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New Zealand has announced major visa and education reforms for Indians under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), making it easier to study, work, and gain global experience in the country.
The FTA was concluded in March 2025, following talks that resumed earlier this year, marking one of India’s fastest trade deals with a developed nation. A key focus of the agreement is people-to-people mobility, especially for students and skilled professionals.
What’s new for Indian professionals?
Temporary Employment Entry Visa:
Up to 5,000 Indian professionals can live and work in New Zealand at a time for up to 3 years
Eligible fields include IT, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, and Indian-specific roles such as AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs, and music teachers.
Working Holiday Visa:
Indians aged 18–30 can work and travel in New Zealand for 12 months with multiple entries
Big wins for Indian students
No cap on Indian students
20 hours/week part-time work during studies
Post-study work visas:
STEM bachelor’s & master’s graduates: up to 3 years
PhD graduates: up to 4 years.
While this move makes New Zealand more attractive for Indian students and professionals, it comes soon after the announcement of higher Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees, which will take effect from January 2026. This means that although visa costs may rise slightly, New Zealand is simultaneously opening up longer work rights, clearer pathways, and stronger mobility options under the FTA, a trade-off students should factor into their planning.
Overall, the agreement signals New Zealand’s intent to attract Indian talent despite rising application costs, particularly in high-demand fields such as STEM, healthcare, and education.
Big policy updates are great, but how do they affect your chances? Break it down with real students and experts on GD Connect.
Source: Economic Times
This is a pretty big step forward, especially for Indian students and skilled professionals looking for clearer pathways abroad. Longer post-study work options and expanded job categories make New Zealand much more competitive despite the higher fees. It feels like a fair trade-off if it actually leads to real work experience and settlement opportunities.