Indian citizens can now apply through two new New Zealand work-visa pathways under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 20 October 2026. Both routes allow stays of up to three years, but applicants must first secure a qualifying full-time job offer.
The official cap is 5,000 holders at one time: 4,400 skilled-work places and 600 iconic-work places. Immigration New Zealand said places were available on 20 October.
Which jobs qualify for the India Skilled Work Visa?
Eligible occupations include software engineers and programmers, ICT project managers, civil, mechanical, structural and environmental engineers, construction project managers, school teachers, registered nurses and physiotherapists. Places are allocated by sector.
The second route covers four occupation groups, with separate limits and qualification requirements for each. Applicants should check the official immigration guidance for their specific role.
The four groups are yoga instructors, Indian chefs, music teachers and AYUSH practitioners. The cap is divided into 100 yoga instructors, 250 Indian chefs, 50 music teachers and 200 AYUSH practitioners at any one time.
Both routes have occupation-specific eligibility, document and fee requirements. The official Immigration New Zealand pages contain the current criteria and application instructions.
What changes for students and young travellers?
From 16 November 2026, Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs will be eligible for post-study work visas of up to four years. A working-holiday scheme for Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 is planned within two years, with up to 1,000 places annually; it is not open yet.
Eligible international students can currently work up to 25 hours a week under existing settings. The FTA records a commitment to 20 hours for Indian students if policy settings change in future; it does not mean the current limit has already been reduced.
Official guidance
Check current eligibility, employer requirements, qualification rules and application instructions directly with Immigration New Zealand’s announcement on the India–New Zealand FTA. This article is a general guide, not individual immigration advice.
Featured image is illustrative and shows Auckland waterfront, not a visa applicant or immigration office. Photo: K8 / Unsplash.
GAWAH News Desk
