From 20 April 2026, Immigration New Zealand will introduce updated employment conditions for people holding open work visas in New Zealand. These changes are intended to make it clearer what types of work are allowed under open work visas. The goal is to help migrants better understand their visa conditions while supporting safer and more compliant employment practices for both migrants and employers. If you currently hold an open work visa, or are considering applying for one, it is important to understand how these changes may affect what work you can legally undertake in New Zealand. What is an open work visa in New Zealand? An open work visa allows a migrant to work for almost any employer, in most jobs, anywhere in New Zealand. Unlike some other visas, an open work visa usually does not require a job offer before applying. This is different from employer-specific visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which require the visa holder to work for a specific employer in a specific role. The upcoming rule changes only apply to open work visas; employer-specific work visas will not be affected. These changes also do not apply to student visa holders. Two new types of employment conditions: From 20 April 2026, open work visas will include one of two employment condition types. These conditions will determine whether the visa holder can run a business or must work for an employer. This update is designed to provide greater clarity about permitted work activities for migrants living and working in New Zealand. 1. Open work visas that allow any type of work Some open work visas will allow holders to undertake any lawful work in New Zealand. This means visa holders may: work for an employer operate as a sole trader own or operate a business The following visas will allow this type of work: 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 These visas will continue to provide a high level of flexibility for migrants who want to work or operate businesses in New Zealand. 2. Open work visas that require employment with an employer Other open work visas will require the visa holder to work for an employer. Under this condition, work must be carried out under: an employment agreement, or a contract for services Immigration New Zealand treats a contract for services as employment for the purposes of visa conditions. Visas that fall into this category include: 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 Visa holders under this category will not be able to run or operate their own business. What work is not allowed on an open work visa? Regardless of the type of employment condition attached to the visa, some restrictions apply to all open work visa holders. If you hold an open work visa in New Zealand: you cannot employ other people directly you cannot employ other people through a business you own or operate you cannot provide commercial sexual services you cannot run or invest in a business that provides commercial sexual services Visa holders must also comply with all New Zealand employment and business laws while working. Transitional arrangements for existing open work visa holders Migrants who currently hold an open work visa and are undertaking work that will not be permitted under the new conditions may continue that work until their current visa expires. This transitional approach allows visa holders time to understand the updated rules and make any necessary changes to their employment or business arrangements before applying for another visa. Future visa applications will need to comply with the employment conditions that apply to the relevant visa category. The main purpose of a working holiday visa is to allow visitors to travel in New Zealand while undertaking temporary work to support their stay. Under the updated conditions: work must be performed for an employer work must be under an employment agreement or contract for services working holiday visa holders cannot operate their own business These requirements apply to all working holiday visa holders in New Zealand. Checking your visa conditions Every visa issued by Immigration New Zealand includes specific conditions that determine what work activities are allowed. If you hold an open work visa, it is important to review your visa conditions carefully to ensure you remain compliant with New Zealand immigration law. Understanding your visa conditions can help prevent issues such as working outside permitted activities or affecting future visa applications. If you are unsure how the new open work visa conditions may affect you, our immigration team can help you understand your options and ensure you remain compliant with New Zealand immigration law. Get in touch with our team today and we’ll help you get things sorted.
