experience. New Zealand's existing Working Holiday schemes are available to nationals of over 40 countries, but this is the first time India has been included through an FTA mechanism. The visa allows holders to take up employment during their stay, providing both cultural exchange and practical work experience.

Spousal Work Rights and Student Protections

The FTA includes two provisions that significantly enhance its value for Indian families and students. First, spouses of TEE visa holders receive open work rights in New Zealand. This means the accompanying spouse can take up any employment without needing a separate employer-sponsored visa, removing a barrier that affects many Indian families considering international relocation. Second, Indian students studying in New Zealand are guaranteed the right to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, regardless of any future changes to New Zealand's general student work policy. This guarantee is locked into the FTA and cannot be unilaterally changed by New Zealand immigration policy reforms, providing certainty that students from other countries do not enjoy.

Post-Study Work Visas for Indian Graduates

The FTA provides enhanced post-study work visa terms for Indian students who complete their education in New Zealand. STEM Bachelor's degree graduates can access post-study work visas of up to 3 years. Master's degree graduates receive up to 3 years. Doctoral degree holders receive the most generous provision, with post-study work visas of up to 4 years. These terms are significantly more favourable than the general post-study work visa regime in many comparable destinations. For Indian students choosing between study destinations, the combination of guaranteed part-time work rights during studies and extended post-study work opportunities makes New Zealand a more attractive option under the FTA framework.

How This Compares to Other Indian FTAs

The people mobility provisions in the India-New Zealand FTA are among the most comprehensive in any of India's trade agreements. The India-Australia ECTA (2022) included provisions for temporary skilled migration but did not create a dedicated numerical quota of this scale. The India-UAE CEPA (2022) focused primarily on goods and services trade with limited mobility provisions. The India-EFTA agreement (2024) included investment and services commitments but with a different mobility structure. The NZ FTA's combination of a large numerical quota, spousal rights, student guarantees, and extended post-study work terms represents the most complete people mobility package India has secured in any bilateral trade agreement to date. For Indian professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and education, this creates a meaningful new international career pathway.