NZ-India FTA: New Zealand offers 1,000 working holiday visa for Indian youth

New Zealand and India sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

In a historic move to deepen bilateral ties, New Zealand and India have officially signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that establishes a first-of-its-kind Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) for Indian nationals.

The agreement, signed on April 27, 2026, creates a structured framework for young Indians to travel and work in New Zealand, alongside expanded pathways for professionals and students.

The introduction of these schemes coincides with a broader global trend of simplified visa processes for Indian citizens. For instance, South Korea recently extended its visa fee waiver for Indian travelers through 2027, signaling a global trend toward making international mobility more accessible..

A travel and work opportunity for young Indian travelers

According to official details released via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, the new scheme allows young Indian citizens to live and work in New Zealand for up to one year. This specific visa category is capped at an annual quota of 1,000 places for applicants aged 18 to 30 inclusive.

The scheme rules specify that while the visa allows for a 12-month stay with multiple-entry privileges, employment is meant to be a secondary focus.

Specifically, holders may work for up to 6 months for any single employer. To qualify, applicants must hold a tertiary qualification resulting from at least three years of full-time study and demonstrate functional English proficiency.

Skilled work and post-study pathways for Indians

The FTA goes beyond tourism to address New Zealand’s skill shortages while providing global exposure to Indian talent.

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay also announced a new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa, creating a process for an average of 1,667 skilled 3-year work visas annually. These opportunities are strategically targeted toward priority sectors such as ICT, engineering, healthcare, and education.

The agreement also introduces dedicated categories for cultural and traditional roles, including ayurveda practitioners, yoga instructors, and Indian classical music teachers. Furthermore, Indian students in New Zealand will see enhanced post-study work rights, with STEM Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates eligible for up to 3 years of work rights, while Doctoral (PhD) graduates can remain for up to 4 years.

As stated by Minister Todd McClay during the signing ceremony:

"This once-in-a-generation agreement gives our exporters unprecedented access to 1.4 billion people... and creates unprecedented opportunities for Indian youth and professionals to gain global exposure."

Implementation and next steps for Indian travelers

While the agreement is officially signed, Immigration New Zealand advises that these categories are not yet open for applications.

The FTA must undergo formal parliamentary treaty examination and ratification in both countries before the first 1,000 visas become available. Potential applicants should monitor the Immigration New Zealand website for the specific launch date and formal application instructions.