India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: two new work visa pathways now open

Two new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026, introducing two new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories for Indian nationals.

India Skilled Work Visa

Up to 4,400 places, allocated by sector: ICT (1,000), engineering (1,000), nursing (900), construction management (700), teaching (500), physiotherapy (300).

India Iconic Work Visa

600 places: Indian chefs (250), AYUSH practitioners (200), yoga instructors (100), music teachers (50).

Combined cap

5,000 TEE visa holders in New Zealand at any one time. Both visas are valid for up to 3 years, require a job offer from an accredited employer, and do not provide a pathway to residence. Partners and dependent children cannot be included.

For employers and mobility teams

Accreditation

Both pathways require a job offer from an employer accredited under New Zealand's AEWV policy — confirm accreditation status before extending offers.

Fees and dependants

Application fee from NZD $1,355; neither visa permits partners or dependent children — flag this to candidates early.

Role-specific requirements

The Iconic Work Visa carries role-specific experience requirements (e.g. AYUSH practitioners need 4+ years post-qualification experience) — review eligibility before making an offer.

Sector caps

All places are currently open, but sector caps mean availability may tighten over time, particularly in engineering and nursing.

Visa length and stand-down

First-time applicants must apply from outside New Zealand. Visa length follows the job offer, up to a maximum 3 years; a shorter initial visa can be topped up to the 3-year limit, but cannot exceed it. Once reaching the 3-year maximum, candidates must leave and remain outside New Zealand for at least 3 years before becoming eligible for another India Skilled or Iconic Work Visa. Time on either TEE visa counts toward the same 3-year total.

For assistance, contact info@pathglobal.com.

This client alert is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may change. Confirm the latest position with Immigration New Zealand before acting.