5,000 skilled work visas are available to Indians in New Zealand. According to the New Agreement
In a new trade agreement, New Zealand has pledged to provide Indians with additional employment and educational opportunities. 5,000 skilled visas, 1,000 working holiday visas, and extended post-study employment privileges for PhD and STEM students are all part of the plan.
There's good news for Indians looking to study and work in New Zealand. A new free trade agreement between New Zealand and India presents significant chances for Indian professionals and students who wish to relocate overseas.
The trade agreement, which was reached on Monday, December 22, 2025, contains new visa alternatives and loosened labor regulations intended to improve relations between the two nations.
5,000 New Skilled Worker Work Visas
Every year, New Zealand will provide talented workers from India 5,000 visas. The list includes well-known industries including building, IT, engineering, healthcare, and education. It also covers jobs like yoga instructors, Indian cooks, and music instructors that are in great demand in New Zealand.
This visa allows a person to reside and work in New Zealand for a maximum of three years.
1,000 Young Indians' Working Holiday Visas
Young travelers will have an additional choice in addition to the 5,000 work visas for competent Indian workers. Each year, New Zealand intends to provide 1,000 working vacation visas that permit several entries for a full year.
The working vacation visa for New Zealand is primarily intended for individuals who wish to travel while working temporary jobs to pay for their stay.
Extension of Post-Study Work Rights
Additionally, the deal eliminates restrictions on Indian students' post-study employment permits. This holds true for PhD studies as well as undergraduate and graduate STEM programs.
STEM graduates will be permitted to remain and work in New Zealand for a maximum of three years starting next year. PhD holders are permitted to remain for a maximum of four years.
Allowing students to work 25 hours a week is also mentioned. In fact, New Zealand raised the prior 20-hour cap earlier in November for all international students.
Students from India in New Zealand
There are currently over 12,000 Indian students studying in New Zealand. This figure is comparable to the total from the previous year. Indian students' interest in New Zealand increased dramatically in 2023 and 2024, with enrollments rising by 99% and 49%, respectively.
With over 34% of all international students in New Zealand, China continues to be the largest group. India comes in second at about 14%.
New Zealand Approaches the Situation Differently from Australia
Australia has increased the cost of student visas this year, but New Zealand has done the opposite. It has concentrated on making it easier for foreign students to travel, study, and work by relaxing visa regulations.
By 2034, the nation hopes to accept an additional 35,000 overseas students, and these new initiatives obviously move that goal closer.
