How New Zealand is attracting India's best minds with simplified immigration policies
New Zealand has introduced targeted immigration reforms aimed at fast-tracking students and skilled professionals from India, particularly those holding degrees from the country's premier institutions.
These changes are part of a broader strategy to attract high-quality talent and capital, positioning New Zealand as a preferred destination for study, work, and residency post-pandemic.
The new policies reflect an increasing recognition of the quality and credibility of Indian higher education, with Indian qualifications from top institutions now being formally accepted without lengthy assessments. This move streamlines visa pathways for many skilled migrants, creating a faster and more affordable immigration process.
Recognition of Indian academic credentials
India was recently added to New Zealand's List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) for Level 7 qualifications and above, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and central universities on the NZQA approved list.
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The decision was formalised following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India in March, during which education was a key agenda item.
Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia at IDP Education, stated that the inclusion of Indian qualifications 'reflects a growing recognition of the quality and credibility of Indian higher education,' as quoted by IDP Education. This exemption reduces the wait time for international qualification assessments, which previously took eight to twelve weeks and cost approximately NZD 746, thereby making the immigration pathway faster and more student-friendly, according to Mayank Maheshwari, co-founder of University Living.
Expanded opportunities for Indian students and skilled migrants
The policy changes also extend to visa pathways such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List roles, Sector Agreement pathways, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa, providing greater employment advantages for Indian applicants. Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship, highlighted the introduction of a 12-month extended application window and a new Postgraduate Diploma plus Master's combination, which 'offers students time to find meaningful employment and addresses both emotional and practical friction points,' as reported by Global North Residency.
Further financial flexibility is introduced with the increase in permitted part-time work hours for international students from 20 to 25 per week starting November. This adjustment is expected to enhance the affordability of living and studying in New Zealand.
A growing interest from Indian students and investors
According to a report by University Living, Indian student interest in New Zealand is projected to reach 24,594 by 2030.
Organic enquiries from India surged by 40% in July compared with May, without paid campaigns or referrals, as reported by IDP.
In addition to education reforms, New Zealand has revamped its investor visa programme under the Active Investor Plus (AIP) regime, simplifying requirements and removing barriers such as English language proficiency and upper age limits. The Growth category requires a NZD 5 million investment over three years with just 21 days of physical presence, while the Balanced route demands NZD 10 million over five years with 105 days of presence.
Andri Boiko, founder of Garant In, noted that the range of acceptable investments now includes direct business investments, managed funds, bonds, and various property types. Investor interest has more than doubled since the introduction of these streamlined categories, with Immigration New Zealand receiving 236 applications representing 766 applicants as of July 20, marking a 105% increase compared with the previous regime.
New Zealand's selective attraction of India's top talent and investors is a strategic move to bolster its economy and demographic profile following a GDP contraction, according to government priorities.
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