India–NZ FTA promises 3–4 year post-study work for STEM

India’s official brief on the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) says New Zealand has committed—via a first-of-its-kind annex—to extended post-study work visas for STEM graduates, including 3 years for STEM Bachelor’s, up to 3 years for Master’s, and up to 4 years for Doctorates. The FTA negotiations were concluded on 22 December 2025, but the agreement is not yet in force, and implementation will depend on signing and domestic processes.

New Zealand’s government has said it expects the agreement to be signed in the first half of 2026.

Key changes announced

India’s government backgrounder states New Zealand signed an annex on Student Mobility and Post Study Work Visa “for the first time with any country”, and lists these headline items:

• In-study work guarantee: Indian students can work up to 20 hours/week while studying “even if there are policy changes in future”.
• Extended post-study work (STEM): STEM Bachelor: 3 years; Master’s: up to 3 years; Doctorate: up to 4 years.
• Professional pathway quota: a quota of 5,000 visas for skilled Indians for stay up to 3 years, including “iconic occupations” (AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, Indian chefs, music teachers) and other sectors (IT, engineering, healthcare, education, construction).
• Working Holiday Visa: 1,000 young Indians annually for multiple entry, 12 months.

New Zealand’s Beehive release also frames a process for up to an average of 1,667 skilled 3-year work visas per year (non-renewable) linked to shortage roles, and confirms Working Holiday Scheme alignment for up to 1,000 places each year.

Why Indian students should separate “FTA promise” from “current rules”?

As of January 2026, Immigration New Zealand’s published Post Study Work Visa settings show a maximum stay of up to 3 years, and INZ’s duration guidance states that Master’s and Doctoral qualifications (with at least 30 weeks’ study in NZ) currently lead to 3 years—not 4.

That makes the India brief’s “up to 4 years for doctorates” a material change if and when New Zealand implements it under the FTA pathway.

Status: concluded, not yet in force

New Zealand’s MFAT page confirms negotiations concluded on 22 December 2025 and lists the pact under “concluded but not in force.”

New Zealand’s government statement adds that signing is expected in the first half of 2026.

Next steps for students

• For 2026 intakes, plan using current INZ visa rules as the baseline, since FTA-linked mobility benefits need formal implementation.
• Watch for updates from MFAT and Immigration New Zealand once the agreement is signed and visa instructions are published.