New Zealand Offers 5,000 Skilled Work Visas for Indians Under New Agreement

Good news for Indians seeking work and study opportunities in New Zealand. India and New Zealand have reached a new free trade agreement that brings major opportunities for Indian professionals and students planning to move abroad.

The trade deal, concluded on Monday, December 22, 2025, includes fresh visa options and relaxed work rules designed to strengthen ties between the two countries.

5,000 New Work Visas for Skilled Workers

New Zealand will offer 5,000 visas each year to skilled workers from India. The list covers familiar sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction. It also includes roles that are in high demand in New Zealand, such as yoga instructors, Indian chefs and music teachers.

Anyone who gets this visa can live and work in New Zealand for up to three years.

1,000 Working Holiday Visas for Young Indians

In addition to the 5000 work visas for skilled indian workers, young travellers will get another option. New Zealand plans to offer 1,000 working holiday visas every year, which allow multiple entries for 12 months.

New Zealand’s working holiday visa is mainly for people who want to travel while taking up short-term temporary jobs to support their stay.

Post-Study Work Rights Expanded

The agreement also removes limits on post-study work visas for Indian students. This applies to STEM programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as doctoral studies.

From next year, STEM graduates will be allowed to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years. PhD graduates can stay for up to four years.

There is also a mention of allowing students to work 25 hours a week. New Zealand actually brought in this rule earlier in November for all international students, raising the previous limit of 20 hours.

Indian Students in New Zealand

Around 12,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in New Zealand institutions. This number is similar to last year’s total. New Zealand saw a sharp rise in interest from Indian students in 2023 and 2024, with enrolments growing by 99 per cent and 49 per cent.

China still remains the largest group of international students in New Zealand at around 34 per cent. India follows at roughly 14 per cent.

NZ Takes a Different Approach Than Australia

While Australia has raised student visa fees this year, New Zealand has gone the other way. It has focused on easing visa rules and making it simpler for international students to come, study and work.

The country wants to welcome about 35,000 more international students by 2034, and these new steps point clearly in that direction.