New changes to employment conditions for Open Work Visas

The changes aim to provide greater clarity about what is permitted under open work visas, helping migrants better understand their rights and responsibilities. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) says clear and consistent visa conditions are intended to reduce uncertainty and support safer, fairer and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers.

An open work visa allows a person to work for almost any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without needing a job offer. In contrast, an employer-specific work visa — such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa — links the holder to one employer and a specific role. Employer-specific work visas will not be affected by the upcoming changes.

INZ acknowledged that not all migrants are familiar with New Zealand’s employment laws or business rules, and that changes to visa conditions can be difficult to navigate. The focus will be on education and helping visa holders clearly understand their conditions.

The changes do not apply to Student Visa holders.

Two new employment conditions

From Monday, 20 April 2026, all open work visas will include one of two employment conditions.

Under the first category — open work visas allowing any work — holders will be able to undertake any work in New Zealand. This includes working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business.

Visas that fall under this category are:

• Partner of a Worker Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by a New Zealand Scholarship funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Post Study Work Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
• Partner of a Military Work Visa

The second category — open work visas requiring work for an employer — requires holders to work for an employer under an employment agreement or a contract for services. A contract for services is considered employment.

Visas included in this category are:

• Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa
• Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
• Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
• Asylum Seeker Work Visa
• All working holiday visas

Conditions applying to all open work visas

Regardless of the employment condition, all open work visa holders must meet the conditions of their visa and comply with New Zealand’s employment and business laws.

Holders of open work visas are not permitted to employ other people, either directly or indirectly through a business they operate as an owner, including where the business is the named employer.

They are also prohibited from providing commercial sexual services, or from running or investing in a business that provides commercial sexual services.

Transitional arrangements

Open work visa holders who are currently undertaking work not permitted under their visa — excluding providing commercial sexual services — may continue doing so until their visa expires.

This transitional period is intended to allow time for visa holders to understand their conditions and make any necessary adjustments to work or business arrangements before applying for a new open work visa.

For future visa applications, applicants must meet the employment conditions linked to their approved visa category.

Visa holders are advised to check their visa conditions online to understand what work is permitted.

Working holiday visas

The primary purpose of a working holiday visa is to allow visitors to holiday in New Zealand. Those on a working holiday visa may undertake temporary work to support their stay.

However, any work carried out under a working holiday visa must be for an employer, either as an employee under an employment agreement or under a contract for services.

Working holiday visa holders are not permitted to operate a business.

Officials have advised that anyone with questions or concerns about their visa conditions should seek further information through official channels.