New employment conditions for open work visa holders will come into effect on April 20, 2026, under changes announced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on February 24, 2026. For more clarity, check the official media release.The updated rules aim to clarify what types of work are permitted under open work visas, with authorities saying clearer conditions will help migrants better understand their rights and responsibilities while supporting fair and compliant employment practices.
What is changing?
An open work visa currently allows a person to work for almost any employer, in any job and location across New Zealand, without requiring a job offer. These are distinct from employer-specific visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which tie a migrant to a particular employer and role. It’s pertinent to note here that employer-specific visas will not be affected by the new rules.From April 20, open work visas will include one of two clearly defined employment conditions. Read more: Bangladesh reopens travel door for Indians with tourist visa resumption
Open work visas allowing any work
Some visa holders that will be able to undertake any form of work in New Zealand, include:
- Working for an employer
- Sole trading
- Owning and operating a business
This broader condition will apply to holders of:
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Post Study Work Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
- Partner of a Military Work Visa
Open work visas requiring work for an employer
Other open work visa holders must work for an employer only, either under:
- An employment agreement, or
- A contract for services (which INZ considers employment)
- These visa holders will not be allowed to operate their own businesses.
This condition will apply to:
- Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa
- Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
- Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
- Asylum Seeker Work Visa
- All Working Holiday Visa categories
Conditions that will apply to all open work visa holders
Regardless of category, all open work visa holders must comply with New Zealand’s employment and business laws and meet the specific conditions attached to their visa.INZ has clarified that open work visa holders:
- Cannot employ other people, either directly or indirectly through a business they own
- Cannot provide commercial sexual services
- Cannot run or invest in a business providing commercial sexual services
- The new rules do not apply to student visa holders.
Transitional arrangements
Those currently holding an open work visa who are engaged in work that will not be permitted under the new structure, except for commercial sexual services, may continue that work until their visa expires.This transitional measure is intended to give visa holders time to understand their updated conditions and make necessary adjustments before applying for a new visa. However, any future applications must comply with the employment conditions linked to the approved visa category. Read more: Not just cheetahs: 5 lesser-known wildlife species thriving in Kuno
Working holiday visa clarification
INZ reiterated that the primary purpose of a working holiday visa is tourism. While holders may undertake temporary work to support their stay, from April 20, all such work must be for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services.Operating a business will not be permitted under a working holiday visa.The changes are part of what authorities describe as a broader effort to ensure clarity, compliance, and safer working arrangements for migrants and employers across New Zealand.
